Inaugural Pain Management Summit paves the way for enhanced Veteran care
The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center hosted its first-ever Pain Management Summit on September 24th, attracting more than 100 healthcare providers from across the main facility and its community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
This landmark event focused on equipping VA healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, tools, and strategies for treating pain—a critical issue faced by Veterans.
Experts from a wide range of disciplines, including Pain Medicine, Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Complementary & Integrative Health, Whole Health, Nutrition, and Pharmacy, came together to provide attendees with essential clinical pearls. These insights were designed to be directly applicable in the diverse clinical settings where Veterans receive pain care. The interdisciplinary approach allowed for a comprehensive exploration of pain management, considering both traditional treatments and emerging therapies.
At the heart of the summit was the VA’s Stepped Care Model for Pain Management, a framework designed to ensure that Veterans receive personalized care that escalates as necessary. This model emphasizes an integrative approach to pain care, combining medication management, therapy, complementary treatments, and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to provide Veterans with holistic, effective pain management that addresses not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional well-being.
Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Rita Harvey highlighted the importance of this collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach:
"This summit marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care for Veterans. By bringing together experts from across disciplines, we’re building stronger, more effective strategies for managing pain. It’s not just about treatment—it’s about improving Veterans’ quality of life and addressing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being."
The summit also served as an opportunity to address gaps in current pain care practices and to reinforce the need for collaboration across various medical fields. The clinical insights shared by subject matter experts underscored the importance of a patient-centered, team-based approach to pain management, ensuring Veterans receive the best possible care, no matter where they are treated.
The success of this inaugural summit reflects a growing commitment within the VA to innovate and refine pain management practices. The Pain Management Team extended heartfelt thanks to all the VA staff whose dedication and hard work made the event a success.
Looking ahead, this summit is expected to be a cornerstone for ongoing education and practice improvements in pain care, reaffirming the VA’s commitment to providing Veterans with the highest quality of care. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers, the VA is taking significant steps to improve pain management for Veterans, helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
As the first of its kind, the Pain Management Summit represents not just an event, but a movement towards more effective, compassionate care for Veterans experiencing pain. With more educational opportunities like this on the horizon, the VA continues to lead the way in advancing Veteran healthcare.