Ann Quinlan-Colwell, PhD, RNBC, DAAPM
Last year we began planning our 2020 Southern Pain Society meeting, “Perspectives, Concerns and Options for Managing Pain.” Little did anyone realize that national events of 2020 would necessitate many concerns and needs. We have worked to change our perspective as we explored options for safely coordinating an exciting conference to share timely and innovative pain management information. Interestingly, in numerology, 20 is related to service and teamwork. There is no doubt that the conference planning committee definitely exhibited a double effort of service and teamwork as they planned, evaluated, re-planned, explored options, re-evaluated, and redesigned this conference.
It is my great pleasure to share with you that the 2020 SPS conference will continue with the agenda topics and speakers planned. We will be using a virtual format starting on November 13 and 14 and re-connecting again next March 12 and 13. The virtual option allows for us to schedule shorter days at different times to avoid “Virtual Fatigue.”
The amazing presenters will discuss managing chronic pain throughout the continuum using pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for all types of pain including musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. A variety of measures will be presented, ranging from spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal treatments discussed by Eric Royster, MD, to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine presented by Arnuad Versluys, MD. George Singletary, MD will explore all the uses for buprenorphine and Todd Sitzman, MD shares the current pharmacological and interventional therapies for managing osteoarthritis of knees. Miroslav Backonja, MD will review new pharmacological options for managing neuropathic pain. Jonathon Cole, PhD will examine the reciprocal relationship between sleep and pain and Perry Fine, MD will share the lessons learned and explore the current needs and future opportunities for palliative care. Cases will be presented in which some of these options will be explored.
From a more universal perspective Rollin Gallagher, MD will share with us the back story of the HHS Pain Task Force Report and Scott Fishman, MD will update those attending about the guidelines and regulations for opioid prescribing. Esther Bernhofer, PhD will share the ethical perspective of really doing the right thing for patients living with pain. In a very timely session, Jay Kaplan, MD will discuss burnout and resiliency. We are planning to have our traditional poster session and vendor exhibits.
No one ever wants to postpone a visit to New Orleans and while we regret not being able to connect with you in person in NOLA we certainly look forward to sharing the conference with you virtually. There truly is something for everyone. An innovative and fun addition to the conference this year will be the option to take a Virtual Historical, Architectural Walking Tour of the French Quarter guided by our own Dr. Randy Roig. It will definitely be educational, entertaining, and fun!
Please save the dates and plan to connect with us virtually in November and next March. Please check our website for dates, times and registration options.