How to become a pain management doctor:

Pain management physicians, also known as pain medicine doctors, are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing chronic pain conditions. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pain management physician, it is important to understand the education and training required to become one.

Here is a basic guide on how to become a pain management doctor in the United States.

What is pain management?

Education and Training

Undergraduate Degree

The path to becoming a pain management physician starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. While there is no specific major required for medical school, it is recommended to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.

Medical School

After completing an undergraduate degree, aspiring pain management physicians must attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete, and students receive extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.

Residency Training

After medical school, aspiring pain management physicians must complete a residency program in either anesthesiology or physical medicine and rehabilitation. These residency programs typically last for four years and provide intensive training in pain management.

Fellowship Training

After completing a residency program, aspiring pain management physicians must complete a fellowship in pain management. These programs last for one to two years and provide specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions.

Other Specialties in Pain Management

While anesthesiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation are the most common specialties for pain management physicians, there are other medical specialties that also enter pain management fellowships. These specialties include neurology, psychiatry, and radiology.

If you are a medical professional in one of these specialties and interested in pursuing a career in pain management, you must apply for certification through the American Board of Anesthesiology or the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.