OVERVIEW

The URMC Interventional Spine Fellowship program comprises a comprehensive one-year outpatient clinical experience designed to solidify fundamentals of evidence-based interventional spine care.  Exposure to prevalent spinal disorders and commonly employed diagnostic and treatment algorithms in the clinical setting will serve as a foundation upon which to evaluate the patient presenting with spinal pain.  The use of fluoroscopically guided interventional spine procedures in order to elicit diagnostic data and provide target specific treatment is innate in this process.  Exposure to Orthopedic spine surgery, neuroradiology, and structured didactics uniquely positions the fellow in fortifying an all-encompassing experience.  The objective is to enable the fellow to develop an expertise in the algorithmic approach to interventional spine care, to facilitate proficiency in the evaluation and treatment of common spinal disorders, and technical mastery of interventional spine procedures.

OBJECTIVES 

-Identify typical presentations for anatomic sources of low back pain, including pertinent patient history in predicting specific pain generators

-Enhance targeted neurologic and orthopedic exam skills

-Assimilate clinical information to efficiently develop a focused diagnostic and treatment plan including appropriate selection of imaging, electrodiagnostic studies, and spine procedures

-Understand indications for selection of commonly performed interventional spine procedures

-Develop technical proficiency in performing fluoroscopically guided spine procedures under direct supervision of attending

-Develop proficiency in the interpretation and appraisal of imaging including radiography, MRI, CT, and CT myelography

-Understand indications for surgical referral

- Learn to effectively manage a high volume spine clinic both independently and under attending supervision

-Promptly and efficiently manage patient related inquiries

-Participate in resident education

Fellow Appointment 

1. Duration of Training
   1. 1 year academic program

1. Number of Fellowship Positions Available
   1. The number of fellowship training positions is one.

1. Eligibility Criteria
   1. The fellow must possess a current valid and unrestricted New York State Allopathic/Osteopathic medical and DEA licensures. These must be current prior to the fellowship start date.
   2. The fellow must be a graduate of an ACGME accredited Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program.
   3. The fellow must be board certified or eligible for certification in PM&R.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Curriculum

-50-60 fluoroscopically guided spine procedures weekly

-1000 consultations annually

-Independent fellow clinic

-Structured didactics

-Journal club

-Attend multidisciplinary Spine Center and Orthopedic surgery case conference including case presentations

-Grand rounds

-Resident education

Interested applicants should submit a personal statement, updated CV, three letters of recommendation, and SAE scores to Cathy_Flanagan@urmc.rochester.edu.