Meet the faculty

Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed joined the faculty of the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Wisconsin in 2014 to provide Chronic Pain Medicine Services as part of the Interventional Pain Program. He received his medical training at Assiut University Medical School in Egypt, completed a master’s degree in Public Health, research fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, and residency in anesthesiology and pain management fellowship at University of Cincinnati. As part of the Interventional Pain Program, Dr. Abd-Elsayed evaluates patients at the Pain Clinic, and when an interventional pain treatment is appropriate, performs procedures at the Madison Surgery Center.
In addition to his work as a pain specialist, Dr. Abd-Elsayed is an active clinical investigator. Current studies include the use of opioids, genetic variations leading to different individual response to opioids, and the use of neuromodulation and peripheral nerve stimulators for the management of neuropathic pain. He also has research interests in fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and headaches, and is leading a study called “CREATE” to help CRPS patients. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous research grants, published more than 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and authored several editorials and book chapters. He has presented at more than 60 international and national conferences and has earned more than 15 awards at the state and national levels. In addition, he has served as a reviewer for more than 20 journals and as an editor to several journals.
“Dr. Al,” as he likes to be called, is a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA). He was named among the Leading Physicians of the World and America’s Best Physicians in 2016.

Latrice A. Akuamoah, M.D., M.P.H is an interventional pain physician at Visco Spin and Joint Center in New Jersey. She is double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. She graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Science in molecular genetics prior to earning her Medical Degree and Master of Public Health at Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, followed by a fellowship in interventional pain management at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Akuamoah takes time to carefully listen to her patients so that she can help them reach their diverse lifestyle goals. She has expertise in using minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of painful conditions. She has a particular interest in caring for groups who have historically received disparate medical care, including women and people of color.

Dr. Al-Kaisy is currently the Clinical Lead of the Pain Management and Neuromodulation Centre at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS trust. He trained in Chronic Pain Medicine at The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool. He has a fellowship in Chronic Pain Management at the University of Toronto Hospital, Canada. Dr. Al-Kaisy has an international reputation as a leading expert in Pain Management and has extensive experience in working toward the advancement of electrical neuromodulation techniques within this specialty. Dr. Al-Kaisy led the first multicenter and multinational study on the safety and efficacy of 10kHz SCS in the management of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). He has subsequently clinically pioneered the use of this novel therapy in the management of different chronic pain conditions including the feasibility study on chronic back patients without prior surgery. He has successfully designed groundbreaking research including a randomized double-blind placebo control study examining different frequencies in the management of FBSS. He is the innovator of a number of techniques including transgrade dorsal root ganglion stimulation using monopolar electrical stimulation. Dr. Al-Kaisy continues to teach and lecture on essential and pioneering topics in pain management in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. He is the chair of the biannual London Spine Pain Symposium at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital.

Dr. Akwasi Amponsah is a board-certified Interventional Pain Management consultant and anesthesiologist currently practicing at Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School. He is the Director of Neuromodulation and has been the current program director for the interventional pain medicine fellowship program for over 2 years. Formerly the program director of the University of Miami’s pain medicine fellowship program, Dr. Amponsah has nearly a decade of experience treating complex chronic pain syndromes in both academic and private sectors. He specializes in axial spine and nerve pain, utilizing advanced interventional pain techniques such as spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal drug delivery systems, kyphoplasty, percutaneous discectomy, and minimally invasive spine and joint procedures. He is an avid soccer player and an active father to two girls.

Dra. Esthael Avelar (MD) is a Brazilian Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist based in São Paulo, Brazil, with advanced expertise in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine. She provides comprehensive pain care at Clínica Atualli and is affiliated with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Dedicated to advancing the field of innovative pain treatments, she is an active member of the Brazilian Medical Society of Interventional Pain (SOBRAMID) and the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine (AABRM). Dra. Avelar is a highly sought-after educator and speaker in the international medical community, frequently serving as a faculty member and workshop director at major academic conferences. Her speaking engagements include the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS) Congress, the Pain Brazil Congress, and the New York & New Jersey Pain Medicine Symposium, where she shares her clinical expertise on topics ranging from ultrasound-guided interventions to the use of injectable biologics for neuropathic pain.

Gabriel Azzini, MD, is a specialist in orthopedics, sports medicine, and regenerative treatments with medical degrees from Brazil, Portugal, and England. He holds a Fellowship in Regenerative Medicine from Oasi Bioresearch in Milan and serves as a postgraduate professor at OrthoRegen and the Max Planck University Centre. As a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Azzini has contributed to dozens of scientific publications. He is recognized as a leading reference in innovative medical treatments, reaching a wide audience through his YouTube channel, which has over 2 million subscribers. His work focuses on transforming lives through evidence-based, biological approaches to orthopedic recovery.

Dr. Steve M. Aydin is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell Health, as well as Chief of PM&R and Intervention Pain Management at Kayal Medical Group, in NJ. He completed his PMR training at UMDNJ/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, and his pain management fellowship at the University of Michigan. He is board-certified in both PMR and Pain Management. He has published multiple book chapters, case reports, and research articles on interventional pain medicine techniques and treatments. He is an active member of the ASIPP, NJSIPP, and AAPMR. He also serves on the Board of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Douglas P. Beall, MD, is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology, has an added fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology, is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management and is a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice and board certified by the World Institute of Pain. He is currently in private practice focused on interventional pain management and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Dr. Bedoya is the first female orthopedic spine surgeon in Colombia. She was trained at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá as an orthopedic surgeon. She completed her fellowship in Spine Surgery at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, where she is a professor of the residency program of orthopedics and spine fellowship in conjunction with Universidad del Rosario. She is the past president of SOCCOL (Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugia de Columna), and an actual member of the scientific committee of SILACO (Sociedad Iberolatinoamericana de Columna).

As an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at NYU Langone’s Center for the Study and Treatment of Pain and the NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. I specialize in managing pain disorders of the face, jaw, head, and neck. My expertise includes providing a range of interventional therapies, such as targeted injections and procedures, as well as conservative treatments like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
My daily work involves understanding the full scope of each patient’s pain experience and collaborating to develop effective, personalized treatment plans. This multifaceted approach allows me to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs.
With years of experience in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to my practice. My double board certification in anesthesiology and pain management underscores my commitment to excellence and my dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advances. I strive to provide my patients with the most effective and innovative treatments available, always prioritizing their comfort and wellbeing.
My journey into medicine was inspired by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I pursued my medical education with a focus on pain management, driven by the understanding that pain can significantly impact a person’s daily life and overall happiness.
At NYU Langone, I am proud to be part of a team that values the highest standard of coordinated care, ensuring that my patients receive comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey. What I find most rewarding is seeing the positive impact on my patients’ lives as they achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

As an interventional pain medicine specialist at NYU Langone, I am dedicated to transforming lives through compassionate, patient–centered care. My passion lies in helping individuals heal and regain their quality of life, whether in the operating room or the clinic. I believe in the power of medicine to make a profound impact on a person’s wellbeing, and I am committed to using the latest tools and techniques to achieve this.
I specialize in treating a wide range of painful conditions affecting nerves, muscles, and bones. With extensive training and experience, I utilize pain interventions, non-opioid medications, and complementary therapies to manage chronic pain effectively. My approach is rooted in collaboration, working closely with my patients to determine the best treatment options tailored to their unique needs.
Throughout my career, I have focused on proactive healthcare engagement and continuous learning. I am particularly interested in the integration of new technologies to enhance patient care. My research has explored barriers to telemedicine use in pain management, aiming to optimize access to healthcare for all patients. Being part of an exceptional academic center like NYU Langone allows me to collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.
My journey into medicine was inspired by the transformative impact it can have on individuals’ lives. I pursued a career in interventional pain medicine because of my desire to help people heal and lead fulfilling lives despite their underlying ailments. My educational background and experiences have shaped my commitment to providing high-quality, empathetic care. At NYU Langone, I am proud to be part of a team that prioritizes patient wellness and innovative treatment options.

Dr. Debesh Bhoi, MBBS, MD (Anaesthesiology), MNAMS, is an additional professor in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine & Critical Care at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India.

After earning his MBBS from VSS Medical College in Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, and his MD from Gujarat Cancer Research Institute under BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dr. Bhoi served as senior resident at AIIMS New Delhi and then completed a fellowship in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine at Hyderabad, India under Dr. T.V.S Gopal, one of the founding members of the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia in India. He then became faculty at the premier institute of India, AIIMS New Delhi.

Dr. Bhoi has been involved regularly in clinical teaching, research, and publications. He has served as the thesis guide for many students and has been an invited faculty for more than 30 ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia workshops. He has also organized many cadaveric chronic pain workshops and CME programs.

Dr. Bhoi is a life member of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists and the Indian Society of Study of Pain. He is also a member of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy, as well as ASRA Pain Medicine. He regularly attends conferences and meetings in the field of anesthesia and pain medicine. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed papers and four book chapters.

Area of Interest:
Acute and chronic pain, Neuropathic Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, (USG / Fluoroscopic Intervention), Teaching & Research

Awards and Publications:
‣ More than 60 publications, 6 chapters
‣ Member Spotlight ASRA Pain Medicine, June 2022
‣ Travel Grant received AACA, South Korea, ASPA, Malaysia

Dr. Helen Blake is an Interventional Pain Physician and best-selling author of the book “Move Freely: Get Your Life Back After Injury.” She is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Her compassionate, patient-centered, comprehensive pain management techniques help her patients manage their pain and minimize their dependence on medications. She strives to give her patients the results they need to live their best life.

Dr. Blake is empathetic, passionate, and inspiring to her patients and staff alike. Her Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery (Premier Orthopedic Hospital) gave her advanced training in the evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints and sports injuries but it’s her interest in moving knowledge further with continuing education and the relentless study of cutting edge therapies that sets her apart from her peers.

Dr. Ryan Budwany is a board-certified physician with a focus on interventional pain and functional medicine. He completed his medical specialty training at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital and completed his Medical Degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Dr. Budwany has a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Emory University, a Master of Public Health in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety from Dartmouth College, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Massachusetts.

