Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program
Location:
Nashville, TNSpecialty:
Regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicineACGME Code:
0464704001Vanderbilt University Medical Center Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship
The Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is designed for anesthesiology physicians seeking to specialize in the practice of regional anesthesia and acute pain management. Established in 2009 and accredited in the Fall of 2016, this fellowship currently accepts three fellows each year, providing a diverse and comprehensive training experience in various clinical settings.
Fellowship Training Sites:
The fellowship training occurs across multiple sites, ensuring a broad experience:
- Primary Site: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) - a large quaternary care hospital and Level 1 trauma center, noted as one of the busiest trauma centers in the United States.
- Secondary Sites:
- Ambulatory orthopedic surgery centers with an emphasis on high-efficiency care.
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, which has robust acute and chronic pediatric pain programs.
- Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
- Kijabe Hospital in Kenya, where fellows can participate in an optional international elective focusing on regional anesthesia.
Curriculum and Rotations:
The curriculum focuses on a variety of critical areas aimed at developing expertise in regional anesthesia and acute pain management:
- Clinical Rotations: Over 7,000 blocks are performed annually across all participating sites, ensuring extensive hands-on experience. This includes the management of epidural and peripheral nerve catheters, trauma management, and a home peripheral nerve catheter program.
- Multidisciplinary Team: Fellows will engage with a team that includes faculty, residents, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, enhancing collaborative learning.
- Pediatric Pain Management: Fellows are involved in managing pain for pediatric patients, focusing on the unique aspects of pediatric ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols.
- Addiction Psychiatry: The program integrates training on managing opioid withdrawal and the educational aspects of pain medication management within the context of the ongoing opioid crisis.
- International Opportunities: Participation in a 4-week rotation specifically at Kijabe Hospital, enhancing exposure to international practices in regional anesthesia.
Research Opportunities:
Fellows are encouraged to engage in research throughout their training, benefiting from the rigorous academic environment at Vanderbilt. This is facilitated by access to a wide array of resources and faculty mentorship, enabling fellows to explore innovative projects in anesthesia and pain medicine.
Compensation and Benefits:
The fellowship offers a competitive salary, currently over $80,000 annually, along with additional stipends for continuing medical education (CME) and conference participation. Benefits include health, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plans standardized by the Vanderbilt University Office of Graduate Medical Education.
Visa Support:
The program provides support for visa sponsorship, catering to qualified international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to train in this fellowship. This includes processing for J-1 and H-1B visa types.
Application Requirements:
Applicants should be aware that the fellowship application is competitive. Specific criteria include:
- Must possess an MD or DO degree and be board-eligible or board-certified in anesthesiology.
- International medical graduates should provide documentation of their medical education and training.
- Annual application deadlines coincide with the San Francisco Match process.
Competitiveness:
The fellowship is highly competitive; however, it is also known to be friendly to both DO and IMG applicants. The program values diverse backgrounds and experiences, enhancing the training environment for all fellows.
Unique Aspects of the Program:
Vanderbilt's fellowship integrates an immersive educational framework with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence, innovative research, and global health perspectives, making it a premier choice for medical professionals in anesthesiology.
Website
Director
Brian Allen, MDProgram Director; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Appointed Since March 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,327First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Nashville, TN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Nashville, TN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Nashville has a moderate crime rate, with some areas experiencing higher crime than others. It is important to stay informed about the safety of different neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and events throughout the city. There are also parks, museums, and a variety of dining options to explore.
- Climate: Nashville experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times of the year.
- Races and Population: Nashville is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. The population is growing steadily due to its popularity as a place to live and work.
- Education: Nashville is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Nashville is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the US, but housing costs have been increasing in recent years.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Memphis (about 3 hours drive) and Atlanta (about 4 hours drive) are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville. Each city offers its own unique attractions and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Rich music and cultural scene, diverse population, moderate cost of living compared to other big cities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, housing costs are rising, traffic can be congested during peak times.
Interview Questions
