Tomah VA’s Pain University Shines on International Stage, Empowers Veterans to Conquer Persistent Pain

There is always reason to celebrate when Veterans’ voices and innovative care models ignite change across the nation. Tomah VA Whole Health and Pain University staff, Kelly Joyce, MSPT, and Dr. Wesley Kurszewski, DPT, earned national recognition by presenting Tomah VA’s groundbreaking “Pain University” program at the April 2026 International Congress on Integrative Medicine & Health in Salt Lake City.
Chosen from hundreds of abstract submissions, Joyce and Kurszewski’s work captured the attention of both VA and private sector clinicians, researchers, and educators, earning praise for its powerful impact on Veterans living with persistent pain.
Pain University: A New Model for Hope and Healing
Established in 2017, Pain University was created in response to a vital need: a Veteran-centric, nonpharmacologic approach to managing chronic pain. Guided by the VA’s Whole Health model, Pain University empowers Veterans with both conventional and complementary health strategies—helping them understand their pain, discover their strengths, and reclaim their well-being.
The program consists of four, 60-minute educational sessions, where Veterans not only learn the science behind pain but also share their personal journeys. Using Whole Health tools such as Mission, Aspiration, and Purpose (MAP) and Personal Health Inventory (PHI), each Veteran develops an individualized “battle plan”—a roadmap of self-defined goals and well-being strategies. Health and wellness coaches walk alongside Veterans, offering support as they navigate referrals for complementary integrative health treatments, movement therapies, and additional well-being services.
Measurable Results, Meaningful Change
What sets Pain University apart is its measurable success. Veterans’ pain and pain interference ratings, gathered at program entry and then re-evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months, show significant improvement. Statistically significant decreases in pain interference T-scores were observed at three months. These results validate the power of a holistic, Veteran-centric model—one that not only treats pain but recognizes the individual beyond it.
Setting a New Standard in Pain Care
The initial success of Pain University carries vital implications for the future of Veteran health care. As the nation shifts towards safer, more comprehensive approaches to pain management in accordance with the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), programs like Pain University embody the forward-thinking innovation that Veterans deserve.
As the story of Pain University continues to inspire, it’s clear that the dedication and innovation of Kelly Joyce, Dr. Wesley Kurszewski, and the Tomah VA team have made a lasting impact. Their work has reached far beyond the halls of the medical center, earning international recognition and, more importantly, transforming the lives of Veterans facing persistent pain. By setting a new benchmark for pain management, they are shaping the future of Veteran care throughout the VA and across the country.
For more information on Whole Health and Pain University, visit the Tomah VA Medical Center website at  https://www.va.gov/tomah-health-care/programs/whole-health-calendars/ or reach out to the Tomah VA Whole Health team at .