Neuro, pain medicine and salary

[doctorlarry]

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Hello,

In general, would a pain specialist with a neuro residency background earn the same salary as one with an anesthesiology background? I understand that both paths are possible. Thank you for any responses. 🙂

 

[PainDr]

Hello,

In general, would a pain specialist with a neuro residency background earn the same salary as one with an anesthesiology background? I understand that both paths are possible. Thank you for any responses. 🙂

yes

 

[rshah]

where can i get more info on a pain managment specialty with a Neuro residency? For example, programs, applying, duration, salary?

 

[PainDr]

where can i get more info on a pain managment specialty with a Neuro residency? For example, programs, applying, duration, salary?

I'm currently a 4th year neurology resident applying for an interventional pain fellowship and can tell you that taking this route has not been easy.
All the ACGME interventional programs are run by anesthesiology and a few by PM&R. There is only one interventional neurology program and they take only one fellow.

If you are really interested in the field and plan to do it through neuro, you should know what you face. I've been interested in pain since BEFORE med school and have documented interest in the field (Deans letter) since the beginning of the third year of med school. I've done AT LEAST one pain rotation every single year since I was a third year student and have a fair amount of interventional experience. I'm getting some good interviews but feel very scrutinized by programs. At every interview I've had to plead my case and defend my choice even though my record clearly shows I have as much interest and experience as many of the anesthesia candidates (and more than some).

I feel that pain is a very logical neuro subspecialty and I am not alone in that opinion. However, most programs still prefer anesthesiology candidates. I'm pretty sure I'll get a spot in a decent program, but that still remains to be seen. I should know within the next month or so how things are going to turn out. However, if I hadn't had such a long standing interest in the field, I don't think I would have gotten anywhere in the interview process. If I don't get a spot, I'll probably try to do a neuro pain fellowship (medical mgmt only) then reapply next year for an interventional spot. If you decide to take this track just know what you're getting into.

 

[charcot]

PainDr.
I'll be applying next year for an interventional pain fellowship starting july 2006.

Could you share your experiences in terms of which programs specifically are more accepting of neurology residents? I hope to apply for west coast, but iff the situation is as competitive as you say, I will likely have to open up the field.

Also, in terms of jobs post-fellowship, are private practice groups such as ortho groups and pain centers looking for anesthesia people, or are neuros welcome too?

Good luck, I look foward to hearing of your success.

 

[PainDr]

I'd be happy to share my experiences, but would prefer to wait until the process is completed.

 

[sk678]

heyyy, im sorry to hear it is so difficult to do a neuro pain interventional fellowship...i was wondering if you could tell me if its difficult to get a regular pain fellowship or if its necessary, and what the income of these people would be versus someone doing interventional pain

thanks!

 

[PainDr]

I don't have much info regarding noninterventional pain and won't comment about income. I believe that's the main problem...too many interested in the money and not in the work. 😡

 

[sk678]

I don't have much info regarding noninterventional pain and won't comment about income. I believe that's the main problem...too many interested in the money and not in the work. 😡

im interested in pain for a long time, and its not a sin to ask what incomes may be, thanks anyway, good luck with your fellowship

 

[WaZoBia]

all this tension over pain. 🙂

 

[PainDr]

If you want info about income, it is easy enough to find.

 

[PainDr]

Well, I got my fellowship! I matched with a great program and am very happy. I interviewed at a total of 5 programs (with plans to interview at two more) and got one of my top two choices. Looking back, I think my original post was somewhat pessimistic as I was having a really bad day. When I have more time I'll post about my interview experiences. Sorry I can't do it right now but I'm really busy. 😀

 

[ys]

Congratulations! I am really happy to see a neurologist land an interventional pain fellowship. Please keep us informed.

 

[Fermata]

Well, I got my fellowship! I matched with a great program and am very happy. I interviewed at a total of 5 programs (with plans to interview at two more) and got one of my top two choices. Looking back, I think my original post was somewhat pessimistic as I was having a really bad day. When I have more time I'll post about my interview experiences. Sorry I can't do it right now but I'm really busy. 😀

Congrats dude.

 

[charcot]

Congrats dude.

congrats!