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Spine & Sports Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship Program for Physiatrists

Fellowship Training
The Penn Spine Center offers a one-year clinical fellowship position for two trainees per year. This nationally-recognized interventional physiatric program emphasizes the recruitment and training of the next generation of academic physician leaders in this field. We provide organized clinical training designed to meet individualized educational objectives. It is anticipated that each graduate will have acquired excellence in the assessment of patients with complex painful spinal disorders. As well, securing the skills to perform fluoroscopically-guided spinal injections.

Basic science and clinically-oriented research, along with the teaching of resident physicians and medical students, are key elements of this diverse experience. Along with the academic mission is the continuing focus that the implementation of our diagnostic and treatment algorithms will result in an enormous difference in the lives of our patients.

General Information
The Penn Spine Center at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with disorders related to the back and neck. The Penn Spine Center brings together subspecialists from multiple disciplines, offering at a single site the expertise of a team of professionals who handle the diagnostic and treatment needs of any patient with neck and/or back pain.

State-of-the-art imaging and testing facilities, an interdisciplinary approach, and support of the advanced technology and resources of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center make the Penn Spine Center one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive facilities of its kind.

Therapeutic Approach
For each patient a specific diagnosis is made. Treatment is individualized — neck and back pain are not treated generically. Kinetic chain and biomechanical analyses also are integrated into the patients care. Fundamental concepts of the program are reliance on the judicious use of passive modalities, concentration on reactivation of the patient to the fullest extent possible, and avoidance of surgery whenever feasible. Surgery will be advised when nonoperative care cannot achieve the necessary results.

Features of the Program — Comprehensive Integrated Care
The Penn Spine Center, based in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, includes integrated care with specialists from other disciplines throughout the Medical Center who are subspecialists in spinal care including orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation physicians, spine surgeons, psychologists and physical therapists

Testing and Imaging
Neurophysiologic testing is available within the center, including electrodiagnostic testing and evoked potential studies. Radiologic imaging is conveniently located nearby.

Nonoperative Procedures
Nonoperative procedures include fluoroscopically guided spinal injections including facet joint blocks, epidural blocks, caudal blocks, selective nerve root blocks, sacroiliac joint blocks, sympathetic blocks, discograms, trigger point injections, peripheral nerve blocks, and intradiscal procedures.

Location
The Penn Spine Center is located in the William J. Erdman Ambulatory Care Facility of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the ground floor of the White Building.

The Penn Spine Center Team

Multidisciplinary Spine Center Educational Experience

For fellowship training information, please contact:

Christopher T. Plastaras, MD
Director, The Penn Spine Center
Director, Spine & Sports Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellowship
Chief, Division of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Ground Floor White Building
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
215-349-8062
www.DrPlastaras.com