West Virginia University Program
Location:
Morgantown, WVSpecialty:
Regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicineACGME Code:
0465504001The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship program at West Virginia University is a one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to train anesthesiologists in advanced techniques related to regional anesthesia and acute pain management. The program accepts one fellow per year, ensuring personalized education and training.
The fellowship is part of the West Virginia University Health System, which is the largest health system in the state and comprises ten hospitals, including Ruby Memorial Hospital, a tertiary academic medical center with Level 1 trauma capabilities. This environment provides a high-volume service where fellows perform over 2,500 single injection and continuous peripheral nerve blocks annually.1
Clinical Experience
The core focus of the fellowship is to develop clinical expertise in various regional anesthesia techniques and acute pain management strategies. Fellows will gain technical proficiency in upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks, nerve plexus blocks, continuous catheter techniques, paravertebral techniques, TAP blocks, and central neuraxial techniques, including thoracic epidurals and combined spinal-epidurals.
The program emphasizes both conventional landmark-based approaches and modern ultrasound-guided techniques, allowing trainees to handle a range of clinical scenarios effectively.3
Rotations
The fellowship structure includes essential core rotations that cover:
- Regional Anesthesiology
- Acute Pain Medicine Service
- Pediatric Regional Anesthesiology
- Trauma
- Intra-operative Rotation
- Chronic Pain Medicine
Fellows also have opportunities for elective rotations, which may include Research, Point of Care Ultrasound, and additional Pediatric, Trauma, Intra-operative, and Chronic Pain Medicine rotations, further enhancing their training.8
Conferences
The fellowship includes a robust schedule of educational conferences aimed at enhancing learning and professional development. Key conferences include:
- Fellowship Lecture Series (weekly)
- Journal Club (bi-monthly)
- Morbidity and Mortality Conference (bi-monthly)
- Cadaver Lab (quarterly)
- Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (twice yearly)
These sessions provide fellows with valuable insights into clinical practice, quality improvement, and advance their medical knowledge.4
Faculty
The fellowship program boasts a diverse and experienced faculty dedicated to mentorship and education. Faculty members have substantial expertise in regional anesthesia and acute pain management, ensuring that fellows receive tailored guidance throughout their training.5
Application Process
The application for the fellowship occurs through the SF Match process, which encourages a more organized and consistent application experience for all applicants. The fellowship is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years. Additional details regarding the application process may be found on the SF Match website.2
Visa Support
The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship options for qualified international medical graduates. Specific types of visas, which may include J-1 and H-1B visas, can be supported under the program’s guidelines.
Competitiveness and Special Requirements
The fellowship is recognized as being highly competitive, underscoring the need for applicants to present strong academic credentials and clinical experiences. Certain requirements may include specific educational qualifications, limits on the number of failed STEP exams, and a request for completion of an Anesthesiology residency before applying, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for the rigorous demands of specialized training.6
Fellowship Policies
The program adheres to established policies and procedures in alignment with ACGME guidelines, which govern various aspects such as block scheduling, duty hours, supervision policies, and fellow well-being.7
Website
Director
Grant Neely, MDAssistant Professor, Associate Program Director Appointed Since March 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$66,740First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
7.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Morgantown, WV
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Morgantown, WV
Morgantown, WV is a city known for its vibrant community and beautiful nature. Here are some key aspects of living in Morgantown:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Morgantown has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities. The city is considered safe, especially in residential areas and around the university campus.
- Fun Activities: Morgantown offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports due to its proximity to the Monongahela River and Coopers Rock State Forest. The city also has a lively downtown area with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Climate: Morgantown experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are pleasant with colorful foliage.
- Races and Population: Morgantown has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, including a significant student population due to West Virginia University.
- Education: Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, providing opportunities for cultural events, sports, and educational resources.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Morgantown is relatively affordable, with reasonable housing prices and overall living expenses.
- Nearby Cities: Pittsburgh, PA, is the nearest major city to Morgantown, located approximately 75 miles away and can be reached in about 1.5 hours by car. Pittsburgh offers a wide range of cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Interview Questions
