Currently applying to Pain from Psychiatry. You're right on with what you need to do. Few things I'd add:
1. Know the application timeline is very early (applications open about 1.5 years prior to starting fellowship)
2. Letters of recommendation are extremely important, most programs want 3 (2 from pain docs, 1 from your PD)
3. Academic work can be anything - case reports, primary research, book chapters, posters, anything to show your interest
4. Going to conferences is a great networking opportunity to get your name/face/business card out there to PDs
5. Main idea is that you want to get across your desire to be a pain physician, not a pain psychiatrist.
6. Be mindful of what pain programs you should apply to, many do not accept psychiatrists
Nuclear option would be to transfer to anesthesia residency.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.
