Pain Fellowship Rotations

Fellows will gain extensive clinical exposure, including comprehensive evaluation and management of pain syndromes with varying complexities. Training includes ultrasound and fluoroscopically guided injections, alongside significant surgical experience. The objective is for fellows to progress from functioning under supervision to becoming independent in performing complex procedures, managing complex chronic pain issues and serving as consultants in all aspects of pain management.

During the Neurology Rotation, fellows will elicit a directed neurological history and perform detailed neurological examinations—including mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory testing, reflexes, cerebellar function and gait assessment—in 15 patients. Fellows will also learn to assess various types of headaches, neuromuscular disorders and strokes.

Fellows will rotate with the University of Louisville's palliative care service to gain in-depth experience and understanding of the multi-dimensional treatments that constitute palliative care. They will explore strategies for integrating pain management into this comprehensive treatment model.

In the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Rotation, fellows will work with the University of Louisville PM&R Department, learning to perform thorough musculoskeletal and neuromuscular history and examinations. This training emphasizes the structural and functional aspects relevant to diagnosing acute and chronic pain conditions.

Fellows will rotate with the University of Louisville Psychiatry Department, gaining insights into common psychiatric and pain comorbidities. They will learn about the effects of pain medications on mental status and the principles and techniques of psychosocial therapies, with particular focus on supportive and cognitive behavioral therapies.

The Regional/Acute Pain rotation occurs within the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Louisville. Fellows will gain experience in regional analgesia techniques and engage with inpatient pain consults under the supervision of anesthesiology faculty.

During the Neuroradiology Rotation, fellows will become familiar with fundamental neuroimaging techniques and learn to identify significant findings from CT and MRI studies of the brain and spine.

Fellows will also rotate with the Anesthesiology Department to gain hands-on experience in conscious sedation and airway management, under the supervision of anesthesiology faculty.

This is an elective rotation for fellows. 

Fellows will have the opportunity to rotate with an experienced private practice pain physician in the Louisville community who serves as adjunct faculty. This rotation is designed to broaden the fellow's experience and understanding of pain management in a private practice setting.

This fellowship program not only prepares fellows for independent practice but also equips them with a diverse skill set essential for managing complex pain conditions effectively.