New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus) Program

The Weill Cornell Tri-Institutional Pain Fellowship is a prestigious 12-month ACGME-accredited program specifically designed for training the next generation of leaders in Interventional Pain Medicine. This fellowship is widely recognized as one of the top training programs in New York City and across the United States. It provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary experience through rotations at three of the nation's leading healthcare institutions: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Hospital for Special Surgery. The collaborative nature of these rotations gives fellows unparalleled exposure to various aspects of pain management and treatment.

Training Sites

Fellows are immersed in clinical education at various state-of-the-art facilities. The primary training sites include:

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center: A major tertiary referral center, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States, offering comprehensive pain management services.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: The world’s largest dedicated cancer hospital, where fellows get hands-on experience in treating patients with advanced cancer pain using cutting-edge techniques.
• Hospital for Special Surgery: Renowned for its specialized orthopedic and rheumatologic patient care, providing fellows a unique window into pain management from the perspective of a busy private practice.

This blend of institutions fosters a rich interdisciplinary learning environment that is fundamental to the fellowship experience.

Curriculum and Rotations

During the 12-month fellowship cycle, each fellow will participate in several core rotations as follows:

• 12 weeks at the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care.
• 12 weeks at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
• 12 weeks at Hospital for Special Surgery.
• 6 weeks working closely with both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neuroradiology Departments.
• 6 weeks at the Weill Cornell Medicine Upper West Side office and Psychiatry Department.

By engaging in these diverse rotations, fellows gain exposure to a wide variety of clinical cases and advanced pain therapies, including spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery systems, and more.

Didactics and Education

The program emphasizes a robust academic schedule. Fellows have dedicated protected teaching time that includes:

• Weekly Pain Medicine Grand Rounds.
• Didactic sessions covering a broad array of topics relevant to pain medicine.
• Monthly journal clubs and cadaver workshops focusing on hands-on techniques.
• Conferences addressing quality improvement, wellness, and healthcare disparities.

Fellows also receive a generous educational allowance which may be used to support learning materials and conference attendance.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects that advance knowledge in pain management. This involvement not only enriches the educational experience but also facilitates networking opportunities at local and national conferences. Attendance at such conferences is supported through protected time and reimbursement.

Living in New York City

Fellows on the Cornell campus experience the vibrant culture of New York City, complemented by subsidized housing options. This aspect of the fellowship enhances both personal and professional growth during this crucial training year.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The program exclusively accepts J-1 visas for international applicants. The Pain Fellowship is considered highly competitive, appealing to a diverse pool of applicants including MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application that includes the following:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Personal statement.
• Medical school transcript and Dean's letter.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Passport-size photo.

Additionally, applicants may submit optional documentation such as ITE exam scores. The application cycle primarily runs from December to April, with interviews occurring in the summer months.