For the past five years, Dr. Budwany has served as the Young Physicians Section Chair on the West Virginia State Medical Association where he continues to work on healthcare policy to advocate for improving patient access to integrative pain care. Dr. Budwany is also the Executive Director of Medical Diplomats International, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes in rural mountain communities. Recently he participated in a research project with NASA, at the Johnson Space Center, studying the effects of microgravity and long-duration space travel on spine and back pain. Dr. Budwany has a passion for evidence-based medicine and has published numerous journal articles and book chapters and has presented nationally on his research.

His philosophy in pain management is to individualize the care plan to each patient’s specific goals for functional improvement. His additional specialized board certification training in Occupational Medicine further defines his commitment to his patients, who rely on him to help repair their injuries and to reduce the risk of disability as they seek to preserve their careers and to optimize their performance. Dr. Budwany offers his patients comprehensive pain management with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and regenerative medicine to help improve their function and quality-of-life.

Nicole has been a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist since 2015 with clinical experience focused in interventional pain management since 2017. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin. However, it wasn’t long before she realized her passion for medicine, driving her to return to the University of Texas to pursue a Masters of Science in Nursing. Nicole believes that the key to pain management lies in creating a partnership for decision making between those that she treats, their families, and their healthcare providers in order to help them reach their pain management and functional goals through a comprehensive approach to care.

Aaron Kenneth Calodney, MD, is a past President of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) and the Texas Pain Society. Board-certified in Anesthesiology with subspecialty certification in Pain Management, he serves on the Advisory Board for the World Institute of Pain (WIP). Dr. Calodney is a Master Instructor for the International Spine Intervention Society (ISIS) and has delivered over 250 invited lectures. His research focuses on neuromodulation, biological treatments for degenerative discs, and radiofrequency ablation. He authored the first evidence-based treatment guidelines for interventional pain and opioids. Dr. Calodney earned his MD from the University of Missouri and completed his fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Dr. José Luiz de Campos, TIDA, FIPP, CIPS
Pain Practice Area – Brazilian Medical Association (AMB)
Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice – World Institute of Pain
Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist – World Institute of Pain
Coordinator of the Pain Medical Fellowship at the Training Center of Hospital Vera Cruz – Campinas-SP, CET SBA/AMB
Medical Director of Clinica Adora, Campinas-SP

Interventional Pain Specialist/Founder,
Hawaii Pain & Spine
Executive Board/Treasurer Emeritus, American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)
President, HawaiiSIPP
Board, Pacific Pain & Spine Society (PSPS)

George C. Chang Chien is a physiatrist specializing in interventional pain management with a focus on musculoskeletal medicine and regenerative medicine. He has practices in Southern California and can be reached at www.GCCInstitute.org

Dr. Kenneth Chapman is the director of pain management at Staten Island University Hospital, part of the Northwell Health System, and is an assistant clinical professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. He completed his Interventional Pain Management Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and his Anesthesiology residency at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, New York.
Dr. Chapman directs the fellowship program at the Spine and Pain Institute of NY and is actively involved in teaching and lecturing both nationally and internationally. Dr. Chapman also frequently serves as a pain management Board Examiner for certification on the Fellowship of Interventional Pain Practice Pain Boards. He has won numerous peer validated awards including ‘America’s Best Anesthesiologists’ and ‘Most Compassionate Doctors,’ and was one of the youngest physicians to ever be named as both a NY Times ‘Super Doctor’ and NY Magazine ‘Top Doctor’ when he first received the recognition in 2014. While at the Cleveland Clinic Dr. Chapman also received the “Ethlene R. Smith’s Most Outstanding Fellow” award. He is Vice President of the NYS Interventional Pain Society and on the advisory board to the NYS Worker’s Compensation Board responsible for writing the NYS Worker’s Compensation Guidelines, which all injured workers in the state are treated by.
Dr. Chapman’s interests include translational research pertaining to spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation mechanism of action, and studies involving the use of DRG-S to treat conditions traditionally considered to be mechanical pain syndromes.

Ashley Comer is an AANP Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias. She has become a leader in advanced practice provider education in both the United States and in the international community. Ashley has served on several society committees in leadership positions establishing training protocols and programs to enhance the field of Interventional Spine and Nerve treatment. She also has played a role in many device and procedural studies to achieve Food and Drug Administration approval or enhanced patient access. Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, Ashley attended WVSCTC where she obtained her associate degree in Nursing. Continuing her education, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University. Graduating with honors, she completed her Masters of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner specialization from Walden University. Ashley’s professional interests include implantable therapies, minimally invasive procedures, and research.

Briana Damora, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), FNP-BC, is a proud Staten Island native and Family Nurse Practitioner. For over seven years, she has cared for individuals at the Spine and Pain Institute of New York, helping them understand and manage chronic pain to improve their quality of life. Previously, she worked at Hospital for Special Surgery, caring for post-op hip, knee, and spine patients while leading patient education initiatives. Briana is also the owner of Devoted Health and Wellness, she continues her mission to promote wellness, education, and lasting lifestyle change within her Staten Island community.

Dr Saurabh Dang is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  A graduate of Hamilton College, in Clinton, NY, Dr Dang completed his internship in General Surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY. He then went on to receive his training in Anesthesiology at New York Medical College, in Valhalla, NY. During his Anesthesiology training, Dr Dang was elected and served as Chief Resident and received the “Resident of the Year Award” during his final year of training. He went on to complete a fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine at The University of Toledo, in Toledo, OH. He received his MBA from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.

Since completing his training, Dr Dang has been in private practice in New Jersey.  He has specialized in neuromodulation and the implementation of spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug delivery systems for the treatment of chronic pain.  He has been a faculty member for multiple fellowship training labs throughout the United States, teaching physicians on implantation techniques of spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps.  Dr Dang has also served as a faculty member for various pain societies.

In his private practice Dr Dang offers multiple therapies for the treatment of chronic pain including: Intrathecal drug delivery system implantation, Dorsal Column Spinal Cord Stimulation implantation, Dorsal Root Spinal Cord Stimulation implantation, Insertion of interspinous spacer for spinal stenosis, SI joint arthrodesis, kyphoplasty, minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild procedure) for spinal stenosis, and percutaneous tenotomy among others.  He employs the multimodal approach for treating patients with chronic pain.

Dr Dang is an active member in many organizations including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and the North American Neuromodulation Society.  Dr. Dang is located at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics locations in Jersey City, Clifton, West Orange, and Edison.

Timothy T. Davis, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist with over 20 years of experience in physical medicine, sports medicine, and pain management. Board-certified in PM&R, pain medicine, and neurophysiological monitoring, he is the founder of Source Healthcare. Dr. Davis is a prolific researcher and has served as the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials exploring stem cell treatments for arthritis and degenerative disc disease. He holds patents in biologics, spinal implants, and electrodiagnostics. Dr. Davis serves on the medical staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Providence Saint John’s Health Center. He earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in a combined six-year program.

Eric draws on his personal journey of transition and his family’s deep roots in the medical community to educate healthcare professionals on the unique challenges, biases, and healthcare inequities faced by transgender individuals. He actively collaborates with international medical societies to promote compassionate and inclusive patient care. Notably, he was a featured faculty speaker at the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS) 2025 Annual Congress, where he delivered a presentation titled “Ignorance and Injustice” as part of a specialized session focused on advancing inclusion, research, and diverse representation in pain medicine.

Pain Physician and Palliative Care. PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Federal University of Alfenas, Brazil) President Brazilian Society for Studies of Pain- SBED (2024-5). Scientific Director of sinpain sa. Professor of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care – Federal University of Alfenas, Brazil. Chief Editor – Cancer Pain Textbook, Editora Atheneu.

Dr. Deer is the world leader in research, product development, and education in the practice of Interventional Spine and Pain treatment. He is the President and CEO of The Spine and Nerve Centers of the Virginias. He is also a Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Dr. Deer has been a leader in the field of interventional techniques and neuromodulation for more than two decades. His enduring research career has included many pivotal studies to achieve FDA approval and many “first in human” approved devices. Dr. Deer has provided cadaver-based training to over 3000 physicians in novel methods of pain relief to improve function and relieve suffering. His work has led to more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, and many classic textbooks. Dr. Deer has held many national and international society positions including his current roles as the Chairman of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, Past President of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS), and President Emeritus of the West Virginia Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (WVSIPP). He is the Past Chairman of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee of Pain Medicine and a Charter Member of the West Virginia Controlled Substance Monitoring Program and has been involved in the peer review process to improve the quality of research in the international arena. In addition to his many endeavors in Medicine, Dr. Deer is an accomplished endurance athlete., with accolades including winning the Ultrarunning World Masters Championship in the Badwater 135-mile run in 2021 and competing in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii on many occasions. Dr. Deer is blessed with a more than 30-year marriage to his wife, Melissa, and has four children.

Ariana DeMers, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and a leading expert in regenerative medicine. She is the founder and CEO of the Joint Vitality Institute at Restore Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, where she has pioneered a patient-centered care model. Her approach uniquely blends orthobiologic precision with hormonal optimization and lifestyle medicine to help patients avoid unnecessary surgery and age vibrantly. Dr. DeMers is dedicated to redefining the delivery of musculoskeletal and longevity care. Through her leadership, she continues to advance the clinical application of regenerative therapies within a comprehensive framework of wellness and functional recovery.

A double board-certified interventional pain and spine specialist and anesthesiologist, Dr. Didier Demesmin is a leader in treating the full spectrum of various joint and spinal disorders with the most advanced and novel therapies. Dr. Demesmin serves as an expert consultant on emerging technologies in healthcare and is involved in ongoing clinical research to remain at the forefront of medicine. He is an associate program director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and director of the Pain Medicine Department at Saint Peters University Hospital in New Jersey. He is also an assistant professor at Rutgers RWJ Medical School and has both lectured on and taught minimally invasive surgical procedures nationally and internationally, including as a faculty member for the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience and the Latin American Pain Society. He has written numerous chapters and peer reviewed journal articles focusing on minimally invasive pain procedures, which have been featured in several textbooks and peer reviewed medical journals widely employed by pain physicians worldwide.

