UPMC Medical Education Program
Location:
Pittsburgh, PASpecialty:
Pain medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5304104027The UPMC Pain Medicine Fellowship program offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to pain management, integrating clinical training, teaching, and research across various specialties. This fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and is noteworthy for being the only program in the country to have received the maximum five-year accreditation three consecutive times. The program is known for its strong didactic curriculum, supported by experienced faculty and a commitment to cutting-edge research in the field of pain medicine.
Program Structure
The fellowship is designed to provide fellows with extensive exposure to a wide range of pain conditions and treatments. Trainees engage in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, rotating through multiple UPMC locations including St. Margaret, Oakland, Passavant, and more. The multidisciplinary team comprises professionals from anesthesiology, neurology, psychiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology, fostering an integrated approach to pain management 1.
Unique Features
One of the distinguishing characteristics of the UPMC Pain Medicine Fellowship is its commitment to research and innovation in pain care. The fellowship has a well-funded research component, allowing fellows to engage in significant clinical research opportunities. The program also collaborates closely with the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, facilitating access to pioneering research in pain management 4.
Curriculum and Training
The fellowship encompasses a robust didactic curriculum that includes weekly Grand Rounds led by board-certified faculty, a pain medicine board review series, and journal clubs. These educational components contribute to a solid understanding of advanced interventional pain management techniques. Notably, the program emphasizes various procedures such as spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency ablation, ensuring fellows gain hands-on experience with complex interventions 5.
Research Opportunities
Research is a significant focus within the Pain Medicine Fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing clinical studies that explore new approaches to managing pain. The Center for Innovation in Pain Care further enhances the research environment by validating innovative approaches that are integrated into clinical practice. The center aims to improve chronic pain care and postoperative outcomes by promoting multimodal treatment strategies 8.
Application Process
Applicants to the UPMC Pain Medicine Fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in anesthesiology, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), psychiatry, or radiology. The selection process includes a thorough review of applications, which must include a medical school transcript, letters of reference, a CV, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. Candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and experience as well as during personal interviews 6.
Benefits and Compensation
The fellowship provides a competitive salary package along with various benefits including paid personal and meeting time, health and disability insurance, malpractice insurance, and an educational allowance for professional development resources. Moreover, fellows receive a University of Pittsburgh ID card, granting access to numerous university facilities, sports events, and educational resources 7.
Visa Sponsorship
The UPMC Pain Medicine Fellowship offers visa support for international medical graduates. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the application process for eligible candidates who require immigration assistance.
Competitiveness and Applicant Profiles
The fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including those who have completed residency training in various specialties. The selection committee aims to identify candidates with a strong commitment to the field of pain medicine and a demonstrated ability to succeed in a multidisciplinary environment. The program is friendly towards osteopathic physicians and international medical graduates, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds 5.
Website
Director
Trent D Emerick, MD, MBAFellowship Program Director, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Chronic Pain Division Appointed Since July 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
44hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$77,131First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Pittsburgh, PA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Pittsburgh has a slightly higher-than-average crime rate compared to the national average. However, specific neighborhoods within the city vary in safety levels, so it's advisable to research the area where you'll be living.
- Fun Activities: Pittsburgh is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, sports events, numerous parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities along its three rivers.
- Climate: Pittsburgh experiences all four seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and beautiful fall foliage.
- Races and Population: Pittsburgh is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city has a population of around 300,000 people.
- Education: Pittsburgh is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US, particularly in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Pittsburgh is approximately a 5-hour drive from Philadelphia and a 6-hour drive from New York City. Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences, entertainment, and employment opportunities.
- Pros: Vibrant arts and culture scene, affordable cost of living, beautiful outdoor scenery.
- Cons: Slightly higher crime rate in some areas, cold winters.
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