Pain Perspectives Course Modules

Pain Perspectives Course*

Pain Perspectives: Understanding and Managing Pain Across Specialties

Gain essential knowledge in pain management. The Pain Perspective Course is ideal for healthcare providers new to pain medicine.

Pain Perspectives: Understanding and Managing Pain Across Specialties

AAPM’s Pain Perspectives course is designed to fill critical gaps in pain management education. With over 100 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, clinicians across specialties often lack the structured training needed to provide effective, equitable care. This on-demand course equips providers with the latest tools, strategies, and insights to elevate their pain care practice.

Featured Modules & Faculty

Buprenorphine & Treating Pain – Trent Emerick, MD (Course Director)

Explore the role of buprenorphine in both acute and chronic pain contexts. Understand pharmacology, regulatory requirements, and how to integrate this partial agonist into safe, effective treatment plans for opioid-tolerant patients.

Choosing the Right Pain Specialist – Sayed Emal Wahezi, MD

This module helps primary care providers identify when to refer patients to pain specialists. Learn about multidisciplinary team roles, referral timing, and what patients can expect after a referral.

An Evidence-Based Approach to Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain – Steven Stanos, DO

In this module, learners will explore evidence-based approaches for diagnosing and managing chronic low back pain, with a focus on physical therapy interventions. They will gain practical skills in manual therapy, targeted exercise, and patient education to promote recovery and prevent chronicity.

Peripheral Neuropathy & Headaches – Meredith Barad, MD

Learn how to recognize and treat peripheral neuropathic pain, migraines, and facial pain. Includes practical diagnostic tools, pharmacologic therapies, and integrative options for complex cases.

Migraine: The Basics of Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment – Meredith Barad, MD

Gain a foundational understanding of migraine diagnosis, phases, and underlying mechanisms. Learners will be equipped with practical strategies, ranging from lifestyle and preventive approaches to acute treatments and neuromodulation options, to guide patient care.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) – Ryan D’Souza, MD

Explore emerging evidence and indications for PNS. Understand how to evaluate candidates, what devices are available, and how to coordinate follow-up with interventional pain teams.

Behavioralist’s Perspective on Pain – Xavier Jimenez, MD, MA

Discover how psychological, social, and behavioral factors influence pain. This session presents tools for screening mental health comorbidities and introduces evidence-based therapies like CBT and ACT.

Pain & Psychological Overlap – Traci Speed, MD, PhD (Course Director)

Understand the bidirectional relationship between pain and mental health. Learn how to identify overlapping conditions such as PTSD and depression, and apply trauma-informed care techniques.

Fibromyalgia & Nociplastic Pain – Andrea Chadwick, MD

This session demystifies fibromyalgia as a key example of nociplastic pain. Covers clinical assessment, patient communication, and multimodal management without over-reliance on medication.

Cancer Pain Management – David Copenhaver, MD

Learn principles of cancer pain treatment, from early palliative intervention to advanced pharmacology and interventional options. Focus on patient goals, functional status, and quality of life.

Pelvic Pain from a PT Perspective – Beth Shelly, PT, DPT

Understand the complexities of pelvic pain and the value of pelvic floor therapy. Covers non-invasive strategies, interprofessional collaboration, and case scenarios for integrating PT into care plans.

Sex-Based Differences in Pain – Kristen MacKenzie, MD

Explore how sex and hormonal factors shape pain perception, diagnosis, and treatment response. Learn how to adjust assessment and care planning accordingly.

Pediatric Pain – Amber Borucki, MD

Learn principles to assess and manage pain in children with strategies tailored to their unique needs. This module equips you with practical, evidence-based tools to deliver compassionate, effective care that supports both young patients and their families.

Race & Ethnicity in Pain Experience – Uzoma Osaugwu, MD, MPH

Delve into disparities in pain reporting, treatment access, and clinical outcomes among racially diverse populations. This session equips clinicians to provide culturally sensitive and equitable care.