MEDICAL TRAINING: Rutgers RWJ Medical School (MD); SUNY Downstate Medical Center (residency); Columbia University/St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Medical Center (fellowship).

Dr. Díez Tafur did his Pain Medicine Fellowship at McGill University. Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit- Montreal General Hospital, Canada. He is Certified by the World Institute of Pain (WIP) with both, FIPP and CIPS certifications and has an MSc degree in Pain Study and Treatment from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain. He is a BOARD Certified Physiatrist with an Expert Diploma in MSK Ultrasound trained at Severo Ochoa University Hospital in Madrid, Spain. Born and raised in Lima, Perú. Dr. Díez Tafur moved back to Lima in 2018 aiming to provide high standards of care for pain-suffering patients and educate in this field. He is currently leading a private hospital’s pain service and is the Medical Director of two private pain centers in Lima, Peru.

Dr. Sudhir Diwan, nationally and internationally recognized as a key opinion leader in the field of pain management, is the President, Park Avenue Spine and Pain, New York, Associate Clinical Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. Dr. Diwan was the former Director of the Tri-Institutional Pain Fellowship Program and Division of Pain Medicine at Ivy League Weill Medical College of Cornell University for more than a decade, where he also served as associate professor of clinical anesthesiology, and on the faculty at the world renowned New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Diwan has published extensively in prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals and medical books on a variety of pain management topics. He is on the Editorial Board for the Pain Physician – an official journal of the American Society of Pain Physicians (ASIPP) since 2008, and Pain Practice – official journal of World Institute of Pain (WIP) since 2009. He was invited Guest Editor for Journal of Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management 2009. Dr. Diwan is the Examiner for the Certification Board for American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP) and Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) offered by the World Institute of Pain. Dr. Diwan is Co-Editor for Intrathecal Drug Delivery for Pain and Spasticity, Vol 2, Timothy Deer, Series Editor, Elsevier-Saunders 2012, and Co-Editor for Diwan-Staats’s Atlas of Pain Medicine Procedures, McGraw Hill Education 2015, and Advanced Procedures for Pain Management, A step-by-step Atlas, Springer US, 2018.
In addition to his busy pain management practice in New York City, Dr. Diwan lectures extensively and interacts regularly with experts in the field of pain medicine nationally and internationally.  He has been guest speaker for many noteworthy organizations including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), and State Societies Pain Meetings, the World Institute of Pain, NANS, INS, and numerous International pain specialty societies and congresses nationally and internationally. He was President of ASIPP in 2019. Currently he is Executive Director of NYSIPP and Chairman of the Annual NYNJ-PC, serving as a Board Member at WIP, Chairman of the Latin American Pain Society and Founder and Co-Chairman of the World Institute of Regenerative Medicine.

Kristen is a native Long Islander. She attended Adelphi University for her undergraduate, where she received a BS in Nursing in 2007. After graduating, she worked in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Stony Brook Medicine for eight years. she completed her MS in Nursing in 2015 at SBU, with a certification in Adult Gerontology. Kristen continued to work as a Nurse Practitioner in the trauma division at Stony Brook for the next three years. She joined the Pain Institute of Long Island in 2018. Here, she is treating patients with various conditions, providing the most cutting-edge and minimally invasive therapies. Kristen has a passion for providing competent and compassionate care to her patients. She enjoys the challenge of pain medicine, the innovation in treatment and procedures, as well as the interactions and relationships she develops with her patients. Additionally, she enjoys educating fellow Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants about some of the most cutting-edge pain management therapies.

Dr. Brian Durkin is the Medical Director of the Pain Institute of Long Island and leads the team toward the highest quality pain care available. He has been a leader in this field for the last decade and is relentless in his pursuit to provide the most up-to-date pain treatments on Long Island. Dr. Durkin is often “the first” to introduce a new treatment option to either Suffolk County or Long Island. He performed the first MILD procedure in Suffolk County in 2010. He performed the first Nevro HF-10 high-frequency spinal cord stimulator trials and implants on Long Island in 2015. He performed the first Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) spinal cord stimulator trials and implants in Suffolk County in 2016 and was the first physician to offer the Vertiflex option for spinal stenosis in 2017. In August 2018, Dr. Durkin became the first physician in New York and the Northeast part of the USA to perform the Intracept Procedure for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Dr. Durkin attended medical school near his hometown at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, and graduated in 2001. He moved east for his training and completed his internship at UMDNJ in Stratford, New Jersey in 2002, before moving to Long Island and completing his residency in anesthesiology at Stony Brook University in 2005. He then completed his fellowship in pain medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, and New York Presbyterian-Cornell in 2006. He was recruited back to Stony Brook University as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology where he began treating patients with interventional pain management. He became the Director of the Center for Pain Management and Division Chief of Chronic Pain in 2009. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2012. Dr. Durkin left Stony Brook University in 2015 to establish the Pain Institute of Long Island. Dr. Durkin is involved in several national and international pain societies and is currently the President of the New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Dr. Steven M. Falowski (MD) is a Board-Certified Functional Neurosurgeon and the Director of Functional Neurosurgery at Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster, specializing in neuromodulation and complex spinal procedures. He completed his neurosurgical residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and a specialized functional neurosurgical fellowship at Rush University in Chicago. A highly distinguished leader in his field, Dr. Falowski serves as President of the Executive Pain Committee for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons/American Association of Neurological Surgeons, President of the Pennsylvania Pain Society, and President-Elect of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience. His extensive leadership background also includes serving on the Board of Directors for the International Neuromodulation Society and as Secretary and Senior Advisor for the North American Neuromodulation Society. Dedicated to advancing medical innovation and education, Dr. Falowski frequently serves as a course director for cadaver workshops, actively collaborates with industry partners on product development and strategy, and leads numerous clinical research studies focused on novel developments in spinal cord stimulation and pain management.

Leonardo Henrique Cunha Ferraro, MD, is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of São Paulo and a physician specializing in interventional pain medicine. He holds the Certified Interventional Pain Sonographer (CIPS) credential, signifying advanced expertise in ultrasound-guided procedures and precision-based care. Dr. Ferraro’s clinical focus is on comprehensive pain management strategies that integrate minimally invasive techniques with multidisciplinary collaboration. He is actively involved in the international pain community, contributing to both clinical practice and the education of future specialists. His commitment to innovation and continuous professional development ensures that his patients receive evidence-informed care. He remains dedicated to improving patient outcomes through the advancement of pain medicine.

Megan Filoramo is a nurse practitioner with two decades of experience in the field of pain management. As a member of the Altair Health team, she serves patients at Morristown Medical Center and is a member of the Master Faculty at the American Society of Pain Management Nurses (ASPMN).

Recognized as an Advanced Practice Pain Management Nurse by ASPMN and certified as a nurse coach by the International Nurse Coach Association, Megan plays an active role in helping patients reduce their pain and educating pain management providers. She is dedicated to empowering patients and nurses to take an active role in setting and achieving personal goals.

Megan’s work has been published in the Journal of Pain Management Nursing – and she speaks regularly at national conferences for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and ASPMN.

Megan received her Master’s Degree in Nursing Science from Rutgers University and graduated magna cum laude with her undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. She is completing her certification as an Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse.

Dra. Giulia Haendchen Fornasari (MD) is a Brazilian physician with a foundational background in general and family medicine and a specialized clinical focus on pain management and regenerative medicine. Based in Lages, Santa Catarina, she integrates comprehensive patient care with advanced therapeutic approaches. Dra. Haendchen Fornasari is a recognized leader and researcher in her field, currently serving as the Treasurer for the Brazilian Chapter of the World Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WIRM Global). An active contributor to the international medical community, she serves as faculty at major academic events, such as the New York & New Jersey Pain Medicine Symposium, and has co-authored peer-reviewed research on innovative pain treatments, including the use of high-intensity peripheral magnetic stimulation for musculoskeletal pain.

Christopher Gharibo, MD is a Professor with the Departments of Anesthesiology, Peri-Operative Care & Pain Medicine as well as Orthopedics at NYU School of Medicine and serves as the Medical Director of Pain Medicine at NYU Langone Hospitals Center. Dr. Gharibo obtained his M.D. degree from Rutgers Medical School in 1992 and completed his anesthesiology residency at NYU Medical Center. He served his Pain Medicine fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and holds subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine. His acute pain experience has included developing system-wide use of interventional techniques in combination with nonopioids and opioids as part of multimodal pain management pathways. He has been instrumental in developing and overseeing the pain medicine department at NYU that has been able to develop pain medicine policy and procedure focused on acute and chronic pain, from implementing a system of pain assessments based on functional gains to making pain visible on NYU’s census boards to opioid prescribing policy and pain safety oversight that focuses on pharmacological and interventional pain management. His areas of clinical expertise also includes low back and neck pain of musculoskeletal and spinal origin and neuropathic pain syndromes such as painful peripheral neuropathies and CRPS. His areas of technical expertise include nerve blocks, peripheral and spinal injection techniques for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain syndromes including joint injections, epidural steroid injections, nerve root blocks, facet injections, facet nerve blocks, radiofrequency rhizotomy as well as drug delivery systems and spinal cord stimulators. Many of these injections can provide diagnostic answers and be tailored to provide prolonged pain relief and functional improvement when used as part of an overall plan of care.

Dr. Lisbeth Godinez, originally from Guatemala, earned her Medical Degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquín and specialized in anesthesiology at Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala. Her interest in Pain Management and Palliative Care grew during her studies. Seeing a pressing need for this specialty in Guatemala, she completed her residency in Mexico.

Passionate about improving pain care in her home country, Dr. Godinez has received recognition for her research and academic contributions, including winning the Overall Winner Trainee at ASIPP’s 25th Annual Meeting in 2023.

