The St. Joseph’s Health Care Comprehensive Pain Clinic in the Ambulatory Care Department, receives approximately 4,200 patient visits per year for a wide variety of problems including musculoskeletal complaints, central and peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes and chronic abdominal and pelvic pain. There are eight physicians who run individual clinics: three psychiatrists, four anesthesiologists, and a neurologist. There is a psychologist affiliated with the clinic, two Registered Nurses, a Registered Practical Nurse, pharmacist, social worker, as well as clerical staff. The London Health Sciences Centre Pain Clinic at the South Street Campus is run by two anesthesiologists, and a Registered Nurse, with psychology services available.

Research:

The position of Earl Russell Chair in Pain Research , currently held by neurologist, Dr Dwight Moulin, was made possible through a  $2.5 million dollar gift from Professor Emeritus in the Dept of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine , Dr. Earl Russell. Many Western faculty members are internationally recognized for pain research in acute pain, chronic pain and cancer pain. The mandate of the Earl Russell Chair is to bring together those experts to build knowledge and improve pain management. Our clinical research program includes independent investigations, industry-sponsored pharmaceutical trials, magnetic neuron-modulation device trials, and long-term outcome assessments. The most recent Annual Research Report can be viewed on our website.

Education:

There are two fellowship positions in Chronic Pain Management offered annually. For a short description of the fellowship program please see the Fellowship page. All anesthesia residents rotate through the SJHC Pain Clinic and the LHSC Pain Clinic at the South St Campus for one month. Electives are also offered on request to residents in other medical disciplines as well as to nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy students. Financial support is available for family physicians in practice to spend one day preceptor-ships in the Clinic.

Further information on the assessment and treatment services provided can be obtained from the website at www.londonpain.ca.

The University of Western Ontario
Interdisciplinary Pain Program:

2008 Annual Report