PM&R Spine and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship
Fellowship Overview
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) offers a unique opportunity to receive spine medicine graduate training through our North American Spine Society recognized (NASS) fellowship program. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, you will have the chance to work with some of the country's best Spine Medicine Physiatrists, Neurosurgeons, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and therapists. VUMC is a U.S News & Report Honor Hospital, an honor which only the nation’s top 20 hospitals receive. VUMC offers experiences in a top tier academic facility with diverse patient populations, state-of-the art technology, cutting edge research, and outstanding faculty.
Our comprehensive training focuses on evaluation and treatment throughout the disease continuum, including physical examination, imaging interpretation, therapy and medicine prescriptions, surgical evaluations, spine wellness, and extensive training in interventional spine procedures including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions all taught in accordance with Spine Intervention Society principles. Opportunities also exist at the Osher Center for Integrative health and the Dayani Center for Health and Wellness.
Goals and Objectives of the Fellowship
The goal of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center PM&R Spine and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship is to train the future thought leaders in the field. To do so we offer an in-depth training in spine medicine, with a focus on interventional procedures and the research behind them. Scholarly activity is expected and supported. Fellows are active participants in clinical research and writing.
Fellows participate in resident teaching to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center PM&R residency, weekly rounds, joint surgical/medical conferences, and spine research meetings.
Procedures and Proficiencies
Fluoroscopically-Guided Procedures, including:
Epidural Steroid Injections (Transforaminal and interlaminar in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions)
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Medial Branch Blocks and facet joint injections (in all spine regions, including advanced procedures such as AA joint injections)
Radiofrequency Ablation of the Medical Branch Nerves
Intra-Articular Hip Joint Injections
EMGs/NCS
Clinical assessment of patients with spine conditions
Medical management of patients with spine conditions
Independent evaluation of X-ray and MRI imaging
Research/Publication Obligation: Yes
Approximate percentage of exposure to the Spine by region:
Cervical: 30% Thoracic: 10% Lumbar: 60%
Approximate percentage of Fellowship exposure to the Spine by diagnostic category:
Degenerative: 45% Trauma: 10% Deformity: 15% Tumor: 5% Pediatric: 5% Other 20%
To Apply
Applications are submitted for Fellowships through the NASS ISMM Fellowship website.
All applications must include:
- NASS application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Application Submission Deadline: April 15, 2024
In-person Interviews
- Monday, June 10, 2024 (8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon)
- Friday, June 14, 2024 (1:00-5:00 PM)
Questions?
Contact:
Dr. Byron Schneider, Program Director: byron.j.schneider@vumc.org
Irene McKirgan, Program Manager: irene.m.mckirgan.1@vumc.org