As an active member of The Society of Women Innovators in Pain Medicine (WIPM), she advocates for the vital role of women, especially Latin women, in advancing pain medicine.

Currently, Dr. Godinez leads the Guatemala Pain Institute (GPI) and is part of the pain management team at Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social (IGSS). Dedicated to enhancing patient care and providing relief, she continues to make a significant impact in her community.

Dr. Ale Ismael Gonzalez Cazares, MD, is a highly skilled doctor specializing in anesthesiology, palliative medicine, and interventional pain medicine. With qualifications from prestigious institutions such as the National Cancer League and the World Institute of Pain, Dr. Gonzalez has gained expertise in treating complex pain conditions.

He practices at various esteemed institutions in Mexico City, including RegenerAge Elite Clinic, Alive Pain Clinic, San Angel Inn University Hospital, Angeles del Pedregal Hospital, and Longevity Center in Durango. Dr. Gonzalez’s dedication to alleviating pain and improving the quality of life for his patients sets him apart in the field.

His extensive experience and training in pain management make him a trusted healthcare provider for those seeking relief from chronic pain. With a focus on innovative treatments and a compassionate approach to patient care, Dr. Gonzalez is known for his commitment to excellence in pain medicine.

Casey Grillo is a certified Nurse Practitioner at The Spine & Pain Institute of NY and has recently transitioned into the role of Lead Advanced Practice provider for the practice. She collaborates with her physicians, managing and educating patients of all ages with chronic pain. Casey received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Seton Hall University and a Master’s degree in Science of Nursing from Wagner College. Casey stays engaged in the field of pain management through participation in various pain societies, serving as faculty for NYNJSIPP, ASPN, and NANS. One of her goals as a nurse practitioner is to promote and educate the advancement of other APP’s, maximizing their roles in the field of neuromodulation in order to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Gritsenko is a Professor of Anesthesiology, Family & Social Medicine, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; She is Program Director for the ACGME accredited Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine fellowship and core member of the Montefiore Multidisciplinary Pain Program. She has a passion for teaching and spends a significant portion of her clinical time training residents and fellows in both acute pain and chronic pain settings. She also has authored multiple textbooks and articles on topics related to chronic pain, regional anesthesiology, and acute pain medicine. She is honored to be part of Nysipp year after year and considers this meeting her academic family and home.

Anesthesiologist and pain specialist with over 20 years of uninterrupted clinical and teaching experience at Fundacion Santa Fe in Bogota, Colombia. Associate Professor at University El Bosque and University of Los Andes in Bogota. Former Director of the Specialization Program in Pain Management and Palliative Care at University El Bosque. Fellow in Interventional Pain Practice at the World Institute of Pain (WIP). President of the Quality in Medical Care Committee at Fundacion Santa Fe in Bogota. Former President and current Treasurer of the Colombian chapter of the World Institute of Pain (WIP), and founding member and current Treasurer of the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS)

Dr. Gupta is a board-Certified, fellowship-trained interventional pain Management Physician. He is the president and CEO of KSIPP (Kansas Society of Interventional Pain Physician). He was the Chairman Of the Department of Surgery at St Luke’s Cushing Memorial Hospital from 2014-2018. He had served as President of the House Staff Association at Jhon H. Stroger Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Gupta has been awarded multiple awards for research presentations in nationally recognized conferences. Dr. Gupta is an internationally recognized speaker on numerous topics relating to pain management. He has been actively involved in training and education throughout the united States and abroad. He currently serves on the medical editorial board of multiple accredited pain journals.

Dr. Roger Härtl (MD) is a globally recognized neurological surgeon specializing in simple and complex spine surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and computer-assisted spinal navigation. He serves as the Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of Spinal Surgery at the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center in New York, while also acting as the co-director of NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine and the official neurosurgeon for the New York Giants. Dr. Härtl earned his M.D. from the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, completed his neurosurgery residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and underwent specialized complex spine fellowship training at the Barrow Neurological Institute. An innovator in biological approaches for disc repair and regeneration, he is also deeply committed to global health, having founded Weill Cornell Medicine’s Global Neurosurgery Initiative in Tanzania, earning him the 2022 AANS Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Dr. Manuel Herrero is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. He completed his anesthesia training at Severo Ochoa Hospital, Madrid, and continued his specialization in pain management at Ciudad Real Hospital with his mentor and recognized pain physician, Dr. Joaquin Insausti. He is also certified interventional pain sonologist (CIPS), fellow of interventional pain practice (FIPP) and European diploma in pain medicine (EDPM). Currently working in Madrid at Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda Hospital, and managing the Cancer Pain multidisciplinary Unit at HM Sanchinarro Hospital. He is a regular trainer in his country using fluoroscopy and ultrasound guided minimally invasive interventional pain procedures, and honorary tutor of the Master of Pain treatment by the Rey Juan Carlos University.

Dr. Randa Jaafar is an American graduate of Wayne state University in her home town of Detroit Michigan, who completed her internship and residency at Case Western University in Cleveland Ohio in Anesthesiology. She developed an interest in pain management after working under her world renowned pain management mentor, Dr. Salim Hayek. She traveled to the big apple to complete a pain fellowship at Cornell University medical college in Manhattan’s Upper east side.

Dr. Jaafar practiced at Maimonides medical center in Brooklyn New York as an anesthesia and pain management attending. Now she has made her way into private practice in Manhattan’s financial district. She has vast interests in pain, she specializes in ultrasound based procedures to minimize radiation exposure and an interest in minor cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Neeraj Jain MD, FIMSA, CIPS, FIPP

Director & Principal Consultant at Spine and Pain Institute Yashoda Medicity & Super speciality Hospitals, New Delhi, India. MBBS in 1982 from MAMC & MD in 1988 from Delhi University, New Delhi, Senior Residency in 1989 from AIIMS New Delhi, FIPP (Cleveland Clinic) in 2010, CIPS (Hungary) in 2017, FIMSA at AJMAN, UAE in 2012. Training in pain management from AIIMS, John Hopkins, spine pain clinics, New Jersey & Texas, USA.
240+ national, international presentations & lectures, Conducted live interactive web Pain Conferences., Pioneer in Advance Interventional Pain Management procedures & Endoscopic Discectomy.
Innovator of NJ Balloon Epiduro-Neuroplasty, NJ Disc Endoscopic Disc-Meshplasty & NJ TransDiscal Ultrasound of Spinal Canal.
Owns 1.4 Million Views YouTube Channel
Published many papers in different journals of national & international repute & is on editorial board of many.
Coordinator & Trainer for cadaver workshop at International Conferences
Teaching & mentoring upcoming Pain specialists by routinely Conducting numerous Live Pain workshops cum CMEs. Examiner WIP- FIPP/ CIPS Exams, Taipei, January, 2025.

Evan Jay is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant program where he excelled in both Pain Management and Sports Medicine. He is dual-credentialed as a Certified Athletic Trainer, graduating from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree and from East Stroudsburg University with a Master’s degree in Athletic Training. His extensive background in physical medicine and rehabilitation along with his understanding of internal medicine allows him to provide a high level of well-rounded care to his patients. He thrives to coordinate care amongst the healthcare team in order to develop personalized treatment plans to minimize pain and maximize patient recovery. As a healthcare professional, Evan takes advantage of his ability to connect with patients to create a comfortable, positive experience.

Dr. Kalia specializes in interventional spine and cancer pain management with special expertise in advanced neuromodulation procedures. He earned his medical degree from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College in Indore; India and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. His first residency was in Preventive Medicine & Public Health followed by Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester. He subsequently completed an ACGME-approved Pain Medicine fellowship at the University of Rochester and additional FIPP (Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice) certification from the World Institute of Pain. Dr. Kalia is a member of numerous national/international professional societies and sits on various sub-committees. He is on the Board of Directors for NYSIPP (New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians); ASPN (American Society of Pain & Neuroscience) and President-Elect of Monroe County Medical Society. As part of the faculty at national and international hands-on cadaveric workshops for interventional spine and pain procedures, he is involved in teaching young neuromodulators and interventional spine & pain physicians. He also is an examiner for the reputable FIPP certification course through the World Institute of Pain. Dr. Kalia has presented his work on cancer pain and advanced neuromodulation at multiple national and international conferences including publications in peer-reviewed journals in the field of Pain Medicine. He served as an Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Clinical Medical Research & Health Care Delivery open access Journal and currently serves as section editor or part of the editorial board for numerous pain and neuromodulation journals. He successfully started the Interventional Spine & Cancer Pain fellowship program at Rochester Regional Health System. He currently serves as the founder and CEO of the Center for Research and Innovation in Spine & Pain (CRISP) and Managing Director of Savya Spine & Pain, Invisionhealth in Rochester, NY.

Leonardo Kapural, M.D., Ph.D. is a Pain Physician at the Carolinas Pain Institute and Center for Clinical Research. He is also a member of the clinical faculty of Wake Forest University, School of Medicine. Dr. Kapural served as a Professor of Anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University and Wake Forest University over the last 15 years. Dr. Kapural’s interests include spinal cord stimulation, discogenic low back pain, and visceral abdominal and pelvic pain. Dr. Kapural is an active member of a number of professional organizations including the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, North American and International Neuromodulation Societies, and the World Institute of Pain. In addition, he is an invited speaker to many national and international meetings. He served as Director-At-Large of the American Academy of Pain Medicine and International Neuromodulation Society, and currently is the Director-At-Large of the North American Neuromodulation Society. Dr. Kapural’s experience is broad and encompasses teaching and clinical education, extensive research, and innovations in the area of pain treatments which brought him two Innovator Awards. His noteworthy research findings have been published in more than 160 journal articles, more than 200 abstracts, two books, and 35 book chapters. He is listed by his peers in the “Best Doctors in America”.

Dr. Kaufman is an award-winning educator and physician. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the Columbia-Presbyterian Anesthesiology Program and the Harvard/Longwood Pain Fellowship. Currently he is a Professor of Anesthesiology at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, directing the Division of Pain Management and the Pain Fellowship Program.

