5 things you didn’t know about a rapidly growing professional organization in pain medicine - The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)

If you’re a resident trainee, a fellow, or an early career physician specializing in pain medicine, you’re likely already familiar with a number of notable professional organizations such as The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), and The North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS). Well, how about The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)?

This year, the annual ASPN conference took place from July 11, 2024 to July 14, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Last year, there were over 2,000 attendees in person and virtually; this year, there were over 3,000 attendees. The conference included researchers, engineers, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, neurologists, pain medicine specialists, and venture capitalists. If you’ve ever heard of the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the ASPN conference is its equivalent in the field of pain medicine and management. The ASPN organization is one of the fastest growing professional organizations in pain medicine and there are 5 unique reasons as to why the annual conference is growing in attendance:

1. There are Unique Demo Labs and Master’s Classes 

In addition to groundbreaking abstracts and research presentations, the ASPN conference provides you with an opportunity to learn about the most advanced procedures (ultrasound guidance, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation with external and micro-implantable pulse generators, sacroiliac joint fusion, kyphoplasty, interspinous process decompression, etc.) from practicing experts in a hands-on fashion through cadaver labs. 

2. There is a Much-Needed Focus on Policy, Practice Management, and Entrepreneurship

One of the most exciting parts of the ASPN conference is the vast exhibitor hall demonstrating the most cutting-edge technology. However, in addition to this, the ASPN conference provides a series of structured sessions focusing on concepts of physician unionization, practice design (single vs. group practice), practice management, contracts, vendor relationships, ambulatory surgery center and in-office suites development, personal injury, venture capital investment, and entrepreneurial infrastructure development (concept to market). 

3. The Conference Provides a Rare Perspective from Industry 

Have you ever wondered, “how did they even come up with that? How is that technology even built? What’s inside that box? Etc.” Traditionally, content presented at most professional societies and conferences are predominantly focused on evidence-based research. However, ASPN not only follows this format, but also offers a unique perspective from leading companies who manufacture various advanced therapeutic technologies. In addition to deep-dive round table discussions to critically evaluate current therapies, major companies provide a behind-the-scenes view of innovation efforts, patient access and safety, adoption of therapies, practice incorporation, and current research and development efforts.  

4. There is a Growing Library of Webinars & Digital Content 

In addition to traditional educational videos, ASPN offers a unique collection of digital content to proactively educate its members in the setting of the evolving landscape of minimally invasive spine interventions and pain management. From basic surgical techniques to debates on the use of the most cutting-edge advanced therapies, ASPN provides an eclectic and unbiased view on various topics to ultimately help one form their own opinion on a topic. 

5. There is an Open & Personalized Network of Mentors 

One of the strongest aspects of ASPN is the emphasis on mentoring one another. At ASPN, the foundational tenet is that all members can learn from one another regardless of their professional experience and expertise. Everyone is approachable and willing to collaborate; and they do. From having opportunities to observe members at their practice location to collaborating on new ideas, ASPN creates a unique culture of partnership.

Written by: Trishul Kapoor MD D. ABA¹, Dawood Sayed MD², Timothy R. Deer MD³

1. Staff Physician, Lehigh Valley Health Network & Jefferson Health; Leadership Council, ASPN Young Innovators Committee 
2. Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center; Vice Chairman of the Board, ASPN 
3. President & CEO, The Spine & Nerve Center of The Virginias; Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine; Chairman, ASPN