University of Utah Health Program

Overview of the Fellowship Program

The University of Utah Health's Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) Fellowship is a one-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to provide extensive exposure to various facets of regional anesthesia and acute pain management. The program is renowned for its commitment to developing skilled practitioners in the field of anesthesiology, particularly in regional techniques and pain management strategies.

The fellowship accepts four ACGME-accredited positions annually and is structured to encompass a comprehensive array of educational experiences, allowing fellows to gain profound skills in managing both acute and chronic pain patients.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes several rotations aimed at covering critical components of regional anesthesia and acute pain management:

1. Regional Anesthesia

Fellows primarily rotate through the University of Utah Hospital (UH), the University of Utah Orthopedic Center (UUOC), and the Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH). They will develop expertise in neuraxial blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, continuous catheters, and truncal procedures.

2. Acute Pain Medicine

This rotation takes place mainly at UH, HCH, and the Salt Lake VA Hospital (VA). Fellows manage surgical and nonsurgical acute pain patients, gaining exposure to various pain management modalities, including medication management and advanced procedural techniques.

3. Operating Room (OR)

Fellows continue to practice anesthesiology skills in the OR, maintaining a connection with clinical anesthesia. There is a particular focus on developing perioperative pain strategies while completing cases.

4. Pediatric Regional Anesthesia

Based at Primary Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), this rotation allows fellows to learn about pain management protocols pertinent to pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

5. Chronic Pain Medicine

This rotation at HCH and the Chronic Pain Clinic (CPC) provides fellows with the chance to engage with board-certified specialists in managing chronic pain patient interventions, particularly for those with cancer pain.

Educational and Research Opportunities

Fellows benefit from various educational opportunities including:

• Daily instruction and mentorship from RAAPM faculty
• Weekly didactic lectures and monthly anatomy lab sessions
• Lectures focusing on addiction medicine and special case conferences
• Participation in a Regional Anesthesia Journal Club

These activities aim to foster both professional development and ongoing research collaboration among fellows, further enhancing the fellowship experience.

Living in Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, the fellowship provides an excellent quality of life and easy access to numerous outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Many faculty members choose to stay in Utah long-term, which is indicative of a supportive and pleasant working environment.

Benefits and Compensation

The fellowship offers a competitive annual salary and includes benefits such as:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Three weeks of vacation
• One week of personal/professional time
• One week for conferences (ASRA, ASA, etc.)
• Education and conference stipends
• Internet reimbursement, and options for discounted mobile services

Fellows have the opportunity to moonlight, which can significantly augment their income without compromising the fellowship's educational objectives.

Application Process

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must follow a structured application process including:

• Registration and submission through the San Francisco Match (SF Match)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a residency Program Director)
• A detailed personal statement and CV
• USMLE transcripts and medical school transcripts
• ECFMG certification for international medical graduates, where applicable

Visa Support

The program offers support for candidates requiring visa sponsorship, ensuring access to J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible international applicants.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The fellowship is noted for being highly competitive. It welcomes applications from both MD and DO candidates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Notably, the program does not impose strict requirements on the year of graduation or a maximum number of failed Step exams, thus opening pathways for diverse candidates.