University of Virginia Medical Center Program

The Pain Management Division at the University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center provides a premier multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients suffering from various pain conditions. The division is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Pain Society, underscoring its commitment to high-quality patient care. Annually, the division manages over 10,500 patient visits, with a team comprised of board-certified pain medicine physicians, pain psychologists, and nurse practitioners all dedicated to comprehensive pain management.

Clinical Services

The UVA Pain Management Center excels in the treatment of complex pain issues through a variety of advanced interventional methods. These include neuromodulation techniques and intrathecal drug delivery systems, designed to offer patients effective solutions for their conditions, which range from cancer pain and complex regional pain syndrome to joint disease and spinal disorders. The division distinguishes itself through comprehensive care strategies that include medication management, interventional therapies, and non-pharmacologic modalities, catering to a wide spectrum of patient needs, whether they are new to pain management or seeking additional treatment options.

Training and Education

The division fosters a robust training environment for residents and fellows. Resident education is integral to the mission of the Pain Management Division, with interns and third-year anesthesia residents rotating through the Pain Management Center. During these rotations, residents actively participate in patient care, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Moreover, the division offers a multidisciplinary fellowship in Pain Medicine, where fellows spend 70% of their training year embedded in the Pain Management Center, engaging in clinical practice and interventional procedures that average around 15 procedures per day.

Fellows also rotate through related specialties such as physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, and neurology, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Key learning opportunities include managing diverse pain cases and performing advanced interventional techniques in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, including at the Monticello Surgery Center affiliated with UVA.

Research Initiatives

The Pain Management Division is deeply involved in innovative research that spans various aspects of pain treatment. Research areas include radiofrequency ablation of joints, microdosing in intrathecal drug delivery, and the exploration of ketamine infusions for chronic pain conditions. Notably, the division participates in significant NIH-funded studies, propelling the research agenda forward while influencing clinical practices.

Current projects and research inquiries are critically aimed at improving outcome measures associated with pain treatments and enhancing procedural efficacy. The division's commitment to research not only advances clinical practice but also informs educational modules for residents and fellows.

Faculty Expertise

The faculty within the Pain Management Division is composed of esteemed professionals with diverse expertise, including Dr. Lynn Kohan, who leads the division and is involved in multiple national committees focused on pain management. Other faculty members include experts in areas such as regional anesthesia, pain psychology, and pharmacological interventions for pain. Their collective experience promotes a learning environment rich with mentorship opportunities for trainees.

Patient Care Philosophy

At the UVA Pain Management Division, there is a distinct emphasis on patient-centered care. Each treatment plan is individualized, taking into account the unique needs of each patient, including psychosocial factors that may affect their pain experience. The emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach allows the division to address the complex interplay of factors that contribute to chronic pain, ensuring comprehensive management tailored to the patient’s specific context.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is oriented towards supporting international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers sponsorship for various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas. This makes the program particularly accessible for candidates without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency who exhibit strong applications. Given the program's comprehensive training and esteemed faculty, it is considered competitive, particularly for applicants who have shown resilience and achievements in their medical training.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Pain Management Fellowship program should possess valid ECFMG certification and prior training in an accredited residency program. There may be limitations on the number of failed USMLE Step or COMLEX exams acceptable, ensuring that candidates meet the program's academic and professional standards. Additional requirements might include a commitment to engaging in both clinical service and quality improvement projects throughout training.

Overall, the Pain Management Division at UVA Medical Center integrates focused training, innovative research, and a commitment to patient care, positioning itself as a leader in pain management education and treatment.