University at Buffalo Program

The Pain Medicine Anesthesiology Fellowship at the University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive training experience that prepares fellows to manage a wide variety of acute, cancer, and chronic pain. The program is accredited by the American Board of Anesthesiology and is designed to give fellows exposure to patients across two major clinical training sites, which are crucial for honing pain management skills. As part of the training, fellows will gain practical knowledge in various pain management techniques while caring for a significant patient population at both the Erie County Medical Center and the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is noted for its emphasis on oncology pain management and palliative care.

The curriculum's structure focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to pain treatment. Clinical experiences during the fellowship include the management of chronic pain patients at the ECMC and intensive cancer pain management training at Roswell Park. Over six months at the cancer center, fellows will become proficient in technical procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal pump therapy, while also learning from a diverse group of specialists, including pain psychologists and rehabilitation physicians, which enhances their ability to adopt a multimodal treatment approach to pain management 1.

The fellowship experience includes participation in case discussions and the potential to contribute to research projects supervised by experienced faculty members. Each fellow is expected to prepare at least one scholarly article or case report during their year of training, thus contributing to the academic value of the fellowship 1.

Training Sites

The program's primary training sites are:

• Erie County Medical Center (ECMC): Renowned for its high volume of chronic pain cases, providing fellows a robust learning experience in managing complex pain conditions.
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: A focal point for training in cancer pain management, post-operative pain, and palliative care, allowing a deep dive into multidisciplinary pain management strategies 1.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the program facilitates involvement in research endeavors related to pain medicine. Fellows are encouraged to engage in selected clinical trials and gain basic research experience which can be pivotal for those looking to advance their academic careers 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility for the program includes requirements for prior training and board certification in anesthesiology. The application process is unique in that it does not participate in the ERAS system, which is common for many other fellowship programs. Applicants interested in this fellowship are instructed to send their resumes and a universal application directly to the fellowship administrator. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline, which is typically March 25 of the application year 1.

Fellowship Competitiveness and Visa Support

The University at Buffalo Pain Medicine Fellowship is recognized for its rigorous training and comprehensive skill development, which makes it highly competitive. It is welcoming to candidates from various educational backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs, supporting a diverse applicant pool. For international medical graduates, the program offers sponsorship for visas, which may include J-1 and H-1B visa types, thus facilitating the application process for those coming from abroad 1.

Special Application Requirements

While there are generally no limits on the number of times candidates can attempt the USMLE Steps, it is advisable for applicants to be within a reasonable threshold of failed attempts to ensure competitiveness. Specific educational and credentialing documentation will be required to evaluate candidates thoroughly. The program values clinical independence and personal development, making it essential for applicants to showcase their readiness for such a depth of training 1.