Dr. Alan David Kaye, MD, PhD, is Professor within the Department of Anesthesiology at LSU Health Shreveport and also serves as Professor within the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences.  Prior to his arrival in Nov, 2019, Dr. Kaye served for 15 years as Professor, Program Director, and Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at LSU Health in New Orleans. Before coming to LSU Health Shreveport, he was Professor, Program Director, and Chairman for 6 years of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Anesthesiology in Lubbock, Texas. Prior to that, he was the Medical Director of the Greater New Orleans Surgical Center, the Director of Resident Recruitment, Program Director, and an Attending Staff of the Department of Anesthesiology at Tulane University Medical Center in New Orleans. He was born in New York and raised in Los Angeles and Tucson. Dr. Kaye received two BS degrees and an MD degree from the University of Arizona. He was a national finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship, Honors Student of the Year, Who’s Who, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Outstanding Graduating Senior in his class. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Alton Oschner Clinic and trained in Anesthesiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Tulane University, where he served as chief resident and president of the Louisiana State Residents Component of the American Society of Anesthesiology. He also completed a pain management fellowship at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center under Dr. Gabor Racz, Dr. Prithvi Raj, and Dr. Miles Day. He is Board Certified as a Consultant in Anesthesiology and has a special certificate in Pain Management from the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine and the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Dr. Kaye completed his PhD in pharmacology in May 1997. His thesis title was “Pharmacology of Angiotensin Peptides and Nonpeptide Agonists in the Pulmonary Vascular Bed of the Cat and of the Rat.” He was awarded first place at the National Student Research Forum as a resident and has authored or co-authored over 200 abstracts, 800 manuscripts, and 250 book chapters in pharmacology, pain medicine, and anesthesiology. He has had a lifelong interest in education and teaching medical students and residents. He serves on several national committees, including the National Board of Directors of ASIPP and ABIPP. He is editor-in-chief of the journals Pain Physician and Current Pain and Headache Reports, and is on the FDA Advisory Board on Anesthetics and Analgesics. He was previously an Associate National Board Examiner in Anesthesiology.

He and his wife, who is a pathologist, have two children, one who is an anesthesia resident and the other who is a senior medical student.

My first experience in medicine was volunteering at a government hospital in India, where I worked with people from underserved communities. I found it fulfilling to care for patients. I decided to go to medical school, where I learned that people who have pain syndromes may not receive adequate treatment. To address this problem, I chose to pursue a career in anesthesiology and pain medicine.
I specialize in managing pelvic pain, but I also care for patients who have neck and low-back pain; pain in the peripheral joints, which are in the arms and legs; nerve pain; and other conditions. I collaborate with surgeons, obstetrician–gynecologists, physical therapists, and psychologists to provide personalized care.
To help relieve patients’ pain, I prescribe medications, recommend physical therapy and lifestyle changes, and perform interventional pain management procedures, such as epidural injections and nerve blocks. I offer pudendal nerve blocks for pudendal neuralgia, which causes pain in the genitals or anus; discomfort related to endometriosis or interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder condition; and some instances of pain that occurs during sex.
I perform cluneal nerve blocks for rectal pain and medial branch blocks for neck and low-back pain. In addition, I offer genitofemoral and ilioinguinal nerve blocks for people who have had groin pain after surgery, such as inguinal hernia repair or the removal of pelvic lymph nodes. If this does not provide long-term relief, I can perform radiofrequency ablation, in which part of a nerve is heated to disrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
To treat hip pain resulting from pregnancy or childbirth, I can provide sacroiliac joint injections, hip injections, or lumbar epidurals. I also offer peripheral joint injections and radiofrequency ablation for the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Patients who are in pain sometimes develop anxiety or depression. I can refer patients to a cognitive behavioral therapist, who can provide them with coping strategies. I ask patients about their lifestyle, because certain factors, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and poor sleep, can exacerbate pain.
Although I use imaging results to help guide treatment, I rely more heavily on what a patient tells me. It is extremely satisfying when patients say they feel heard, their pain has been addressed, and they have experienced relief as a result of treatment. I enjoy making a difference in a person’s life.
I conduct research on radiofrequency ablation and pudendal nerve blocks. I have served as a panelist and moderator at anesthesiology and pain management conferences across the country, and I have given presentations about pelvic pain and other topics at many healthcare organizations. I serve on the editorial board of the journal Pain Physician, and I was a resident scholar for the American Society of Anesthesiologists. In addition, I have a podcast called The Hurt, by the Female Pain Docs, which aims to educate people about different types of pain and correct misinformation about pain diagnosis and treatment. I am board-certified in anesthesiology and lifestyle medicine.

Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq., counsel to the NY/NJ Interventional Pain Symposium, is  the managing partner of K&K’s healthcare department, and represents ASCs and physicians with contracts, compliance, patient and employee issues.    Jennifer is available at the Symposium to discuss employment contracts, buy-ins, practice purchase / sale, ASC syndication, private equity backed initiatives and general practice matters.   Jennifer can be reached at (516) 747-6700 x. 302 or Jennifer@Kirschenbaumesq.com.   To join K&K’s free healthcare newsletter, visit K&K’s booth at the Symposium.

Dr. Kohr is a double board-certified neurosurgeon and pain physician with a dedicated focus on interventional pain management and neuromodulation. At the Department of Pain Medicine, Tertiary Referral Clinic Löwenstein, SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn — one of Germany’s leading centers for pain treatment — she serves as a senior consultant and head surgeon in interventional pain therapy training. She also leads the Outpatient Clinic for Neuromodulation, driving clinical innovation and is committed to improving patients’ quality of life through advanced neuromodulatory techniques.

Sean Li, MD is an interventional pain physician. He earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, residency training in general surgery at the Mayo Clinic, and later in anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. He completed his fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Li is the immediate past-president of the New Jersey Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (NJSIPP) and is the Vice-President elect of American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). He is a physician partner at National Spine and Pain Centers and an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School at Newark, NJ.

Giuliano Lo Bianco, MD, PhD, FIPP, EDPM, is an Italian anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist renowned for fluoro‑ and ultrasound‑guided percutaneous procedures and neuromodulation. Since 2020 he has directed the Analgesia & Percutaneous Surgery Unit at Fondazione G. Giglio, Cefalù, uniting high‑volume clinical practice with translational pain research. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Catania, fellowship in Neuromodulation and Pain Medicine. Certified FIPP and EDPM in 2022, Dr Lo Bianco lectures on pain therapy at the Universities of Palermo and Pavia, organises the Mediterranean Pain Forum, and serves as Section Editor for Pain Education and Early Career Investigators in the Journal of Pain Research.

Dr. Camila Lobo is from Pará. She graduated in medicine from the State University of Pará, where she received the best student award for her academic performance during the course.
After graduating, she moved to São Paulo where she followed a long road to a solid and excellent education… It was precisely this excellent education, added to her enormous dedication, that made her stand out on the national and international scene.
He did his residency in Anesthesiology at IAMSPE (Hospital do Servidor Público de São Paulo)
After completing this stage, he did his residency in Pain at UNIFESP (Universidade Federal de São Paulo), one of the most respected universities in the country.
He then continued his training with a two-year Fellowship in Pain Intervention at Singular, a world-renowned pain control center and pioneer in bringing minimally invasive treatments to Brazil.
At the end of her lengthy training, she completed a total of 6 years of medical residency, 3 of which were dedicated solely to the study of Pain in order to treat the complexity of a chronic pain patient with excellence.
Her area of expertise is Pain and she holds the International Title of Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS), having been the youngest woman in the world to obtain this title.
Today, she is a member of the Executive Board of LAPS (Latin American Pain Society), the Regional Complex Pain Syndrome Committee of SBDE (Brazilian Society for the Study of Pain) and the Pain Medicine Committee.

Ansar Mahmood is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeon and an internationally recognized educator in regenerative medicine. Based at University Hospitals Birmingham, he serves as the Research Lead for Orthopedic Trauma and a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. His work focuses on orthobiologics and the clinical translation of cell-based therapies. He is the founder of The Academy of Regenerative Medicine, which provides structured international training. Mr. Mahmood is a former President of the British Trauma Society and remains active in advancing global trauma care innovation. He holds diplomas from the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Dr. Varuna Manoo is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician specializing in chronic pain management and medical aesthetics. Originally from Trinidad, she completed a pain medicine fellowship at the University of Toronto before bringing her expertise to practice in Barbados.

Dr. André Marques Mansano (MD, PhD, FIPP, CIPS) is a highly specialized Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Physician currently practicing at the prestigious Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Brazil. Board-certified with a Higher Education Degree in Anesthesiology from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) and an official Expertise in Pain from the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), he focuses on advanced, minimally invasive treatments for complex and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Mansano is globally recognized by the World Institute of Pain (WIP), holding both the Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) and Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS) credentials. A dedicated leader and educator in his field, he serves as the President of the Brazilian Chapter of the WIP, is a member of the WIP’s global Education Committee, and is a Diplomate of the American Interventional Headache Society (AIHS) Board. Previously, he also served as the Coordinator of the Pain Module for the Postgraduate Course in Anesthesiology at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

Dra. Thalita Marqueze is a Brazilian Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine specialist dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through comprehensive and interventional pain management.

She completed her medical education and specialized in Anesthesiology, notably being the first resident to graduate from the Anesthesiology program at Santa Casa de Jahu in 2017.

Dra. Marqueze provides specialized care in pain management (Clínica da Dor). She attends to patients at the Pain Management Center in Campinas, São Paulo, as well as at Rede D’Or hospitals in São Paulo capital, including Hospital São Luiz Itaim and Hospital São Luiz Morumbi.

She is highly active in the medical community and serves on the committees of the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS), where she contributes to discussions on bioethics, public policy, and the evaluation of emerging medical technologies in clinical practice.

Dra. Sandra Martínez Ramírez is an Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist with over eight years of clinical experience dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through comprehensive pain management. She earned her medical degree from the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, completed her specialization in Anesthesiology at the Universidad CES, and completed a Fellowship in Pain Medicine at the Universidad de Antioquia.

