University of Toledo Program

The Pain Management Fellowship Program at the University of Toledo is a comprehensive one-year fellowship designed to provide advanced training in pain medicine, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches. This program leads to board certification in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology and has been accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) since its inception in July 2012. Each year, the program accommodates two fellows, fostering an environment of excellence in clinical education and patient care.

The fellowship emphasizes diverse clinical experiences that prepare fellows to treat a variety of conditions such as chronic pain, cancer-related pain, and nerve or musculoskeletal injuries. In outpatient clinics, fellows learn to gather pertinent histories, perform physical examinations, and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to patients' needs. Importantly, fellows gain hands-on experience in interventional procedures under the guidance of experienced faculty. The program has established a partnership with the Comprehensive Centers for Pain Management, enhancing the clinical experience and providing insight into private practice workflows, which is increasingly relevant in today’s healthcare landscape.

Fellows will receive extensive training in a range of interventional techniques, including but not limited to trigger point injections, peripheral nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and various advanced procedures such as intrathecal infusion therapy and spinal stimulation. Pain management training also encompasses acute pain cases, allowing fellows to manage traumatic, postoperative, and chronic pain effectively. The inpatient service makes use of advanced options such as PCA devices and epidural catheters.

Subspecialty Rotations

The fellowship program strictly adheres to ACGME guidelines, ensuring fellows experience rotations in multiple disciplines that significantly impact pain management. Core rotations include anesthesiology, neuroradiology, rheumatology, neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. These rotations are designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the evaluations and treatments available for pain patients.

Didactic Education

The didactic component of the fellowship features lectures, simulation training, cadaver labs, journal clubs, and quizzes that ensure fellows remain at the forefront of pain medicine knowledge. Additional subspecialty lectures are available and encourage participation from fellows throughout the year. The program boasts an expanding library of pain management resources for fellows, both current and alumni, contributing to continuous professional development.

Monthly cadaver labs at the state-of-the-art Simulation Center incorporate fluoroscopic imaging for intricate procedures, enhancing skill refinement. An integral part of the fellowship also includes fellows teaching residents and medical students, alongside delivering formal lectures to enhance educational initiatives in the department.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research projects throughout the year, resulting in presentations at national and international conferences and potential publications in peer-reviewed journals. This involvement ensures that fellows not only contribute to the academic community but also enhance their expertise in emerging pain management techniques.

Continuous Improvement and Feedback

The University of Toledo's Pain Management Fellowship places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, inviting fellows to provide feedback on their training to ensure the program meets their educational needs. This commitment to adaptability fosters a supportive environment where fellows can thrive.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs) and supports J-1 and H-1B visa types. The program maintains a competitive selection process, being IMG-friendly and accommodating to DO graduates, enhancing its inclusivity and diversity.

Special Application Requirements

While the program is welcoming, candidates must meet specific requirements, including graduating from medical school within a certain number of years prior to application and should have a limited number of failed STEP exams. These parameters ensure that selected fellows are adequately prepared for the rigors of the program.