Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein Medical School
Bronx, NY
Program Director: Sayed E. Wahezi MD
Program Coordinator: Marivell Viruet, mviruet@montefiore.org, 718-920-2413
https://virtualtour.montefioreeinstein.org/pain-medicine-fellowship
Clinical Training Strengths
The Montefiore Einstein Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship develops strong, practice-ready clinical skills through high-volume exposure to a diverse patient population and comprehensive, hands-on training. Fellows gain expertise in the evaluation and management of acute and chronic pain conditions using responsible pharmacologic strategies, evidence-based clinical judgment, and advanced interventional techniques. Training emphasizes procedural proficiency, multidisciplinary decision-making, and continuity of care across outpatient, inpatient, and consultative settings.Fellows also gain valuable clinical experience through dedicated rotations in psychiatry, palliative care, and neurology, with focused exposure to cancer-related and complex pain management in a multidisciplinary setting.
Procedural Training
Fellows receive extensive hands-on experience in one of the most comprehensive academic interventional pain programs, with broad exposure to advanced fluoroscopy- and ultrasound-guided procedures. Training includes neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), ultrasound-guided peripheral joint injections, tenotomy, kyphoplasty, and basivertebral nerve ablation, among many others.
Faculty and Mentorship
Our faculty is unique in both its diversity and its deeply supportive culture. The teaching staff represents a wide range of backgrounds, including female national leaders, varied ethnicities, life experiences, and training from multiple institutions, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment. Most importantly, the program functions like a family—fellows are known personally and supported throughout the year. Pain Medicine fellows receive direct, real-time supervision during both clinic and procedures, with each attending serving as a dedicated mentor in focused two-month blocks.
Research and Academic Opportunities
The fellowship offers strong research and academic opportunities with dedicated support for scholarship and national involvement. Fellows receive close faculty mentorship in study design, abstract preparation, and manuscript development, with encouragement to pursue scholarly projects throughout the year. The program actively supports fellow presentations at major national meetings, including ASRA, NANS, and AAPM. In addition, fellows have opportunities to engage in medical education, contribute to curriculum development, and participate in national committees, fostering growth as both academic clinicians and future leaders in pain medicine.
Career Support and Fellow Outcomes
The program provides strong career support with a proven record of excellent fellow outcomes. Graduates secure competitive positions in both private practice and academic settings nationwide. Individualized mentoring is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with faculty working closely with each fellow to align training, career planning, and professional development with personal goals. This tailored approach ensures fellows graduate not only well prepared for independent practice, but also fulfilled, confident, and positioned for long-term career satisfaction in pain medicine.
Program Culture
The fellow experience is defined by a supportive, balanced, and collegial environment. While the program values hard work and clinical excellence, it also prioritizes fellow well-being and work–life balance. Clinical hours are designed to be non-strenuous, allowing ample time for independent study, personal growth, and enjoying life in New York City. Fellows regularly participate in social events that foster camaraderie and a strong sense of community. This balance of rigorous training, mutual support, and celebration creates a positive, fulfilling fellowship experience both inside and outside the hospital.
Signature Features
What truly sets our program apart is our culture of family and mutual respect. From faculty and fellows to nurses, X-ray technologists, and support staff, every member of the team is valued and recognized as essential to patient care. This collaborative, appreciative environment fosters trust, learning, and exceptional clinical care. We are also deeply proud to serve a diverse patient population, including many individuals who are historically underrepresented in health care. Caring for this community enriches our training, strengthens our sense of purpose, and reinforces our shared commitment to equity, compassion, and excellence in pain medicine.
