University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The University of Louisville Pain Medicine Fellowship Program is a highly regarded anesthesiology-based, multidisciplinary initiative accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The overarching mission of the program is to cultivate talented pain medicine physicians positioned to become leaders and innovators within the field while ensuring comprehensive training in chronic pain management across various clinical settings.

This competitive fellowship accepts two fellows annually, providing each with extensive opportunities for training in both inpatient and outpatient environments focused on chronic non-malignant and cancer pain management. The program emphasizes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to patient care, alongside a strong commitment to educational excellence and clinical research.

Clinical Training and Rotations

The fellowship includes diverse clinical exposure through rotations at the University of Louisville Hospital, the Veterans Medical Center, and the soon-to-be-completed Spine and Pain Center in Louisville. A distinctive feature of this fellowship is the opportunity to rotate through a board-certified private practice pain physician's office, allowing fellows to gain insights into private practice management while experiencing the practical aspects of pain medicine.

Each fellow participates in a comprehensive training schedule that spans 12 months and includes rotations in:

• Chronic Pain Management (core rotation at University Hospital and VA Robley Rex Medical Center)
• Neurology (focusing on Headaches and Facial Pain)
• Cancer Pain and Palliative Medicine
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (covering Spinal Cord Injury and Musculoskeletal Pain)
• Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine
• Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia
• Neuroradiology
• Anesthesiology for Non-Anesthesiologist
• Research Rotation (Optional)
• Private Practice Rotation (Elective)

This extensive clinical exposure equips fellows with the ability to manage complex pain syndromes effectively and perform a variety of procedures essential to pain management.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, offering both residents and fellows ample opportunities to engage in basic science, clinical and translational research projects, and quality improvement initiatives. The department's expanding research teams play an integral role in fostering an academic environment centered on innovation and discovery in pain management.

Certification and Graduation

Upon successful completion of the fellowship, graduates are eligible to pursue certification in Pain Medicine through various boards, including the American Board of Anesthesiology and other related specialties. The training focuses not just on technical aptitude in performing procedures but also on developing a comprehensive understanding of managing patients with complex psycho-social issues and safely prescribing opioids.

Stipends and Benefits

Fellows are provided with a competitive stipend estimated at $66,122 per academic year. Additionally, the fellowship offers various benefits:

• 20 days of paid vacation
• A book stipend of $500
• Funds covering five days for educational conferences (up to $1,500 total) and $750 per conference presentation
• Five days allocated for interviews
• Health insurance options for families at minimal cost
• Professional liability insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Free parking and lab coats

Application Process

To be eligible for the Pain Medicine Fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency and be board-eligible in their base specialties. Applications are accepted from December through April using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and successful candidates will be invited for interviews conducted in May and June. The program is committed to equal opportunity, giving fair consideration to applicants regardless of gender, race, religion, or other personal attributes.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for its fellows. Eligible applicants may be sponsored for J-1 or H-1B visas, thus facilitating international medical graduates' ability to pursue this distinguished training opportunity at the University of Louisville.

Competitiveness

The Pain Medicine Fellowship at the University of Louisville is recognized for being highly competitive. It is open to applicants from both U.S. medical schools and international medical graduates (IMGs), ensuring a diverse group of future leaders in pain medicine.