Committed to a holistic approach to patient care, Dra. Martínez has integrated advanced studies in Functional and Regenerative Medicine into her practice, allowing her to address the root causes of pain and promote tissue healing. She is a recognized leader in her field and currently serves as the Chair of the Colombian Chapter of the World Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WIRM).

Dr. Leena Mathew is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. She is a nationally recognized authority in Pain Medicine, distinguished for her integrative, patient-centered approach to complex pain conditions. She completed her surgical internship, anesthesiology residency, and interventional pain medicine fellowship at Columbia University, and subsequently continued as faculty at the same institution. She has been inducted into Columbia University’s Academy of Clinical Excellence and serves as Chief of the Alain Department and Program Director of the Pain Medicine Fellowship.

With almost three decades at Columbia University, she has practiced across multiple anesthetic subspecialties, including regional anesthesia and liver transplantation, while also mentoring the next generation of pain specialists. Her expertise spans the full continuum of acute and chronic pain management, with distinction in interventional pain medicine. In addition to being board-certified in functional medicine, she is a certified health and wellness coach and licensed acupuncturist, integrating longevity science, nutraceuticals, mind-body therapies, acupuncture, and lifestyle-based interventions into evidence-informed care.

Dr. Mathew’s academic and clinical interests focus on the intersection of pain, longevity, menopause, and metabolic health, particularly conditions that disproportionately affect women. A passionate advocate for equity in women’s health, she lectures nationally and internationally on integrative pain management and chronic pain care.

Patrick McGinn is a nationally certified physician assistant specializing in interventional pain management at National Spine and Pain Centers in Shrewsbury, NJ. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in sociology and a concentration in health care delivery at Roanoke College. He then went on to earn his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant studies at Stony Brook University. He has worked in the Interventional Pain Management space for approximately ten years. He has also additional experience in the field of addiction medicine for the nearly three years. He takes great pride in problem-solving and formulating an individualized treatment plan for each of his patients.

Dr Jesus Medina is a Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS) and Former President of Sociedad Mexicana de Ultrasonido en Dolor (SMUD). Dr. Medina earned his Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara College of Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico, and specialized in Anesthesiologist and Pain Management and Palliative Medicine from the University of Guadalajara (CUCS). He’s been dedicated to his practice for more than 10 years, and opts for non-surgical treatments, when indicated, before considering the option of surgery.

Dr. Mehta is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He then completed an interventional pain fellowship at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Mehta has gained national recognition for his contributions to Interventional Pain Medicine.
During his training, Dr. Mehta was awarded a Harvard fellowship for NIH-sponsored research exploring the need for alternative medicines in chronic opioid therapy. His research on post-war chronic pain was highly acclaimed and published as a review article in a leading national journal.
His goals are to help people suffering from pain, optimize pain control, enhance their abilities to function, improve physical and psychological well being. His practice focuses on a multidisciplinary approach that closely meets individual needs, (PERSONALIZED MEDICINE) technologically advanced treatment modalities, alternative and complementary therapies, and REGENERATIVE MEDICINE.
Dr. Mehta is considered a key opinion leader in the field of pain management and is committed to partner with the community to manage pain in an optimal way. He runs various pain wellness programs in collaboration with local physicians, which encompasses multiple interventional strategies for SPINE PAIN, HEADACHES/PTSD/ABDOMINAL/PELVIC PAIN AND NEUROPATHY. Dr. Mehta’s main focus is on spine pain, headaches, spinal stenosis, abdominal and pelvic pain with a prime interest in neuromodulation and minimally invasive therapies.
Dr. Mehta is one of the first proctors of various new therapies for spine pain and CRPS. He is considered a leading neuromodulation specialist in Texas and is referred patients from all corners of the state. He lectures all over the country on the latest breakthroughs of interventional pain and has numerous publications to his credit. He is an educator and instructor for several health care companies who research and develop treatments for chronic pain.
Dr. Mehta is the Director of research at PSA and conducts cutting edge clinical research involving therapies used for chronic pain.
Dr. Mehta is an active member of most leading professional organizations including the North American Neuromodulation Society, International Neuromodulation Society and American Society of Interventional PainPhysicians.

Neel D. Mehta, M.D., is the Director of the Weill Cornell Pain Management Center and an Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. He also serves as a Co-Director of the Center for Comprehensive Spine Care. He is President of the Eastern Pain Association and Director-at Large-of the New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Mehta completed his fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine in the Tri-Institutional Pain Medicine Fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Felipe Andrés Mejía Sánchez is a highly specialized anesthesiologist and expert in interventional pain management and palliative care based in Pereira, Colombia. He currently serves as the Director of the Chronic Pain and Palliative Care Clinic at Neurocentro, located in Megacentro Pinares, Pereira.

Dr. Mejía earned his medical degree, followed by a specialization in Anesthesiology and a Fellowship in Interventional Chronic Pain and Palliative Care, all from the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) in Colombia. To further his expertise, he completed a Master’s degree in Pain Treatment from the Universidad de Sevilla (Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío) in Spain.

He is a prominent leader in the regional medical community and served as the President of the Colombian Association for the Study of Pain (ACED) from 2018 to 2020. He is also an active member of the Latin American Federation of Associations for the Study of Pain (FEDELAT).

At Neurocentro, his practice focuses on the comprehensive management of chronic pain conditions, including severe lumbar, cervical, and joint pain. He specializes in advanced interventional techniques such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, neurostimulation device implantation, regenerative medicine, and the management of complex neuralgias.

Dr. Carlos Monroy is a Pain Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Hospital San Angel Inn Universidad in Mexico City, Mexico, where he has provided comprehensive pain medicine and interventional algology consultations since 2018. He specializes in the management of acute and chronic pain, utilizing both pharmacological treatments and advanced ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided interventional therapies.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Monroy served as the Head of the Pain Clinic at the National Institute of Rehabilitation (INR) from 2014 to 2019, having worked as an Attending Physician in the institute’s Pain Clinic and Anesthesiology Department since 2013. During this period, he also practiced Pain Medicine and Interventional Algology at Hospital Angeles del Pedregal from 2014 to 2019.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Monroy has extensive national and international teaching experience across courses, congresses, and postgraduate programs in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. He is a frequent national and international lecturer on ultrasound-guided interventional pain management. His academic appointments include serving as an Associate Professor for the Diploma in Regional Anesthesia and Vascular Access at the INR (endorsed by UNAM) from 2014 to 2016, and as an Adjunct Professor for the Diploma in Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Pain Management through AMETD (endorsed by Universidad Panamericana) in 2017.

Dr. Monroy is a recognized leader in his field. He is a founding member of both the Mexican Society of Ultrasound in Pain (SMUD) and the Mexican chapter of the Latin American Society of Regional Anesthesia (LASRA Mexico). Additionally, he has held key leadership positions within the Mexican Association for the Study and Treatment of Pain (AMETD), serving as General Secretary for the 2014–2016 term and as Treasurer for the 2022–2024 term.

Dr. Anand Murugesan is a highly experienced Pain Management Specialist based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with over 10 years of dedicated practice in the field. He holds an impressive array of qualifications including MBBS, DNB, FEM, FIPM, FIPP, and CIPS, showcasing his commitment to providing comprehensive and specialized care for patients suffering from pain-related conditions. Dr. Murugesan is well-versed in the latest advancements in pain management techniques and therapies, ensuring that his patients receive the most effective and personalized treatment plans. He communicates fluently in English and Kannada, making it easy for diverse patient groups to express their concerns and understand their treatment options. As part of the prestigious APOLLO healthcare network, Dr. Murugesan adheres to high standards of medical excellence, prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction. His expertise ranges from managing acute pain to addressing chronic pain syndromes, making him a trusted choice for individuals seeking relief from debilitating pain. Dr. Murugesan believes in a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, often integrating various modalities to help improve patients’ quality of life. Dr. Anand Murugesan had the opportunity to observe the entire spectrum of pain management from simple medication management to complex interventional pain management procedures. He had also observed full range of interventional procedures from peripheral nerve blocks to complex neuraxial procedures like Epidural Steroid injections, Lysis of Adhesions, Vertebral Augmentation Techniques, Spinal cord stimulators and Intrathecal pumps. He also took active part in the evaluation and management of patients with a wide variety of painful conditions and disorders. Whether you are dealing with post-surgical pain, arthritic discomfort, or neuropathic pain, you can rely on Dr. Anand Murugesan’s profound knowledge and compassionate care to guide you on your path to recovery.

Dr. Annu Navani is the Chief Medical Officer of Boomerang Healthcare, the leader in interventional and multidisciplinary spine, musculoskeletal, and orthopedic care. Boomerang is a large multispecialty group practice with 350 medical providers that operates via multiple state of the art centers in Northern and Southern California and Nevada.
Dr. Navani is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Division of Pain, Stanford University School of Medicine. She also serves as an Advisor to Le Reve Regenerative Wellness, the center for cutting edge restorative and regenerative solutions for clinical applications and research.
Dr. Navani completed her Anesthesiology residency from Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Fellowship in Pain Medicine from the University of California, Davis. She is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by American Board of Anesthesiology, in Interventional Pain by American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians, Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice and in Regenerative Medicine by American Board of Regenerative Medicine and American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians.
She sits on the Editorial board of the journal, Pain Physician and serves on the board of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery and California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Association of Interventional Pain Physicians, The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and The Postgraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology.
She has extensive publications in the field of Interventional spine and Regenerative medicine and has contributed via several peer reviewed journal articles, visionary editorials and book chapters. Her book, “Essentials of Regenerative Medicine” is first in its right illustrating latest interventional techniques in spine and musculoskeletal interventions. She has also been instrumental in authoring several National Guidelines including the ones on Opioids, Interventional Spine Epidural procedures, Facet joints, and Biologics in Lumbar spine.
Her vision is to forward the field of Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine by using technological innovations to improve access, decrease health care costs and maximize quality and efficacy.

