The Department of Anesthesiology

Combined Regional Anesthesia/MBA Fellowship

The Department of Anesthesia at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is pleased to announce the launch of the Combined Regional Anesthesia/MBA Fellowship. This unique, 18-month program is designed to help fellows develop both clinically and as physician leaders. The Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA) degree is earned through the highly ranked Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and is specifically designed for physicians seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills within the healthcare industry. The non-ACGME accredited regional anesthesia fellowship will provide advanced training in regional anesthesia techniques and theory.

Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Program

During the Regional fellowship, fellows will gain experience in a wide range of skills associated with regional anesthesiology, utilizing state of the art ultrasound guided techniques to perform single shot and catheter blocks. Our inpatient pain service provides care for patients across the hospital and offers multimodal management including ketamine and lidocaine infusions. We prepare trainees to evaluate pertinent literature, develop and conduct original research projects, and present their work at academic meetings.

Each fellow will personally perform and supervise residents in more than 1,000 blocks during the fellowship year, including upper/lower extremity blocks, peripheral nerve catheters, and truncal blocks. In addition, the fellow will have ample opportunity to develop their point of care ultrasound skills and complete certification.

Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA) Program

The PEMBA portion of the program allows fellows the opportunity to learn the business of medicine and apply these lessons in the clinical setting. The culmination being the completion of an Organizational Action Project. The purpose of this exercise is to design and execute a year-long project that will improve both patient and organizational outcomes, with deliverables scheduled throughout the year. The fellow will present the finished product to the department and at the PEMBA program at the end of the training program.

The PEMBA program at the Haslam College of Business is a preeminent, nationally ranked degree program exclusively for physicians seeking leadership, management, and business skills. A Physician Executive MBA degree is awarded upon program completion as well as participation in graduation ceremonies.

Clinical Instructor Role and Professional Development

Non-fellow weeks are dedicated to serving as a clinical instructor, engaging in a diverse array of general operating room cases. This role ensures that fellows maintain their clinical anesthesiology skills and begin their development as an attending anesthesiologist.

Furthermore, each fellow is provided with professional funds to support their participation in conferences and other academic endeavors. The program offers a Junior Faculty Level salary with comprehensive benefits. Importantly, the fellowship does not require call, weekend, or night clinical work, promoting work-life balance and ensuring optimal learning conditions.

The fellowship program is structured to include protected Non-Clinical Time (NCT) to accommodate PEMBA requirements and a variety of clinical enrichment activities. Fellows are encouraged to pursue these activities to expand their knowledge and enhance their professional growth.

Faculty

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship and PEMBA program are guided and enriched by an accomplished team of faculty members dedicated to providing comprehensive education and mentorship:

- Micah Hatch, MD, MBA: Program Director of PEMBA Fellowship
- Hannah Vega, MD: Program Director of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Fellowship
- Patrick McFarland, MD, MBA, FASA:Assistant Fellowship Director and Clinical Director
- Che Solla, MD, MBA: Director of Multimodal Acute Pain Service
- Keith May, MD: Associate Program Director and Assistant Business Manager

Application Process and Requirements

Interested applicants should prepare the following materials:

- Updated CV/Resume
- Personal Statement describing career goals and interest in the fellowship
- Three Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a current or former supervisor)
- Proof of Medical Licensure
- Proof of Completion of Anesthesiology Residency Program

Applicants should submit all materials through the official application portal or via email to the fellowship coordinator. Application deadlines are typically set for early in the academic year to allow adequate time for interviews and selection.

Fellowship Coordinator: Gwen Schwartz
Email: gschwartz@utmck.edu
Phone: 865-305-5479

Learn More about Our Department and the Knoxville Area

The UT Graduate School of Medicine at UT Medical Center: Take a Tour