University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited, 12-month program expertly designed to train fellows into proficient experts within this evolving field. The program revolves around a structured curriculum that encompasses various vital aspects of regional anesthesia, including neuraxial, perineural, truncal, and chest wall blocks, alongside an acute pain management focus for both surgical and nonsurgical patients. 1

During this fellowship, trainees will gain essential skills in the placement and management of perineural catheters, as well as ultrasound-guided localization techniques and nerve stimulator applications. A major emphasis of the fellowship training is placed on mastering regional anesthesia techniques specifically tailored for the adult population. However, the program also provides exposure to pediatric regional anesthesia through an assigned rotation at Children's Medical Center. Furthermore, it offers both inpatient and outpatient chronic pain management rotations at University and Parkland Hospitals. This diversity in training prepares fellows for successful careers in either academic or private practice settings within the field of perioperative medicine. 1

Training Structure and Objectives

The structure of this fellowship is meticulously aligned with ACGME guidelines and the common program requirements for subspecialty training. The primary goals and objectives include:

• In-depth training in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine for graduates of accredited anesthesiology residency programs.
• Preparation for academic careers within anesthesiology.
• Leadership in perioperative interdisciplinary teams.
• Exposure to clinical research pertinent to regional anesthesia.
• Capability to teach and train students, residents, and fellow colleagues.
• Facilitation of optimal patient recovery through effective regional anesthesia techniques.

Fellows are expected to engage actively in departmental scholarly activities, including participation in clinical research, occupying a pivotal role in journal club meetings, and contributing to at least one novel scholarly project, which may range from clinical research to abstract or oral presentations at national meetings. Additionally, fellows will take part in the annual meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 1

Curriculum and Educational Resources

The educational framework within the RAAPM fellowship incorporates a wealth of resources and structured learning opportunities. Key components of the educational experience include:

• Formal weekly lecture series.
• A longitudinal curriculum designed to enhance learning over the year.
• Monthly journal clubs fostering in-depth discussion of current literature and practices.
• Quarterly ultrasound scanning sessions, which are critical for skills development.
• An annual ultrasound workshop providing hands-on learning in ultrasound-guided interventions.

Competitive Environment and Application Requirements

The RAAPM fellowship is noted for its competitive nature. Therefore, prospective applicants are encouraged to present strong applications that highlight their qualifications and dedication to the field of anesthesiology. Specific application requirements include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency.
• Clinical and research experience in relevant areas.
• Strong letters of recommendation from faculty or mentors.
• A personal statement articulating motivation and career goals.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for fellows is structured according to institutional policy and experience, ensuring competitive stipends in addition to other benefits. Significant financial support for education is provided, which includes:

• 20 hours of PTO/discretionary days as per ACGME guidelines.
• Educational funds totaling $1750, which can be utilized for conferences, travel, educational materials, and exam fees.
• Additional presentational funds of $1300, contingent upon acceptance to present work at national conferences.

Visa Sponsorship and Inclusivity

The program is committed to inclusivity and welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs). The RAAPM fellowship offers visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, generally including H-1B and J-1 visa types, thereby facilitating a diverse range of fellows from various backgrounds. This is especially aimed at fostering an enriching educational environment characterized by varied perspectives. 1

Unique Aspects of the Program

Unique to the RAAPM fellowship at UT Southwestern is the collaborative environment created by a core faculty team comprised of experienced anesthesiologists from top-tier institutions. This exposure allows fellows to refine their skills and expand their networks within the anesthesiology community, further augmenting both personal and professional growth during the fellowship. 1