Sam Nia, MD is a Harvard-trained dual board certified interventional pain medicine physician and anesthesiologist. Dr. Nia has extensive experience and training in minimally invasive pain management procedures. His expertise includes ultrasound-guided procedure, x-ray guided  procedures and minimally invasive nerve stimulator implantation and neuromodulation. Dr. Nia is a native Manhattanite and treats patients of all ages including adolescents.

Dr Victor Pacheco (Brazil)- Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology – UNICAMP; Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon by SBOT; Board Certified Pain Physian by the Assoicação Médica Brasileira; Board Certified – Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice FIPP – World Institute of Pain; Board Certified – American Academy of Regenerative Medicine; ‌Coordinator of Advanced Regenerative Medicine; Board of the Latin American Pain Society and sinpain course of interventional pain. ‌Former Santos Futebol Clube Team Psysician.

Daniel J. Pak, MD, is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained anesthesiology and pain medicine physician specializing in interventional pain management.
Pak is also an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and the Associate Chief of chronic pain services at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Pak received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency in anesthesiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medicine, where he received the Sadel Wortis Klein Award for Excellence in Clinical Performance. He then completed a pain medicine fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Prior to joining UTHealth Houston, Pak was on faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Weill Cornell Medicine, where he was awarded multiple faculty teaching awards.

Dr. Patel is board certified in Pain Management and Anesthesiology. She completed both her Interventional Pain Medicine fellowship and Anesthesiology residency at the prestigious Columbia University Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of back and neck pain caused by arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and pain following spine surgery. She also has expertise in treating neuropathic pain, cancer related pain, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), atypical facial pain, pelvic pain, headache and peripheral neuralgias.
Dr. Patel offers a variety of treatment options to help eliminate pain intractable to previous therapy, including epidurals, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation and the latest minimally invasive spine procedures. To expand the breadth of treatment options offered to her patients, Dr. Patel completed training in medical acupuncture at Harvard Medical School and Brigham Women’s Hospital. She is certified by the State Medical board of New York to practice Medical Acupuncture.
Dr. Patel’s practice philosophy is to blend medical innovation, evidence based medicine and compassion to meet each patient’s individual goals. She strives to improve functionality and allow patients to resume an active lifestyle. Dr. Patel believes that the treatment of pain is not only a physical issue but an emotional one as well. She offers patients the personal time and care that is needed to thoroughly evaluate their pain and provide them with the most appropriate treatment.
As a result of her commitment to patient care, Dr. Patel was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Society for Education in Anesthesiology-Health Volunteers Overseas Traveling Fellowship, a grant to teach Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in the developing world. Dr. Patel has also been involved in patient advocacy through medical broadcasting and documentaries in Africa and India.

Juan de la Cruz Pineda Pérez, MD, FIPP, is a medical staff member at Hospital Aranda de la Parra in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. He specializes in acute pain, chronic pain, regional anesthesia, and interventional pain management.

Dr. Pineda Pérez completed a fellowship in Pain Medicine at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan) in Mexico City, and holds a Master’s degree in Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care from the International University of Catalonia in Spain. He gained extensive clinical experience in regional anesthesia, acute pain, and interventional cancer pain management while working at Montreal General Hospital, affiliated with McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

He is board-certified by the World Institute of Pain (WIP) as a Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP). Additionally, Dr. Pineda Pérez served on the Board of Directors for the Asociación Mexicana para el Estudio y Tratamiento del Dolor (AMETD) for the 2020–2022 and 2022–2024 terms, and is an active member of the Sociedad Mexicana de Ultrasonido en Dolor (SMUD).

Prof. Plancarte, trained in Anesthesiology and intensive care, to later specialize in interventional pain management. He founded the Pain Clinic of the National Institute of Cancerology in Mexico and has been the creator of 5 original techniques in interventional pain management, which are already part of the armamentary of interventional cancer pain treatment. He is a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and has a Doctorate in Medicine research and is a member of the National System of Researchers in Mexico.

Dr. Puttaniah is a board-certified anesthesiologist with additional expertise and training in pain medicine. As a member of both the Anesthesiology Service and the Pain Service in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, his clinical work involves delivering anesthesia as well as treating postoperative pain. He also treats cancer pain using medications, nerve blocks, intrathecal drug delivery systems, radiofrequency techniques, and neurolytic blocks. He regularly supervises and teaches clinical fellows.

Born and raised in Lawrence, KS, Morteza “Mort” Rabii is a life-long Jayhawk. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Nurse Practitioner from the University of Kansas. In graduate school he focused on the importance of patient education on improving pain relief. Prior to joining Crimson Pain Management, Mort worked in orthopedics for nearly 10 years, gaining an understanding of chronic back and joint pain. Passionate about pain management, Mort focuses on caring for the whole patient.

Dr. Rathi is a leading specialist in interventional pain medicine and the treatment of complex spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. He has greater than ten years of experience in performing cutting edge procedures including minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative medicine using Stem Cell Therapies. He is board certified in Pain Management as well as Physical medicine and Rehabilitation.
A native of New Jersey, he was selected to participate in a prestigious accelerated medical degree program through Pennsylvania State University and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. After earning his Doctorate of Medicine from Jefferson, Dr. Rathi went on to complete his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at New York University Langone Medical Center. While in training, he served as chief resident at Bellevue Hospital, authored numerous publications and participated extensively in both inpatient and outpatient care at the NYU Langone Medical Center, Hospital for Joint Diseases and the Manhattan Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Following residency, Dr. Rathi completed an Interventional Spine Fellowship at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Penn Spine Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rathi has been in private practices since 2009. He spent eleven years at Shore Orthopedic Group before opening a new practice at Shore Spine and Pain.

• General medicine (University Autonomus of Coahuila)
• Anesthesiology (University of Monterrey)
• Pain Management and Palliative Care (National Institute of Cancerology, Mexico)
• Interventional Pain Management (National Institute of Cancerology Mexico)
• Master of Medical Sciences.
• Fellow Interventional Pain (FIPP) Practice by World Institute of Pain.
• Degree of Pain Ambassador

Christopher L. Robinson is a physician-scientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and outcome prediction. He completed his fellowship in interventional pain medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and his anesthesiology residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School. He earned his dual MD/PhD degree through the Tri-Institutional Program at Weill Cornell Medical College, The Rockefeller University, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where his doctoral work contributed to groundbreaking antiviral drug discoveries alongside the recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Georgetown University.

Dr. Robinson currently co-directs the Massachusetts General Brigham–Harvard Pain and Headache Grand Rounds, serves as editor for 10 academic journals, and has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications, with primary contributions to the field of pain medicine.

Dr. Rubin did his residency in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell in Manhattan. After residency, he attended the Quad Institution Fellowship in pain management at Weill Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr Rubin is currently in private practice on Long Island, New York. Dr. Rubin is a strong supporter of New York Medical Societies. He is the current Treasurer and former President of the New York Society of Interventional Pain Physicians a Board Member of the Nassau County Medical Society and delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York.

• Anesthesiologist and Specialist in Pain Medicine
• Vice President and Co-founder of the civil association Menos Dolor
• Adjunct Professor in Algology for the Medical Degree Program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
• Author and co-author of medical articles focused on the study and advancement of Pain Medicine

Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center
Vice Chairman of the Board, The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience
Division Chief, Pain Medicine
Program Director, Multidisciplinary Pain Fellowship

Dr. Michael Schatman is a clinical psychologist who has spent the past 40 years working in multidisciplinary chronic pain management. He currently serves on the faculties of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, & Pain Medicine and the Division of Medical Ethics in the Department of Population Health, both at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is also a co-director of the Harvard/Mass General Interdisciplinary Pain and Headache Rounds. Dr. Schatman is the author of over 275 journal articles and book chapters on various aspects of chronic pain management, and lectures regularly on pain management on local, national, and international bases. Much of his current research is neuromodulation outcomes and pain physician training.  Dr. Schatman is a member of the Editorial Boards of numerous journals, and for the past 12 years, he has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pain Research. He is also the editor of Ethical Issues in Chronic Pain Management and Chronic Pain Management: Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Program Development, both of which were released by Informa Healthcare in 2007. He is the past-Chairperson of the Ethics Special Interest Group of the American Pain Society, and the past-Chair of the Ethics Committee of the American Academy of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Trusha Shah is a board-certified anesthesiologist, interventional pain management, and longevity medicine specialist, dedicated to helping patients live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives. A graduate of the Weill Cornell Pain Medicine Fellowship, she is the founder and medical director of Shah Spine & Pain and Shah Wellness & Aesthetics, serving patients across Long Island and the Hamptons.

Dr. Shah’s integrative approach bridges regenerative medicine with the science of longevity—offering advanced therapies such as peptide infusions, IV nutrient optimization, bioidentical hormone therapy, PRP, and energy-based skin rejuvenation. Through her work, she empowers patients to address the root causes of aging and pain while restoring balance, function, and confidence.

A frequent speaker and thought leader in the fields of wellness and regenerative medicine, Dr. Shah is passionate about creating personalized treatment pathways that combine modern science, artistry, and compassion to redefine what it means to age well.

Naum Shaparin, MD, MBA, is Professor and Vice Chair of Business Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also serves as Director of the Montefiore Multidisciplinary Pain Program. After graduating magna cum laude from Boston University, Dr. Shaparin received his medical degree from Rutgers — New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. He then completed his residency in anesthesiology at Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital and completed a fellowship in pain medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. Most recently, he completed his MBA at the NYU Stern School of Business. He is a Past President of the Eastern Pain Association and is a member of numerous organizations and committees. Dr. Shaparin has lectured and published extensively on various topics related to regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine and chronic pain medicine.

Dr. Ruchi Sharma is a board-certified anesthesiologist and fellowship trained, board certified in Interventional Pain Management. She completed her medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. She went on to pursue her internship and residency in Anesthesiology at University Hospital/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She completed her fellowship training in Intervention Pain Management at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.

