UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Medical Education Program in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year fellowship designed for physiatrists interested in specializing in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. The fellowship is under the auspices of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department at the University of Pittsburgh, with the program being accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as program number 3453113017. This fellowship is a competitive opportunity that invites application from candidates who have completed an accredited PM&R residency program.

Fellows in the program receive extensive training primarily at UPMC Mercy, a level 1 trauma center that houses the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, and also rotate through UPMC Presbyterian and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. These facilities are well-equipped to provide state-of-the-art care and rehabilitation services for patients with SCI. The fellowship is facilitated by an excellent faculty mentorship program that aims to enhance the educational and research experiences of the fellows.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is structured to encompass various dimensions of SCI medicine. It spans essential medical fields including urology, pulmonary medicine, inpatient SCI rehabilitation, and outpatient SCI rehabilitation. The program provides a blend of clinical training and research opportunities, ensuring that fellows are well-rounded practitioners by the conclusion of their training. In addition, fellows participate in opportunities for clinical research under the guidance of faculty mentors.

Rotations

During their training, fellows will engage in diverse rotations aimed at enhancing their expertise across different facets of spinal cord care. The program includes:

• Acute care experiences at UPMC Presbyterian, allowing fellows to respond to new SCI cases and consult regarding acute medical needs.
• Inpatient rehabilitation experiences in a specially designed SCI unit at UPMC Mercy for five months, where fellows actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Outpatient continuity clinics at UPMC Mercy and visits to the Center for Assistive Technology, providing practical hands-on experiences with patients.
• Specialty training in advanced techniques such as spasticity management, involving intrathecal baclofen pumps and neurotoxin injections.
• Exposure to pediatric clinics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of additional patient demographics.

Research Opportunities

The UPMC Medical Education Program places significant emphasis on research, with fellows being encouraged to establish relationships with faculty mentors. Research time is included in the weekly schedule, allowing fellows to focus on developing their research interests. Fellows are expected to submit at least one abstract to a national meeting and contribute to a publishable manuscript during their time in the program. Research topics may focus on innovative therapies, rehabilitation technology, or evidence-based practices in SCI.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program is particularly valuable due to its designation as a Spinal Cord Injury Model System funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. This designation recognizes the program’s commitment to providing exemplary care and conducting substantive research within the field of spinal cord injury medicine. The fellowship equips candidates with the skills and experience required to lead initiatives in both clinical care and research.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive. Applicants are expected to have completed an ACGME residency program and must be eligible to sit for the SCIM Boards via the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Funding limitations mean the fellowship typically does not accommodate international medical graduates (IMGs) who do not meet board eligibility. A maximum of one failed Step examination may be considered, contingent on other strengths of the application.

Visa Support

The program offers robust support for fellows requiring visa sponsorship. Applicants entering the fellowship who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for sponsorship of J-1 or H-1B visas, thus facilitating their inclusion in this important training opportunity within the UPMC system.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows enjoy several benefits which contribute to an enriching educational experience, including:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• No on-call responsibilities, allowing for better work-life balance and the opportunity for optional moonlighting.
• 20 days of vacation and educational stipends for attending conferences, furthering professional development.
• Access to nationally ranked hospitals and specialized departments, enhancing clinical experience and networking opportunities.