The American Academy of Pain Medicine Announces this Year's Presidential Commendations and Awards

GLENVIEW, Ill., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Presidential Commendations and Awards presented by the Academy's Immediate Past President, Rollin M. Gallagher, MD, MPH. This year's recipients were recognized at AAPM's 26th Annual Meeting held in San Antonio last week, where more than 800 scientists and physicians convened to learn the latest in Pain Medicine.

The following individuals were honored with the Academy's Presidential Commendation for their contributions to Pain Care and the specialty of Pain Medicine.

Congressman Gene Green of Texas received AAPM's Presidential Commendation in recognition for his sponsorship of the National Institutes of Health National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009.

Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah was also honored with AAPM's Presidential Commendation for his support of the Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 and for his instrumental role in developing the Decade of Pain Control & Research effort.

Jennifer Wagner, Executive Director of the Western Pain Society, was honored for her dedicated work as an Oregon Pain Care Advocate.

Lynn R. Webster, MD, AAPM's Treasurer and CEO/Medical Director of Lifetree Pain Clinic, was presented the Presidential Commendation for his tireless advocacy to promote the safe use of opioids and his successful creation of the local pain initiatives effort, which has resulted in AAPM representation in almost all 50 states.

AAPM also recognized several other individuals that have made outstanding contributions to Pain Medicine and congratulates the following award recipients:

The Patient Advocacy Award was presented to Myra Christopher, President and CEO, of the Center for Practical Bioethics. Ms. Christopher also served as the national program officer of the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation's National Program Office for State-based Initiatives to Improve End-of Life Care. These roles allow Ms. Christopher to continue her lifelong mission to improve care for seriously ill people and their families. Ms. Christopher's assistance was sought in drafting and introducing the Patient Self-Determination Act. She also consulted with the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations on patients' rights and organizational ethics standards and is currently consulting with the Centers for Disease Control.

This year's Philipp M. Lippe, MD Award recipient was Michel Y. Dubois, MD, who currently serves as Professor of Anesthesiology at New York University Medical School and Director of Research & Education for the Pain Program at New York University Medical Center. Currently, Dr. Dubois serves as President of the American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM) and as ABPM Liaison Director for the Academy. Dr. Dubois is a member of 11 professional societies and has presented more than 200 lectures to regional, national and international audiences. He is the recipient of 45 clinical investigational research grants and the author and co-author of 87 scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals and books. During the last decade, he has also contributed as a section editor for Pain Medicine.

The Distinguished Service Award recipient was Scott M. Fishman, MD, who was recognized for his outstanding commitment and invaluable contributions to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Dr. Fishman currently serves as professor and chief of Pain Medicine at the University of California–Davis, where he also holds the position of Vice-Chair for Faculty Development. Dr. Fishman serves nine journals and medical education publications as section editor and reviewer. During his distinguished career, Dr. Fishman has presented more than 300 lectures to regional and national audiences, and published 9 books, 33 book chapters and 82 original articles. He is an advocate for Pain Medicine at both the state and national levels and has given expert legislative and government testimony before the FDA, Congress and the California Senate. Dr. Fishman is a past president of AAPM and currently serves as Director-at-Large on the AAPM Board of Directors.

The 2010 Founders Award recipient was David E. Joranson, MSSW, who currently serves as founder and distinguished scientist at the Pain & Policy Studies Group at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, in addition to serving as director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Policy and Communications in Cancer Care. Mr. Joranson serves as a principal or co-principal investigator for numerous organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and World Health Organization. Since 1971, Mr. Joranson has had over 130 articles, book chapters, presentations and official docket submissions published, covering topics such as pain and addiction, pharmacotherapy, opioid diversion and improving state policies related to pain care.

About AAPM

For more than 25 years, the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) has been the medical specialty society representing more than 2,400 physicians practicing in the field of comprehensive pain medicine. The Academy is involved in education, training, advocacy and research in the specialty of pain medicine. Information is available on the practice of pain medicine at www.painmed.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM)