Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center - NYPH trains physicians to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to function as leaders and consultants in Regional Anesthesiology, particularly in the management of complex patient populations. With robust ambulatory surgery centers in proximity, fellows will also become proficient in taking care of patients in a high volume, fast paced environment and managing the regional block areas. 

Columbia offers a supportive environment that prepares fellows to educate, lead, and provide the best patient care possible. During this year, within ACGME guidelines, we tailor the fellowship to suit the interests, abilities, and goals of each fellow. 

Fellowship Overview

At Columbia, the regional fellow will become proficient in ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks and catheter placement, as well as managing the acute pain team on the floors and Intensive Care Units. Fellows will gain expertise in the management of perioperative care of patients in different practice settings: from complex patients with severe co-morbidities at an academic hospital to high-volume, fast paced ambulatory outpatient centers. 

Throughout the year, fellows will represent the Regional Division at departmental case conferences, lead monthly Journal Club, and participate in teaching of medical students and residents. During this year, the fellow will spend time in the anatomy laboratory and have opportunities to teach first-year medical students in their first-year clinical anatomy course gaining valuable exposure to cadavers. Fellows will have rotations in chronic pain, pediatric regional anesthesia and chronic pain, and POCUS electives. Fellows will be given non-clinical time to engage in scholarly work and academic projects. In addition to a wide variety of electives and teaching opportunities, fellows have dedicated didactics to solidify fundamental regional anesthesia topics as well as guest speakers on peripheral nerve injury, healthcare contracts, and financial literacy. 

The wealth of clinical exposure in a diverse patient population gives a fellow the well-rounded clinical experience and, with faculty dedicated to research, fellows can participate in ongoing clinical research projects. Based on interest, fellows can be paired with a faculty mentor to facilitate research collaboration. The department provides support for the fellow to attend society meetings.