AAPM members are invited to nominate fellow members for our monthly AAPM Member Focus feature by filling out the form found here. Below is this month’s focus member.
The AAPM Member Focus nominee for October 2023 is Jessica Oswald, MD, MPH.
Dr. Oswald is a dual board-certified specialist in emergency medicine and pain medicine at UC San Diego Health. In her practice, she addresses both acute and chronic pain conditions using a spectrum of procedures, such as neuromodulation, fluoroscopic guided spine procedures, ultrasound-guided injections, trigger point injections, and botulinum toxin applications for various muscle groups.
Her emphasis on interventional pain procedures and lifestyle modifications aids patients in regaining their functional capabilities. Steering clear from an opiate-centric approach, Dr. Oswald employs a comprehensive anti-inflammatory strategy for pain management that encompasses complementary alternatives, exercise, psychological counseling, and mindfulness.
Within UC San Diego School of Medicine, she takes on the role of an assistant professor in both the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology’s Division of Pain Medicine. Actively involved in academia, Dr. Oswald plays a significant role in educating medical students, residents, and fellows. Her research focuses on peripheral nerve stimulation and techniques that may prevent acute pain from becoming chronic.
Her academic journey led her to complete a fellowship in pain management at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a residency in emergency medicine at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Oswald acquired her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and holds a master’s degree in public health from West Virginia University.
Dr. Oswald stands out for her pioneering work that blends the practices of pain medicine and emergency medicine. Recognized nationally, she has significantly transformed emergency medicine by integrating interventional techniques typically employed in pain management directly within the emergency department. This innovative approach benefits not only acute cases but also chronic pain patients. The results of her trailblazing therapies can be seen in more than 15 PubMed publications within the last half-decade.
As a mentor, Dr. Oswald’s contributions have been celebrated, evident by her receiving the Emergency Medicine Resident Association Mentor of the Year award. Committed to fostering the next generation, she even created a Facebook group connecting trainees with mentors and consistently dedicates her time to enhance growth and match potential among emergency medicine residents.
Within AAPM, Dr. Oswald established the Emergency Medicine SIG, aiming to devise a comprehensive curriculum for emergency medicine doctors to tackle pain management challenges in emergency departments effectively.
Patients and team members alike recognize Dr. Oswald for her composed bedside manner. Her dedication to compassionate care makes her a competent physician and a source of inspiration for many in the medical community.
Aside from her academic and medical pursuits, Dr. Oswald’s background is both diverse and inspiring. A former professional surfer and a cancer survivor, she harnesses her resilience and channels it into her passion for surfing, fishing, hiking, and snowboarding during her free time.
Nominate a fellow AAPM member who exemplifies our mission to advance multidisciplinary pain care innovation, education, advocacy, and research by completing the nomination form here.