University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is established to train physicians aiming for excellence in Pain Medicine specialization. This 12-month fellowship integrates both inpatient and outpatient experiences in various pain management settings, including interventional, interdisciplinary, acute, chronic, and cancer pain management. The program is housed within the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and fellows earn board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Board of Anesthesiology.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship involves extensive clinical rotations designed to provide comprehensive exposure to various aspects of pain management. Each fellow participates in ACGME-mandated rotations, plus electives that enrich the educational experience. Rotational sites include the UT Southwestern University Hospitals, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System.

During the fellowship, fellows engage in a diverse array of clinical experiences:

• UT Southwestern University Hospitals: Exposure to chronic and acute pain management, inpatient and outpatient settings, palliative care, neurosurgery, and intraoperative procedures.
• Parkland Health and Hospital System: Experience in psychiatry, chronic and acute pain management, and continuity clinics.
• VA North Texas Health Care System: Focus on chronic and acute pain management, and rehabilitation services.

Each rotation lasts for two consecutive months, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to various patient populations and a high volume of both basic and advanced interventional pain procedures.

Didactic Program

The educational framework is fortified with a robust didactic curriculum, which includes:

• A dedicated lecture series.
• Journal clubs with discussions surrounding morbidity and mortality.
• Open forums and interactive sessions.

Fellows are also encouraged to participate actively in research programs, offering opportunities to learn fundamental research methodologies and publication processes with faculty support.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program offers multiple research participation opportunities, aimed at fostering academic growth and the development of innovative pain management solutions. Trainees collaborate with experienced faculty across various departments to engage in research projects, designed to cultivate their ability to contribute to advancements in pain medicine.1

Participating Clinical Sites

The fellowship encompasses several training sites, allowing fellows to gain diverse clinical experiences:

• UT Southwestern University Hospitals
• UT Southwestern Spine Center
• Parkland Health and Hospital System
• Simmons Chronic Pain Management Clinic
• VA North Texas Health Care System
• Children's Medical Center, Dallas and Plano

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates who meet eligibility criteria. The program is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship Program is highly competitive, with an emphasis on qualified candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their dedication through significant clinical experience and research. Specific application requirements typically include completion of a residency in anesthesiology, and candidates are expected to present their USMLE or COMLEX exam scores as part of the application process.1