"Pain Is a Public Health Problem" --What Does That Mean and Why Should We Care?

In recent years AAPM’s Presidents have selected a theme to emphasize during their term of office even as they continue to support the diverse range of activities conducted by this inclusive professional society. AAPM’s immediate Past President Bill McCarberg chose pain control in primary care based upon his decades of experience as a family medicine physician and pain specialist. His predecessor Sean Mackey co-chaired, with Linda Porter of the National Institutes of Health, the panel that produced a comprehensive National Pain Strategy presenting specific plans to advance multiple dimensions of pain. This monumental effort (see below) was a prime focus of his presidency. Earlier Presidents have emphasized patient advocacy, the safe use of opioids, and the needs of veterans returning from combat. I have selected “pain is a public health problem” as the focus of my term; this AAPM President’s Message describes the context and implications of this choice.