Dr. Sharma’s goals are to optimize pain control while enhancing functional ability and quality of life. Her interests include, but are not limited to, musculoskeletal pain of the back, joints, neuropathic disorders, and cancer pain. She also specializes in inpatient pain management and regional anesthesia in the perioperative setting.

Anil K. Sharma, MD, is the Founder and President of Spine & Pain Centers of New Jersey and New York and a nationally recognized leader in interventional pain management. A Valedictorian graduate of MGM Medical College, he completed his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he was honored as the Best Graduating Fellow. Over a 30-year career, Dr. Sharma has performed more than 80,000 spinal procedures, specializing in minimally invasive techniques and complex chronic pain diagnosis. He has been named a “Top Doctor” for 14 consecutive years. An influential educator and Wharton alumnus, Dr. Sharma is also a strategic entrepreneur who founded Third Eye Capital Management. Through the Sharma Family Foundation, he supports global healthcare, education, and essential resources like clean water in developing nations.

Prof Shetty trained at Cambridge University Hospitals and underwent a clinical fellowship in pain management at Guys & St Thomas Hospital in London. He is a consultant lead in Pain Medicine at University College London Hospitals and an Associate Professor at UCL. He is a consultant at Harley Street Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. Special interests: Chronic Pain: Neuromodulation, Spinal Cord stimulators, Sports Medicine, Pelvic pain, CRPS

Dr. Victor Manuel Silva Ortiz (MD, FIPP, CIPS) is a highly specialized Interventional Pain Physician based in Monterrey, Mexico. He currently practices at the Centro Médico Zambrano Hellion (Tec Salud), where he focuses on the comprehensive management of complex pain conditions. A dedicated academic, Dr. Silva serves as an Interventional Pain Management Professor at both the Tecnológico de Monterrey and the University of Guadalajara. He is internationally recognized by the World Institute of Pain (WIP), holding both the Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) and Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS) credentials.

A prominent leader in the regional medical community, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS) and is the current President of the Mexican Society of Ultrasound in Pain (SMUD) for the 2023–2025 term.

Dr. Gurtej Singh is a double ACGME board certified Physiatrist and Pain Medicine specialist.  He has additional fellowship training in Stem Cell and Regenerative medicine.  He has practiced in the Maryland area both in the Department of Neurosurgery and now as a partner in the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics.  As a nationally recognized expert in his field, Dr. Singh has spoken or taught on spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation, spine tumor ablation, restorative neurostimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, SIJ fusion, MIS lumbar fusion, and Endoscopic spine surgery, among other topics.  He takes great pride in honing in on the correct diagnosis and having an intimate collaboration with his surgical partners to offer patients the very best treatment options.  Born and raised in Philadelphia, he remains an avid Philly sports fan.

Dr. Jaspal “Ricky” Singh, MD
Vice Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine | NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine

Dr. Jaspal “Ricky” Singh is a nationally recognized leader in interventional spine care, rehabilitation medicine, and regenerative therapies. As Vice Chair of Rehabilitation Medicine and Director of Interventional Spine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine, he leads a multidisciplinary team integrating advanced diagnostics, image-guided procedures, and holistic care to restore function and improve quality of life for patients with complex spine and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Singh’s research and clinical work focus on non-surgical solutions for spine pain, including orthobiologic and neuromodulation technologies. A dynamic educator and marathon runner, he is passionate about advancing wellness, innovation, and compassionate care through evidence-based medicine and patient-centered design.

Hannah Sisti is a certified physician assistant with experience in primary care and currently working in the field of interventional pain management and addiction medicine. She is currently employed at Premier Pain Centers in Toms River, NJ. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her nieces and nephews.

Dr. Anne Marie Stilwell, MD, is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Management Specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed her anesthesiology residency at The New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Stilwell was the inaugural fellow in the Tri-Institutional Pain Medicine Fellowship, receiving advanced training at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her expertise includes regenerative medicine modalities such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and cellular therapies, which she integrates into her pain management practice. Dr. Anne Marie Stilwell is noted for her active involvement in community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her medical practice.

Dr. Harry Sukumaran, M.D. is a pain management specialist Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology at Michigan State University and his medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in Anesthesiology at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. He then continued his specialty training in Pain Medicine in a multidisciplinary interventional fellowship at the University of Michigan. Active in professional organizations, Dr. Sukumaran is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists, American Medical Association, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, North American Neuromodulation Society, as well as the Association Council for Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Sukumaran is passionate about improving patient wellness, quality of life, and function.

Dr. Tiso is the founder and President of the New York Spine and Wellness Center – a large multidisciplinary pain treatment center in central NY. He is also the president-elect of the NY Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Tiso places a strong emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care and advocates on their behalf both locally and nationally. He is also the author of several peer-reviewed journal articles. Pain Medicine is undergoing a dramatic transformation over the past several years. The challenge will be to navigate this change positively from both a clinical and administrative standpoint. He is hoping to help lead us through this change.

Dra. Marcela Torreblanca Montaño is a Mexican anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. She is widely recognized for her expertise in pain medicine, palliative care, and interventional pain therapies. She initially trained as a physician before specializing in Clinical Epidemiology, Anesthesiology, and Resuscitation. She later completed a specialty in Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, followed by a high specialty in Interventional Pain Management at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in alliance with the National Institute of Cancerology (INCAN).

Dr. Torreblanca currently treats patients at the Hospital San José in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (Clinica Del Dolor/Algología). She focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide array of pain conditions, including oncological (cancer) pain, terminal illness pain, fibromyalgia, severe lumbar/spinal pain, and complex regional pain syndrome.

She is highly active in the international medical community, serving on the faculty and board of directors for the Latin American Pain Society (LAPS), where she helps promote pain education and certification throughout Latin America. She is also a founding member of the Mexican Society of Ultrasound in Pain (SMUD).

Dr. Juan Carlos Torres Huerta, MD, FIPP. 

Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Management Especialist.

Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice World Institute of Pain.

Associate Professor in the Interventional Pain Management at “20 de noviembre”, National Medical Center, Mexico, City.

Member of ASPN, WIP, IPSIS and Latin American Pain Society. (LAPS)

Founder and CEO of MenosDolor Training A.C.

Author and Co-author for more than 40 articles in ResearchGate.

Dr. Wahezi earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Buffalo and completed his Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. He then completed an Interventional Musculoskeletal fellowship. Following his training, he completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center, where he cultivated the clinical and academic development of the Pain Program. Dr. Wahezi currently serves as an Associate Professor of PMR, Anesthesiology, and Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City where he serves as the Program Director of the ACGME accredited Pain Fellowship. He has created a fellowship with an interventional focus and multidisciplinary foundation. His mission is to create an academic environment that fosters the growth of Pain Medicine by education and investigation/development of new devices and techniques. Dr. Wahezi is a long-standing member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), New York Pain Society (NYPS), Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP), New York Pain Society (NYPS), American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN), Eastern Pain Association (EPA). He is a nominated AAPMR delegate representative for the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Expert Panel on Pain Management, a nominated representative on ASIPP’s expert lumbar stenosis panel, serves on the Board of Directors for the NYPS, and is a member of the AAPM Membership Committee Council. He is a graduate of the Academy of Academic Physiatrists’ (AAP) Program for Academic Leadership (PAL) and a member of Montefiore’s esteemed Professional Leadership Program, President-Elect for the Academy of Pain Program Directors (APPD), Co-Chair of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) Educational Committee, and elected member of the Spine Intervention Society (SIS) Evidence Analysis Committee. He is also a Reviewer and Editor for the Pain Physician Journal and the Pain Medicine Journal. Dr. Wahezi is a nominated member of the Associate Professor Promotions Committee at Montefiore/Einstein. In addition, he is a nominated Super Doctor®, as identified by the New York Times Magazine, and included in the list of Best Doctors in America®.

Dr. Woska completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital. He completed a fellowship in interventional spine and pain medicine with Dr. Charles Aprill at LSU in New Orleans.  Dr. Woska is in private practice and performs spinal diagnostic injections as well as electrodiagnostic testing.  Dr. Woska is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Electrodiagnostic Medicine and Sports Medicine.  Dr. Woska is the Executive Director Emeritus of NJSIPP and remains active in legislative affairs.

Throughout her 15 years of dedicated nursing care in Rochester, New York, Amy has always valued a patient-centered approach to healthcare. As an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pain Medicine, Amy’s primary focus is on improving the quality of life for her patients.
Amy has extensive experience in managing advanced neuromodulation therapies such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pain and spasticity pumps. As an active member of the North American Neuromodulation Society APP Committee, she serves in roles that focus on program development to empower clinicians in the field through education and collaboration.
Amy is excited to be part of the founding team at Savya Neuroscience Institute. Her practice is deeply rooted in a holistic approach, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and compassionate care.  She is committed to listening to your concerns, understanding your needs, and working with you to develop an effective treatment plan.

Marie stays at the forefront of pain management through ongoing education and professional involvement. She is a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Society of Pain & Neuroscience, Florida Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, North American Neuromodulation Society, and The Society of Women Innovators in Pain Management. She also serves as Course Director for multiple national societies, helping plan continuing education programs for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) as well as serving on the North American Neuromodulation Society’s Advanced Practice Provider committee. She is dedicated to mentoring and empowering others in the field to practice with confidence and excellence.

As an anesthesiologist at NYU Langone’s Center for the Study and Treatment of Pain, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients experiencing chronic pain. My approach is rooted in a multimodal strategy aimed at easing pain and improving daily function.
I specialize in treating patients with complex chronic pain conditions, using a range of therapies to address each patient’s unique needs. My goal is to offer relief and enable patients to maintain or improve their daily activities. For those with terminal illnesses, I strive to reduce pain and suffering, allowing them to engage meaningfully with their loved ones.
With more than a decade of experience, I have been recognized as one of the top physicians in pain medicine in the New York metro area. I am honored to have been named in Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors” series and featured in New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors in New York” issue. Beyond patient care, I train future pain medicine physicians as program director of the Pain Medicine Fellowship at NYU Langone, which was designated a Center of Excellence by the American Academy of Pain Medicine in 2018.