University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

The UA Pain Fellowship is a prominent ACGME accredited program specializing in Pain Management, offering a comprehensive 12-month training that emphasizes patient care within outpatient pain management services.

Throughout the fellowship, participants are trained to become proficient in the evaluation and management of chronic and cancer-related pain. One of the unique opportunities provided by the program is the chance to learn the organization and establishment of pain management services in a multi-disciplinary clinic setting, collaborating closely with specialists including anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and psychiatrists.

The fellowship encompasses a variety of treatment modalities, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventional techniques. Fellows can expect significant exposure to advanced fluoroscopic guided interventional pain management methods, which include somatic blocks, sympathetic blocks, neurolytic blocks, and radiofrequency ablation procedures. Furthermore, fellows engage in spinal cord stimulator trials and implantation procedures, thereby gaining comprehensive training.

In addition to clinical exposure, fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and are provided with the resources to develop their independent research initiatives. This emphasis on research is aimed at enhancing the overall competency and expertise of the fellows in Pain Management.

Post-fellowship, graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination in Pain Management offered by the American Board of Anesthesiology, which solidifies their credentials in this specialized field.

The fellowship program at the University of Arizona participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for the 2024 academic year. Interested applicants must submit their applications through the ERAS system, providing several essential documents including: a complete curriculum vitae, official transcripts from medical school, official USMLE/NBME score transcripts, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. It is particularly important for one of these letters to come from the Chronic Pain Program Director, or a Residency Program Director if the applicant does not have access to a Chronic Pain Division.

Applicants are also required to submit official licensure verification from their currently licensing state, along with a written explanation for any gaps in training lasting more than one month since graduation from medical school. Prior to starting the fellowship, all selected fellows must provide a certificate of completion from an ACGME-accredited residency program.

Regarding logistics, the program is approved for four fellowship positions each academic year, with the academic year commencing on July 1st. The program accepts applicants from diverse specialties, reflecting its inclusive approach to Pain Management. However, it is mandatory for applicants to have completed an ACGME accredited residency program or to be in training and in good standing in such a program. It is noteworthy that the program does not sponsor H1B Visas, which may be a consideration for international applicants.

Interviews for the fellowship typically take place in May and June, making it crucial for applicants to submit their materials promptly. All application materials must be submitted by March 31, 2023, though those facing conflicts are advised to communicate directly for further assistance.