Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Anesthesia/Pain Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive one-year (12-month), ACGME-accredited program designed to train specialists in pain medicine. This fellowship accepts four fellows annually and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

Candidates seeking admission to the fellowship must have completed residency training and be diplomates in good standing of the American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPMR), the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), or the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Individuals certified by other ABMS member boards may also apply for pain medicine certification once their board becomes a co-sponsor of the Pain Medicine Examination, making the program accessible to a wide range of medical professionals interested in the field of pain management 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship's curriculum is structured around several key rotations and educational components:

• Core Rotations: Fellows will primarily rotate through the Pain Medicine Center, where they will engage in nine four-week blocks focusing on various chronic pain conditions. Procedures such as spinal cord stimulator trials, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation are performed under direct faculty supervision.
• Didactic Training: A robust didactic program supports clinical training with weekly lectures, journal clubs, and spine rounds aimed at enhancing fellows' knowledge in chronic pain management and intervention 1.
• Additional Rotations: Depending on their primary specialty, fellows may also participate in rotations in spine surgery, palliative care, neuroradiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and psychiatric assessments to enrich their understanding of pain management from multiple perspectives 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the fellowship is its focus on both competency and hands-on experience in various interventional pain management procedures. Early in their training, fellows begin evaluating and treating patients referred by other healthcare providers. The fellowship also includes an interventional pain management course focusing on fluoroscopic guidance, aimed at minimizing the learning curve associated with such complex procedures.

Fellows are provided with opportunities for significant hands-on experience, including the performance of numerous procedures, with documented competencies required for various injections and assessments. Additionally, the program promotes wellness and professional development through resources dedicated to self-care and mindfulness within the demanding training structure 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows will have opportunities to engage in research projects dedicated to advancements in pain management methodologies. The fellowship is part of a broader academic environment that fosters research, providing access to a wealth of resources and mentorship.

Call Schedule and Clinical Responsibilities

Fellows participate in a call schedule averaging one week of home call every four weeks. This includes providing consultative care for hospitalized patients suffering from chronic pain. During call weeks, fellows also have the opportunity to work alongside regional anesthesia teams, broadening their clinical exposure and experience

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified applicants, which includes H-1B and J-1 visa types. It is open to applications from both MD and DO graduates, making it friendly for both DO candidates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is competitive, reflecting the quality of education and training provided, and prospective fellows should ensure they meet the necessary requirements to enhance their application 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific application criteria may include a recent year of graduation from medical school and other individual assessments such as the maximum number of failed STEP examinations. It is advisable for applicants to prepare thoroughly, given the program's desirable training environment.

Diversity and Wellness Initiatives

Penn State Health actively promotes diversity and offers initiatives aimed at wellness for all fellows, ensuring a supportive environment throughout training. Multiple resources are available to promote emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness, essential components during rigorous training programs.