Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program
Location:
Richmond, VASpecialty:
Pain medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5305134001Pain Management Fellowship Overview
The Pain Management Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System represents the institution's first and only multidisciplinary interventional pain management program. This fellowship is fully accredited by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education, ensuring high standards of training and education for fellows.
1This program is designed to blend formal didactics with comprehensive procedural exposure, enabling trainees to gain hands-on instruction in a variety of interventional techniques. This includes cutting-edge methods such as Neuromodulation, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Intrathecal Drug Delivery, Kyphoplasty, and various minimally invasive spinal procedures.
1Fellows receive diverse experiences through rotations with multiple specialties, including Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Psychology, Anesthesiology, Palliative Care, and Integrative Medicine. These rotations expose trainees to the latest complementary and alternative therapies for managing acute and chronic pain. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to engage in research collaborations with faculty members, fostering a research-oriented learning environment.
1Curriculum and Rotations
The fellowship consists of three major rotations, each lasting approximately four months:
- VCU Rotation: This rotation includes full-spectrum interventional pain procedures in a fast-paced outpatient clinic primarily at the VCU Short Pump Pavilion. Surgical implants and procedures are performed weekly at the VCU Ambulatory Surgery Center.
- CVVHCS Primary: Fellows perform full-spectrum interventional pain procedures in a clinical setting at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVVHCS), with surgical implants conducted in the main operating rooms.
- CVVHCS Flex: This rotation is similar to the primary rotation but includes additional flexibilities concerning clinics and surgical implants.
Additionally, fellows may rotate off service with specialties such as Acute Pain, Palliative Care, Anesthesiology, Oncology, Pain Psychology, and Integrative Medicine.
1Research Opportunities
Fellows have significant opportunities to engage in research during their training. Collaboration with faculty members allows for participation in active research projects aimed at enhancing the understanding and treatment of pain management. This research aspect is integral to the fellow's overall training experience and prepares them for future academic roles.
1Salary and Benefits
The 2024-2025 salary for a PGY-4 fellow is $70,336, while a PGY-5 fellow will earn $74,258. Fellows are entitled to 15 days of vacation plus holidays, with moonlighting permitted upon approval by the Program Director. The call schedule consists of one week every third week, allowing for a balanced work-life structure.
1Application Requirements
To qualify for the Pain Management Fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an accredited residency program in a relevant specialty. Applications will be accepted through ERAS for the 2026-2027 academic year, with a completion deadline of March 6, 2025. The interview dates are scheduled for specific mornings in April and May 2025.
1The application package must include:
- ERAS application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current CV
- USMLE (Steps 1-3) or COMLEX transcript
- ECFMG certificate (for international applicants)
Visa Support
The program provides visa support and can sponsor J-1 clinical visas for international medical graduates. This support is essential for candidates needing to secure a visa to participate in the fellowship program.
1Competitiveness and Friendliness
The Pain Management Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is notable for being highly competitive. The selection process is rigorous, favoring candidates with strong academic backgrounds and relevant experience. The fellowship is also considered friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, reflecting the program's commitment to diversity.
1Website
- 1 .Pain Management Fellowship - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
- 2 .Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Fellowship - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
- 3 .Amputee and Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
- 4 .Education - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
- 5 .GME Diversity Statement - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
- 6 .Opportunities for Medical Students - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - VCU School of Medicine
Director
Andrew W Chapman, MDVCU Director, Chronic Pain Division Appointed Since November 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$70,336First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
4Location
Richmond, VA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Richmond, VA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Richmond has a mix of safe and more concerning neighborhoods. It's advisable to research the specific area you'll be living in to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Richmond offers a thriving arts and culture scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, museums, historical sites, and a variety of dining options.
- Climate: Richmond experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for some humidity during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Richmond has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities enriching the city's character.
- Education: Richmond is home to several colleges and universities, providing opportunities for continued learning and cultural activities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Richmond is relatively moderate compared to some other urban areas in the U.S.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Richmond is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away from bigger cities like Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach. These cities offer additional cultural and recreational opportunities.
- Pros: Diverse cultural scene, historical significance, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Varied neighborhood safety, hot and humid summers.
Interview Questions
