pm&r vs. gas -- pain management

[ys]

From previous threads I have learned that a pain fellowship in gas or pm&r is a possibility for pm&r grads.
What are the differences in gas vs. pm&r fellowship training? What is the scope(procedures, day to day work,etc.)of the practice of a pm&r pain specialist vs. a gas pain specialist?
And finally, how are they similar or different viz a viz job opportunities, salaries.
Thanks in advance.

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[drusso]

Well, the fellowship training and procedures are the same for both PM&R and anesthesia-trained pain medicine specialists. It really depends upon what your ultimate focus is. In general (plenty exceptions apply), PM&R docs do more non-malignant, musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain. Anesthesia docs tend to focus more on the cancer pain and acute post-op pain management. Again, exceptions apply.

Job opportunities are comparable for both. It's really a question of what procedures, skills, and training you bring to the table than your "specialty of origin" per se. A general consensus is that anesthesia residents are better prepared for the procedural training of a pain fellowship right out of residency while PM&R residents take a little time to "catch-up" with their skills. However, PM&R residents have the electrodiagnostic (EMG/NCS) skills, physical examination skills and musculoskeletal medicine knowledge at their fingertips while most anesthesia residents haven't done a good neurological or orthopedic examinaiton in years.

The fact of the matter is that pain is so multidisciplinary that we all have things to learn from one another. Different programs (based in different departments) have different focuses. But, the ACGME pain board is sponsored by anesthesia, PM&R, and neurology/psychiatry so residents from all four disciplines are eligible to pursue fellowships in any department.

 

[drusso]

Well, the fellowship training and procedures are the same for both PM&R and anesthesia-trained pain medicine specialists. It really depends upon what your ultimate focus is. In general (plenty exceptions apply), PM&R docs do more non-malignant, musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain. Anesthesia docs tend to focus more on the cancer pain and acute post-op pain management. Again, exceptions apply.

Job opportunities are comparable for both. It's really a question of what procedures, skills, and training you bring to the table than your "specialty of origin" per se. A general consensus is that anesthesia residents are better prepared for the procedural training of a pain fellowship right out of residency while PM&R residents take a little time to "catch-up" with their skills. However, PM&R residents have the electrodiagnostic (EMG/NCS) skills, physical examination skills and musculoskeletal medicine knowledge at their fingertips while most anesthesia residents haven't done a good neurological or orthopedic examinaiton in years.

The fact of the matter is that pain is so multidisciplinary that we all have things to learn from one another. Different programs (based in different departments) have different focuses. But, the ACGME pain board is sponsored by anesthesia, PM&R, and neurology/psychiatry so residents from all four disciplines are eligible to pursue fellowships in any department.

14 years later this is still true.

 

[lobelsteve]

14 years later this is still true.

Except from Neurology.

Sorry sis.