Library
APS Bulletin • Volume 13, Number 5, 2003
Past Presidents’ Perspectives
Wilbert E. Fordyce, PhD, Department Editor
Look for Future Emphasis on Ethics, Technology, Research, and Economics
Robert G. Addison, MD
What are you doing now?
I am retired from patient care, and active as an administrative consultant to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). I helped develop a new construct for RIC’s successful pain program. The program is now divided into two sections: the Chronic Pain Center and the Center for Pain Studies, which was restructured as a pain research center that is directed by Norman Harden, MD. Funding for the creation of the Robert G. Addison chair in pain studies has been established, and Dr. Harden was appointed as first holder of that chair. My involvement continues as an advisor and founder. I remain on the faculty as professor of orthopedic surgery and professor of rehabilitation medicine. I think they just forgot to make me an emeritus.
Retirement from daily responsibilities allows me to spend winters in Florida, attend cultural events, and read about topics other than pain. I now have time to pursue my hobby, stone sculpture. I spend much of my office time helping friends and former patients seek care for their current medical problems.
How did you get started in pain?
My primary training was in orthopedic surgery, with a subspecialty in spine problems. In 1971, I wrote a book, Living With Your Bad Back. It resulted in an increase in back pain referrals who did well with a multidisciplinary treatment program. Based on that experience, I organized a multidisciplinary pain program at RIC.
At about that time, I met John Bonica as he was recruiting people to go to Florence, Italy, for an IASP meeting. Although I was not able to attend, I became an APS member; this finalized my decision to change my practice to pain management.
In 1974, I retired from surgical orthopedic practice and concentrated my activities at RIC, where I established the Center for Pain studies as a clinical multidisciplinary back pain program. This soon included other types of pain problems. A full complement of professional specialists was added, and the Center for Pain Studies prospered both clinically and academically.
I organized the Midwest Pain Society and became its first president. I served as the third president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. After serving on the APS board and in other roles, I was elected as APS president for the 1989–1990 term.
How do you view current U.S. pain research and treatment?
Advances in basic research have increased tremendously since the early emphasis on clinical aspects of pain. The effect of pain on quality of life is a major direction of study. The demand for more substantive and basic research corroboration for clinical reports has resulted in international study and the understanding of basic mechanisms underlying chronic pain. Many well-known researchers are now recognized for their pain research.
Many people now study cancer and nonmalignant pain syndromes. Knowledge of the impact of acute and chronic pain on the aging population has resulted in a specialty in itself. The undertreatment of pain for all medical conditions is receiving deserved attention. Pain team professionals have access to educational programs. We are seeing improvement in pain management verification standards. The acceptance of “Pain as the 5th Vital Sign” has helped all professionals evaluate and treat acute and chronic pain.
What’s your forecast for the future?
I expect greater emphasis on ethics, technology, research, and economics. One example is the impact of pain in the ever-increasing elderly population. The U.S. Census Bureau has predicted that by 2030, there will be more than 2 million Americans older than 100 years of age in the United States. There will be greater emphasis on early education for elderly patients to prevent pain problems. Technological advances and the application of research findings will result in new care tools. Pharmaceutical advances will introduce new drugs with fewer side effects. Pain ethicists will become part of the pain team. Pain curricula will be an integral part of education for interdisciplinary team professionals. Gene and functional brain technology will play greater roles in pain study and management.
I recommend the establishment of a “pain think tank” that would comprise pain professionals, educators, organizational leadership, business people, and others who can contribute their expertise to advance care for people with pain.
Please direct your comments or suggestions about this article or department to Wilbert E. Fordyce, PhD, Department Editor, at wfordyce@msn.com.
