Old Dominion University Program

The Pain Management Fellowship at Old Dominion University provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the treatment of both chronic and acute pain. This one-year ACGME-accredited program focuses on equipping fellows with the necessary skills to manage pain effectively while emphasizing patient safety and a holistic, multidisciplinary treatment approach. The fellowship encompasses a range of clinical experiences tailored to train fellows in diverse aspects of pain management including interventional therapies and end-of-life care.

Training Sites

The fellowship offers training across several esteemed facilities, allowing fellows to gain experience in various clinical settings:

• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: This is the region's only Level I trauma center and is recognized for its excellence in cardiology and endocrinology. The hospital provides comprehensive training opportunities in the operating room and includes a neurosurgery rotation.
• Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center: With a total of 670 operating beds, this facility offers important rotations focused on hospice and neurology, providing essential experience in inpatient and end-of-life pain management.
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters: The only freestanding children's hospital in Virginia, it serves as a major referral center and is where fellows manage pediatric pain cases.
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth: As the oldest operational naval hospital, training here covers fluoroscopically-guided procedures, outpatient pain management, and perioperative airway management.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive array of rotations throughout the fellowship year:

• July: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pain Management
• August: Neurology and Addiction Medicine (2 weeks each)
• September/October: Hospice
• November/December: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pain Management
• January: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pain Management & Psychology (2 weeks each)
• February: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pain Management & Airway Management (2 weeks each)
• March: Anesthesia Pain Management
• April/June: Continued Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pain Management

In addition to clinical rotations, fellows engage in multidisciplinary team meetings and are exposed to various psychological management techniques in outpatient settings.

Application Process

Eligible candidates for this competitive fellowship must meet specific criteria, including:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in either Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Anesthesiology.
• Graduation from an accredited U.S. or Canadian medical college or equivalent certification from ECFMG.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a J-1 visa.
• Demonstrated academic competence through publications or grants.

The application process is conducted through the ERAS system, and applicants are required to attend an interview if selected. Candidates are then ranked for selection through the National Resident Matching Program.

Benefits and Stipend

The Pain Management Fellowship offers a competitive stipend of $73,138 for the post-graduate year 5 level, along with a range of benefits:

• Leave: Includes three weeks of leave per academic year, in addition to sick leave and maternity/paternity leave options.
• Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance at minimal costs, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability coverage, and professional liability insurance.
• Retirement Plans: Fellows can contribute to retirement savings plans offered by the institution.

These benefits encourage a balanced life, supporting fellows in managing both their professional and personal commitments during the training period.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international applicants, specifically for those holding a J-1 visa. This allows qualified international medical graduates to participate in the fellowship while receiving the necessary guidance to acclimate to the U.S. medical system.

Program Competitiveness

This fellowship is highly competitive, favoring candidates with a strong academic and clinical background. While the program is primarily geared towards U.S. graduates, it remains open to DO and IMG candidates who meet the specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must hold an active J-1 visa for international participation.

Conclusion

Overall, the Pain Management Fellowship at Old Dominion University exemplifies a robust training program designed to develop leaders in the field of pain medicine. With diverse training sites, a comprehensive curriculum, and supportive benefits, this fellowship prepares fellows to address complex pain management challenges across various patient populations.