A statement from the American Academy of Pain Medicine

As a professional medical society, the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) is committed to integrity and transparency in all of its activities. Like other professional medical societies, the Academy relies on a number of revenue sources, including membership dues, event registration fees, unrestricted educational grants, industry sponsored activities, and the sale of trade show exhibit space and advertising.

Industry sponsorships, trade show exhibits, and advertising sales represent business transactions with external companies that seek to reach the Academy’s constituents. While the Academy does not impose strict editorial control, it does have policy that helps ensure appropriate standards of accuracy are maintained.

When accepting unrestricted educational grants, the Academy adheres to the standards established by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), which accredits nearly 2,000 organizations across the country. The ACCME Standards for Commercial Support require that professional medical societies exclude industry from any influence, direct or indirect, over speakers and educational content.

In its most recent accreditation cycles (2012-17 and 2018-23), the Academy was awarded Accreditation with Commendation as a provider of continuing medical education for physicians. The six-year accreditation is the highest level awarded by the ACCME.