Specialty:
Pain medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5302604013Overview of the Pain Medicine Fellowship Program
The Pain Medicine Fellowship Program is designed to equip fellows with a comprehensive skill set essential for effective pain management. Sponsored collaboratively by the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Department of Anesthesiology, Fairview Medical Group, and the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Fellows benefit from exposure to various specialties including anesthesiology, physical medicine, rehabilitation, neurology, psychiatry, and more, enhancing their understanding and treatment capabilities in managing complex pain conditions 1.
Mission and Objectives
The program's primary mission focuses on developing future leaders in pain medicine. To fulfill this mission, the program integrates advanced knowledge and clinical skills training with a rigorous didactic educational framework. This ensures fellows acquire foundational concepts transitioning to advanced management techniques and therapeutic interventions pertinent to the evolving field of pain management 1.
Important objectives include:
- Understanding nociception, suffering, and pain behavior related to patient pain complaints.
- Mastering evaluation and management strategies for acute, chronic, and cancer pain.
- Developing treatment plans for a plethora of painful conditions.
- Engaging in interdisciplinary pain management teams.
- Demonstrating independent judgment in clinical decisions.
Benefits and Support
The program offers several benefits to ensure fellows can thrive both professionally and personally. Each fellow receives:
- 14 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional emergency sick leave.
- Five days of educational time to engage in CME related to pain medicine.
- $1,500 allocation for continuing medical education activities.
- Access to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) community, encompassing wellness initiatives and support resources.
- Comprehensive health insurance and optional coverage plans for dental and life insurance 4.
Application Process
Applying for the Pain Medicine Fellowship is an organized process where interested applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in relevant specialties such as anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or psychiatry, and be board-eligible or certified. Applications are submitted via ERAS, and the program limits enrollment to four fellows annually. Key application components include:
- ERAS application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation (LoR), including one from the applicant's residency program 2.
Training Sites and Rotations
The fellowship offers diverse training opportunities across multiple sites, allowing fellows to engage deeply with various pain management techniques:
- Fairview Medical Group Outpatient Clinic
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- University of Minnesota Medical Center
The scheduling of clinical rotations consists of approximately 45% outpatient clinic, 45% interventional procedures, and 10% inpatient consultations, ensuring comprehensive exposure to all aspects of pain management 1.
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports J1 visas for international applicants. However, H1-B visa sponsorship is not available 3. This makes the fellowship accessible to a variety of candidates globally, thereby enriching the learning environment within the program.
Competitiveness and Inclusivity
The Pain Medicine Fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including DO and IMG candidates, particularly because it values varied training backgrounds. The committee evaluates each application holistically, providing consideration for applicants with primary residency training in non-traditional specialties upon request 2.
Didactics and Teaching
Didactic sessions are integral to the training, held two to three times weekly. Fellows are involved in leading lectures and presentations, such as chapter reviews and case discussions, thereby fostering a culture of peer-to-peer learning and collaboration 1.
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Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
45 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
12 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$78,818First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Admission
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Minneapolis, MN
- Crime Rate and Safety
Minneapolis has a moderate crime rate. Certain areas may have higher crime rates, so it's essential to be cautious and choose your neighborhood wisely. - Fun Activities
Minneapolis offers a wide range of fun activities such as visiting the Chain of Lakes, exploring the Mall of America, enjoying the lively food scene, attending concerts and events, and experiencing the renowned state fair. - Climate
Minneapolis has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during the winter months! - Races and Population
Minneapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural landscape. - Education
Minneapolis is home to several colleges and universities, offering opportunities for continued education and lifelong learning. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Minneapolis is relatively high compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing. However, the salary for residents in the medical field is usually competitive. - Proximity to Bigger Cities
Minneapolis is about a 4-hour drive from bigger cities like Chicago, IL, and about a 3-hour drive from Milwaukee, WI. These cities offer diverse cultural experiences, nightlife, and amenities. - Pros
Vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, diverse population, educational opportunities. - Cons
Harsh winters, higher cost of living, certain areas with higher crime rates.
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