Medical College of Georgia Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia is a fully ACGME-accredited program focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to pain management. The program accepts applications from candidates who have successfully completed or are in the last year of training in an ACGME accredited or approved residency. It offers two highly competitive fellowship positions each year, recognizing the varied training backgrounds and diversity that fellows bring to the discipline of pain management.

The fellowship provides interdisciplinary training specifically in the management of chronic and cancer-related pain. Throughout the program, fellows utilize a problem-oriented approach, which enables them to obtain comprehensive patient histories, develop important physical examination skills, and order relevant diagnostic tests, all within a system-based practice approach 1.

Clinical Training

At Augusta University Medical Center—designated as a Level I Trauma Center—fellows participate not only in outpatient clinic training but also in a multidisciplinary team that serves as the pain consult service for hospitalized patients suffering from chronic pain. The fellowship curriculum allows for training in pain-related fields, including neurology, neurosurgery, sports medicine, addiction medicine, physiatry, radiology, and psychiatry. Notably, fellows have an elective rotation available in Anesthesiology, particularly beneficial for those not specializing in anesthesia 1.

Core Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary training in advanced pain management techniques suited for patients with acute, chronic, and cancer-related pain. Core training revolves around the Pain Management Clinic, providing case-based learning opportunities that tackle complex pain challenges, including examination skills, work-up techniques, and strategies for multimodal pain management.

A significant focus is placed on developing proficiency in interventional pain management techniques. These include the use of implantable devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps, as well as skills in fluoroscopically guided injections and radiofrequency procedures 1.

Didactic Component

The program features a robust didactic component, which includes weekly pain lectures that cover the Pain Medicine Core Curriculum, patient quality and safety conferences, and ongoing departmental grand rounds. Additionally, fellows participate in journal review sessions to stay current with the latest research and advancements in the field 1.

Rotations and Evaluations

The fellowship schedule ensures that at least two fellows are present in the clinic at all times. The program also facilitates the rotation of three anesthesia residents each month, alongside occasional rotations for medical students and residents from various specialties, providing fellows with regular opportunities to enhance their teaching skills.

Fellows’ performance is assessed monthly through the Altus One45 Assessment System, and they undergo a mid-year multisource evaluation. Regular meetings with the program director also help fellows review their performance portfolios. A requirement for graduation includes completing a publishable research project and/or a presentation at grand rounds 1.

Work Hours and Evaluation

The program strictly adheres to ACGME guidelines, ensuring that fellows do not exceed an 80-hour work week. This structure helps promote a balance between demanding clinical responsibilities and personal well-being, which is crucial for effective learning and patient care 1.

Visa Support

The Pain Medicine Fellowship offers comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating entry into the United States for qualified candidates who meet the program’s rigorous selection criteria. This support makes the fellowship accessible for a broader range of applicants, including DOS and international medical graduates who may be particularly interested in a multidisciplinary approach to pain medicine 1.

Application Competitiveness

The Pain Medicine Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia is noted for being highly competitive. Candidates are evaluated not only on their medical knowledge and experience but also on their fit within the program’s multidisciplinary framework. While the fellowship is open to ACGME accredited residency graduates, it actively encourages applications from DOs and international medical graduates who have demonstrated commitment and skills pertinent to pain management 1.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should be aware of specific requirements for eligibility, including having completed or being in the final year of residency in an accredited institution. While there may not be explicit limitations on the maximum number of failed STEP examinations, candidates with strong academic records and clinical experiences are preferred 1.