Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Comprehensive Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a one-year accredited training experience designed to provide fellows with a profound understanding of pain management techniques and practices. The program blends clinical experience with opportunities in basic and translational science research, ensuring that fellows gain comprehensive educational and practical exposure throughout their training.

Program Overview

The program strives to cultivate proficient and well-qualified specialists in Pain and Spine Medicine, equipping them with the skills needed to deliver compassionate and effective analgesic care for patients enduring acute or chronic pain. Fellows engage in various clinical rotations, enabling them to perform procedures across different settings, including outpatient pain and spine centers located in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, High Point, Greensboro, and Lexington.

Curriculum

The Comprehensive Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship program curriculum is meticulously tailored to offer a balanced approach, combining clinical, research, and didactic elements. Throughout the fellowship, participants gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of interventional and surgical pain medicine procedures. This includes conducting epidural procedures, radiofrequency nerve destruction, implantation of neuromodulation devices, and performing vertebral augmentation procedures. The curriculum encompasses interventional pain procedures guided by advanced imaging techniques, accounting for over 95% of cases, which significantly enhances the fellows' training experience, especially in complex cases like neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain 1.

Fellows have the opportunity to manage a diverse patient population with complex pain syndromes, ensuring a well-rounded experience that covers the complete array of chronic pain management. They rotate through multiple clinical sites and on-call duties are part of the program, enabling fellows to oversee inpatient consultations and respond to pain management needs comprehensively.

Clinical Rotations

During the fellowship, participants manage direct patient care, including new patient evaluations and follow-ups at various pain and spine centers. They engage in both outpatient procedures and inpatient consult services, facilitating a hands-on learning environment. Rotations also include exposure to multidisciplinary aspects of pain management, such as addiction medicine and physical rehabilitation, fostering collaborative care approaches 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are actively encouraged to participate in clinical translational research led by faculty members in the Department of Anesthesiology. Involvement in ongoing research projects allows fellows to engage deeply with contemporary issues in pain management and contribute to the advancement of the field. Fellows can also expect to attend and present at relevant conferences, sharing their research findings and clinical experiences with peers.

Application Process

To apply for the Comprehensive Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program by June 30 of the application year, and they need to submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Significant documentation is required, including USMLE or COMLEX scores, a CV, medical school transcripts, and letters of recommendation 4. Special consideration is given to foreign medical graduates who have J1 visa eligibility. The program looks favorably upon candidates with U.S. clinical experience within the application year, ensuring a well-qualified applicant pool.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The fellowship program is known for its rigorous training and hands-on approach, making it a highly competitive option. The structure of the program ensures that fellows are exposed to a breadth of cases and procedures, which enhances their skills and prepares them for independent practice in the field. This program is considered particularly friendly towards well-qualified DO and IMG applicants due to its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visa sponsorship for international applicants, facilitating their participation in the fellowship. This provision ensures that qualified candidates from around the world can join the specialized training offered at Wake Forest University.

The fellowship boasts access to world-class faculty and resources, actively promoting a collaborative educational atmosphere where fellows are supported in their professional growth. With an extensive alumni network and a track record of successful graduates, the Comprehensive Pain and Spine Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University is well-positioned to prepare participants for a dynamic career in pain management.