After our first annual Pain Fellow’s Day and in anticipation of the Texas Pain Society 17th Annual Scientific Conference, we gathered information about fellowship programs around the state. 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) had one fellow, Karla Samaniego, in the McGovern Medical School's Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine’s Pain Management Fellowship.

1. What makes this program unique for pain fellows? 

The program stands out for its high procedural and advanced procedural volume, giving fellows extensive exposure to everything from routine injections to cutting-edge techniques like spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal pumps, kyphoplasty, sacroiliac joint fusion, and peripheral nerve stimulation. It also provides flexibility to tailor the fellowship through elective rotations, including opportunities with private practice physicians, so fellows gain insight into different practice models. Ultimately, the focus is on ensuring fellows graduate with the skills and experience needed to thrive in private practice or academic settings, with strong procedural competence and a clear understanding of comprehensive pain management.

2. Why do fellows apply to this program? 

Fellows apply because it combines a high-volume, advanced procedural experience with the personal attention of a smaller program. They gain hands-on exposure to everything from routine injections to advanced techniques. The structure allows for customization through electives and rotations with private practice physicians, so fellows can tailor training to their career goals, while also gaining insight into practice management. Just as importantly, the strong faculty mentorship creates an environment where fellows are treated as colleagues rather than trainees.

3. What do fellows want to accomplish during their time in this program?

Fellows want to graduate with strong procedural skills and the confidence to manage a wide range of pain conditions. They aim to become well-rounded clinicians who are equally comfortable in the procedure suite and the clinic. Beyond technical training, fellows want to understand what it takes to succeed after graduation, particularly how to transition smoothly into private practice, including patient management, workflow, and the business aspects of pain medicine. The program is designed to give them the skills and perspective they need to be fully prepared for life after fellowship.

4. Where do graduates go on to practice? 

Graduates are well-prepared to enter a variety of practice settings. While this first fellow is planning to transition directly into private practice, the fellowship is structured to provide the clinical, procedural, and professional foundation needed to thrive in both private practice and academic environments.

5. What academic opportunities does this program offer graduates? 

Multiple academic opportunities are provided for our fellows. They are actively involved in departmental research projects and may take advantage of a dedicated research elective month to focus on scholarly activity. Fellows can also pursue elective rotations to broaden their clinical or academic interests. Routine journal clubs are held to keep fellows up to date with the latest research and to foster critical discussion. In addition, membership in professional societies, participation at national meetings, and networking opportunities are strongly encouraged, in order to help build professional connections and academic advances.

6. What does this program do to promote wellness and teamwork? 

Fellows regularly join faculty for dinners and social gatherings, as well as happy hours and events with residents interested in pain medicine. These activities foster a supportive environment, encourage mentorship, and promote teamwork both inside and outside of the clinic.