Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Pain 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.

This 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.

Fellows 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.

Curriculum 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.

Research 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.

Salary 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.

Application 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.

The 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.

Competitiveness 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.