Dr. Bert Fichman, MD returns to NVRH Center for Pain Management: With two providers, patients can now be seen sooner

From left to right: Dr. David Dent, DO, and Dr. Bert Fichman, MD

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (November 19, 2024) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is excited to announce that patients can be seen sooner now that Dr. Bert Fichman joins Dr. David Dent, DO in the NVRH Center for Pain Management.

Dr. Fichman, MD has worked in the field of pain management for 30 years. Before joining NVRH, Dr. Fichman added to his experience with a two year term in South Carolina specializing in pain medicine. Previously, he had been a provider at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for 13 years, and prior to that, he had been in a private practice anesthesia group in New York City for 17 years.

Originally from New York City, Dr. Fichman, MD attended Albany Medical College; Albany, NY and did his residency in anesthesiology at the New York University Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, NY.

“I found that when I started practicing anesthesia, the aspects I enjoyed the most were working with patients and developing a relationship with them,” Dr. Fichman said. “I also found it very satisfying to be able to do procedures that helped people get back to functioning more fully.”

Dr. Fichman is board certified in anesthesia and pain management and he also holds a master’s degree in Health Care Delivery Science from the Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University.

Dr. Fichman & Dr. Dent bring over 50 years of combined experience

With Dr. Fichman’s 30 years of experience, coupled with those of Dr. Dent, the two providers will bring over 50 years of combined experience to the NVRH Center for Pain Management. Before joining NVRH, Dr. David Dent, DO was the Program Director of the Pain Management Fellowship and the Medical Director of the Functional Restoration Program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

Originally from Texas, Dr. Dent is Board Certified in Pain Medicine. He attended the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and did his residency in occupational medicine at the University of Illinois Medical Center. He did a Sports Medicine/Pain Management Fellowship at John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas and he also completed a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Illinois.

Both providers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Their interests and foci also complement each other nicely. For example, in addition to traditional pain management, Dr. Fichman has a background and a passion for palliative and hospice medicine, and holds a board certification in this area, and Dr. Dent has a background and passion for musculoskeletal medicine/non-surgical orthopaedics.

“We have worked together at Dartmouth for approximately 8 years,” Dr. Fichman said. “Our different focus is a good blend.”

Both providers are available to complete evaluations, and with the addition of Dr. Fichman, the Center for Pain Management has greatly improved its ability to schedule patients. And, because Dr. Dent and Dr. Fichman continue to have excellent relationships with their previous colleagues at Dartmouth, they are able to easily refer patients to Dartmouth for specialized care.

“I am very happy to be back at NVRH,” Dr. Fichman said. “When I was working at Dartmouth, I was given the opportunity 10 years ago to start the pain program here, and working at NVRH was always my favorite spot because of the excellent staff and dedication to patient centered care. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be back here.”

Outside of work, both Dr. Dent and Dr. Fichman enjoy being outdoors. For Dent, this means spending time with family trail running, hiking, biking and skiing. For Fichman, it’s exploring all the unique opportunities in the area with family and friends.

“I like to paint and write,” he added. “Also, I am always doing a project around the house.”

NVRH’s Center for Pain Management treats a variety of pain types

Treating a variety of pain types, from chronic and symptomatic to skeletal and neurological, The Center for Pain Management works with patients to customize a plan to achieve their pain management goals. They also work closely with physical therapy, neurology, behavioral medicine, and orthopaedics. The center does not prescribe opioids. However, the providers are available for consultation to assist a patient’s referring provider on determining medication treatment plans.

To schedule an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral.