I wanted to update you on the status of the UCLA / WLA VA multicampus fellowship in Pain Management. We have initial approval for ACGME retroactive to July 2002. The status was reviewed in March 2005 and accreditation was approved to continue for two more years to 2007 to keep in line with the parent program accreditation status. I am very pleased with this acknowledgment, as it directly reflects the strength and national recognition of the UCLA multicampus program for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The ACGME approval allows a fellow to sit for the PM&R Pain Boards, which since 2005 has only been granted to individuals who complete a 12-month fellowship in pain medicine.

I hope this information is useful as you start your decision process for career goals after PMR graduation. The UCLA program usually conducts interviews between July and October of a resident's senior year. All interviews will be scheduled over two days: Tuesday and Wednesday. The schedule will allow the prospective fellow an opportunity to meet all the participating instructors at UCLA and the WLA VA. The process will include the Outpatient Surgery Center at UCLA; the California Pain Medicine Center in the 100 UCLA Medical Plaza Building; the WLA VA pain clinic with the Pain Medicine Program Director and the current Physiatry residents; and the Santa Monica—UCLA surgical suite.

For the 2006 academic year, over 60 applicants sent material for four ACGME positions. Each year the number of applicants has risen and the competition for each of the available positions has make the fellowship highly sought after. Those interested in the position can submit a CV and personal statement to: dfish@mednet.ucla.edu, if an interview is granted, applicants will be contacted by phone or email.

The UCLA /GLAWLAVA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program for Pain Medicine is a great place to begin a career in pain medicine. We strive to train leaders in the field. The ACGME status, multidisciplinary staff, and national reputation of UCLA, gives the program instant recognition for those seeking a strong training environment.

David E. Fish, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Dept of Orthopaedics
Assistant Program Director, Pain Medicine
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA