PainConnect 2025: A Dynamic Year in Medicine
Having had the privilege of attending PainConnect 2025, the AAPM annual meeting for the past three years, I can say with great confidence that this year’s conference was the most dynamic and energizing yet. From the vibrancy of the sessions to the innovation showcased by rising physicians and students, the event served as a powerful testament to the evolution and future of pain medicine.
PainConnect 2025: Fostering Innovation in Pain Medicine through Mentorship
One of the most remarkable aspects of the meeting was witnessing the growth and development of the younger cohort. I still remember the 2022 Innovation Challenge, led by Brian Mayrsohn, MD, MS, and Salman Hirani, MD, which sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity. Fast forward to PainConnect 2025, it’s inspiring to see individuals like David Jevotovsky, MD, and Julio Vega, MD, colleagues we’ve worked with personally, now carrying the torch. Their leadership has galvanized an entire group of enthusiastic residents and students, many of whom are just beginning their medical journey. Watching freshmen in college confidently pitch ideas and immerse themselves in innovation challenges—an experience I never imagined at that age—was truly breathtaking.
This generational evolution speaks volumes not only about the mentorship culture within AAPM, but also about the expanding accessibility of pain research, innovation, and clinical engagement. It’s no longer limited to a specific stage of training; the doors have been opened wide, and the result is a field brimming with energy, vision, and cross-disciplinary creativity.
The conference, of course, maintained its reputation for cutting-edge research and exceptional educational content. Among many excellent lectures, Dr. Corey Hunter’s presentation on spinal cord stimulation stood out for its clarity, clinical relevance, and future-forward perspective. Meanwhile Dr. Beall’s session balanced science, innovation, and debate—an ideal blend for an audience passionate about advancing pain therapeutics and challenging the paradigm.
Community and Networking at PainConnect 2025
Yet, beyond the academic programming, my favorite part of the meeting was, as always, reconnecting with familiar faces. There’s something deeply comforting and inspiring about seeing friends and colleagues who have walked with you through different stages of training and practice. Whether at a formal panel, over coffee in the exhibit hall, or during spontaneous hallway conversations, the sense of community within AAPM was palpable. These aren’t just professional connections; they’re lifelong colleagues, collaborators, and friends.
The PainConnect Planning Committee deserves enormous credit for orchestrating a seamless, vibrant experience. From the ceremonial transition of the presidency to the thoughtfully curated networking events, they succeeded in blending formality with festivity. Each gathering, whether academic, social, or celebratory, contributed to the sense that this community is not only growing but also evolving with purpose.
Reflections: Capturing the Future of Pain Medicine at PainConnect 2025
Capturing candid moments through videography allowed me to see the conference from yet another perspective. The testimonials I recorded spoke volumes. Attendees expressed not only their appreciation for the sessions but also their hopes for the future of pain medicine. I heard excitement about artificial intelligence, expanded access to care, new neuromodulation techniques, and the growing importance of patient-centered innovation. It was clear: the PainConnect meeting isn’t just a reflection of where we are, it’s a projection of where we’re headed.
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