Library
APS Bulletin • Volume 18, Number 2, 2008
Outgoing President’s Message
Judy Paice, PhD RN FAAN
APS: A Dynamic Presence
Our recent 27th Annual Scientific Meeting reinforced APS’s important influence in the field of pain. The topics were highly relevant, attendance was excellent, and reviews were outstanding. I am grateful to all attendees and participants, but especially to Tim Brennan, who so capably served as the scientific program committee chair, and to each member of this committee. Under Tim’s leadership, the committee dedicated time and energy to plan an extraordinary meeting.
At the meeting I provided a state of the society address to highlight our most recent accomplishments. The following is an overview of the exciting work of the board and executive committee, our many dynamic volunteers who serve as committee chairs and members, and our staff. Our vision and mission continue to guide these efforts, keeping us focused on our foundation of research, education, treatment, and advocacy.
Research
To advance the science of pain, we must champion the efforts of young investigators. The funding environment is dismal, and researchers just beginning their careers need support. The Future Leaders in Pain Management Small Grants Research Program provided $20,000 to five researchers, and we are working to increase this funding. Sandra Ward and the Small Grants Committee have done exceptional work in reviewing applications and selecting grantees. In addition to the small grants program, APS awarded travel support to 47 trainees to allow them to attend the annual meeting.
APS continues to advocate for increased National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for pain research. We commissioned David Bradshaw, Dick Chapman, and their team at the University of Utah to examine funding patterns for pain research over these past 5 years, and the results will be published soon. Furthermore, several executive committee members met with NIH Pain Consortium cochairs in March 2008 in what has become an annual meeting to maintain open dialogue about mutual interests and concerns.
Education
APS introduced several innovations at the annual meeting. Junior investigators were able to present brief reports with feedback from respected scientists at the Data Blitz held on Wednesday evening. Interactive workshops allowed extended time to explore issues more deeply surrounding pediatric pain, chronic opioid therapy, and voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. For the seventh consecutive year, Charles Argoff directed “Essentials in Pain Management: Principles and Practice” with great skill and creativity. Many APS members shared their expertise with 100 young trainees representing medicine, nursing, psychology, physical therapy, and dentistry. A new feature this year was the availability of the entire course online for APS members to view and to potentially use in their own teaching efforts.
Treatment
There are two major initiatives within APS to advance the appropriate treatment of pain: the Clinical Practice Guidelines Program and the Clinical Centers of Excellence in Pain Management Program. Under the excellent leadership of Roger Chou and Chris Miaskowski, the practice guidelines have taken on a new format. Rather than publishing monographs that face challenges in dissemination, the evidence-based reviews are being published in high-impact journals that will reach a large number of clinicians. For example, three publications regarding the outcome of the Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain panel’s work appeared in Annals of Internal Medicine. Look for the publication of the Opioids for Non-Cancer Pain guidelines later this year.
APS presented six centers with the Clinical Centers of Excellence Awards at the gala held during the annual meeting. Michael Clark very adeptly coordinated this program. He and the committee members reviewed 47 applications and selected those programs that embody the attributes of a true interdisciplinary pain program.
Advocacy
APS is an active member of the Pain Care Coalition (PCC), and through this group we continue to advocate for funding for pain research and treatment. Ron Dubner and Ed Michna bring tremendous knowledge and expertise to the table as they represent APS in these activities. Look for updates in APS E-News about upcoming pain-related legislation.
Publications
The Journal of Pain bears a new and exciting look, and its impact continues to rise due to Gerry Gebhart’s extraordinary work as editor. You may have noticed the APS Bulletin has also grown tremendously through the energy and skill of Steve Sanders and the editorial board. Similarly, Allen Lebovits has invigorated APS E-News such that members greatly rely on this exceptional and timely link to the organization.
There is so much energy and excitement in our organization right now. The executive committee and board members have been the driving force behind this excitement and are responsible for so many of these accomplishments. I am grateful to outgoing board members Gil Fanciullo, Michael Gold, and Lonnie Zeltzer for all their contributions. Congratulations to our new board members, including Mark Jensen, who will be moving into the secretary role, Julie Ann Sorenson, Greg Terman, and Diana Wilkie. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have a treasurer, Jennifer Haythornthwaite, who is thoughtful, responsible, and committed to our financial health as an organization. None of this work would take place without the professional staff at Association Management Center (AMC), our professional management company. Under the very capable leadership of Executive Director Cathy Underwood, this team carries out our organization’s many essential activities.
I have been very honored to serve as president for these past 2 years and am grateful to so many who have provided support and encouragement. Chuck Inturrisi is an excellent leader who will guide APS with great wisdom and strength. I hope you will join Chuck and all of us who believe in the power of APS by remaining active or by becoming involved in our organization.
