Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a prestigious, one-year program accredited by the ACGME. The program is designed to train one fellow annually, allowing dedicated immersion in the fields of regional anesthesiology and acute pain management.

Program Overview

The fellowship prepares fellows to become independent practitioners in regional anesthesiology, promoting not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of pain management protocols. The mission of the program emphasizes patient advocacy and safety within a supportive environment that fosters education and scholarly activity. The program integrates clinical experience, research, and didactic learning, striving for excellence in anesthesia and pain management both locally and globally 1.

Aims and Goals

The program's objectives include:

• Training fellows to achieve consultant-level competency in their specialty.
• Inspiring a commitment to excellence and innovation in regional anesthesiology and acute pain management.
• Encouraging lifelong learning and leadership development.
• Promoting participation in wellness initiatives specific to the residency program.

These aims align with the program's core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Candidate eligibility requires completion or anticipated completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and board eligibility or certification in anesthesiology. The program accepts applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or J-1 visa holders, as no other visa types are sponsored 1. For the 2025-2026 academic year, applications are submitted through the SF Match portal, with interviews conducted remotely starting January 2025 1.

Curriculum and Training Sites

The fellowship curriculum includes mandatory attendance at lectures, simulation sessions, and multidisciplinary conferences. Rotations cover key areas such as:

• Acute pain management service
• Regional anesthesia
• Chronic pain management service
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Ultrasound-guided techniques

Additionally, fellows participate in an annual ultrasound-guided cadaver course that focuses on ultrasound imaging skills essential for regional anesthesia applications. This includes hands-on experience to develop proficiency in identifying anatomical targets and improving procedural safety 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows can engage in various clinical research studies and quality improvement projects led by experienced faculty. Current research initiatives focus on orthopedic surgery, investigating cost analysis for total joint arthroplasties and the efficacy of adductor canal catheters for knee rehabilitation. Other research topics include enhanced recovery protocols post-breast surgery and use of ketamine in acute pain management 1. The program has an excellent publication record, contributing to significant advancements in the field.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The fellowship is considered competitive, with a structured selection process. Given its board eligibility requirements, the program is friendly to both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) holding appropriate qualifications 1. The program’s affiliation with a comprehensive academic health system provides fellows with access to a wide variety of clinical experiences and diverse patient populations.

Wellness and Diversity Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of wellness in medical training, the program offers several resources aimed at supporting the emotional, social, and physical health of its fellows. Programming includes self-care workshops, peer support networks, and wellness initiatives 1. Moreover, Penn State Health promotes diversity and inclusion among its medical trainees, bolstered by active programs that foster cultural competence in medical education and patient care.

Living in Hershey, Pennsylvania

The fellowship also provides insights into living in Hershey, a community noted for its rich history and recreational opportunities. Resources about the local lifestyle and amenities available to trainees are provided, ensuring a well-rounded experience during the fellowship 1.