Pain Matters Podcast Network

• In Response: BMJ Interventional Spine Guidelines 2025

  Join Executive Producer and Host Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Co-Host Mustafa Broachwala, DO, for a pivotal episode of the Pain Matters Podcast where we address the recent BMJ publication, “Common interventional procedures for chronic non-cancer spine pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials,” and the associated guideline. Steven Cohen, MD, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Lynn R. Kohan, MD, University of VA Medical School, Zachary McCormick, MD, University of Utah, Nathaniel M. Schuster, MD, University of California, San Diego, Daniel Larach, MD, MS, MA, Vanderbilt University, Hance Clarke, MD, FRCPC, PhD, University of Toronto and President of the Canadian Pain Society, Hemant Kalia, MD, MPH, FIPP, Invision Health, and present diverse perspectives on the publication’s claims and the systematic review and meta-analysis methods behind it.In this episode, you’ll learn:The podcast underlines the necessity for comprehensive, unbiased systematic reviews and meta-analyses to inform clinical guidelines effectively.Experts caution against the misinterpretation of studies and the potential consequences for policy and access to interventional pain procedures.Advocates call for unified efforts in the pain medicine community to pursue legislative and regulatory reforms that align with current evidence and patient needs.The conversation underscores the pivotal role of personalized patient care and clinically validated techniques in improving outcomes and preserving practice legitimacy.The podcast highlights the risk of reducing access to viable interventional pain treatments if skewed interpretations of data shape healthcare policies.Tune in to discover how these leading experts address the controversies, advocate for robust clinical evidence, and highlight the urgent need for unified advocacy in shaping practical, patient-centered guidelines.Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode.Reference:  Wang X, Martin G, Sadeghirad B, Chang Y, Florez I D, Couban R J et al. Common interventional procedures for chronic non-cancer spine pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials BMJ 2025; 388 :e079971 doi:10.1136/bmj-2024-079971

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• Navigating Cannabis in Pain Medicine [Part 2]

  Dr. Mark Wallace of UCSD joins hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA and Mustafa Broachwala, DO and pick up where they left off on their discussion regarding the nuanced world of medical cannabis, understanding medical applications, appropriate dosing strategies, and advice for prescribing providers. Furthermore, they discuss the challenges of clinical trials, regulatory hurdles, and the implications for treating pain. Dr. Wallace offers insight into the complexities of cannabis research, dosage guidelines, and the controversial discourse surrounding its legalization. This enlightening discussion offers a deep dive into an oft misunderstood and stigmatized area of pain medicine.

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• Navigating Cannabis in Pain Medicine [Part 1]

  Join us for an enlightening episode of the Pain Matters Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of medical cannabis and its implications for pain management. Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, are joined by Mark Steven Wallace, MD, a Pain Management Specialist and Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego Health, who brings more than two decades of experience in cannabis research.In this episode, you’ll discover: Biologics of Cannabis: Dr. Wallace dives deep into the pathophysiologic mechanism at play regarding endocannabinoid receptors and the mechanism of actions of cannabis in the body, especially as it relates to pain.Medical Cannabis vs. Opioids: Dr. Wallace shares his observations on the lack of tolerance development in patients using medical marijuana compared to traditional opioids.Regulatory and Dosage Challenges: Insights into the complexities of prescribing and dosing medical marijuana, and how these factors impact patient care.Therapeutic Potential: Discussion on the conditions that respond well to medical cannabis based on current research and clinical experience.Patient Stories and Outcomes: Real-world examples of how medical cannabis has impacted patients' lives, particularly in managing chronic pain.Future of Cannabis in Medicine: Dr. Wallace's thoughts on the evolving landscape of medical cannabis research and its future potential in healthcare going forward.This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers interested in understanding the nuanced role of cannabis in pain management and those looking to integrate evidence-based cannabinoid therapies into their practice.Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of this nuanced discussion and to find out what’s next for medical cannabis in pain medicine. 

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• Pain Medicine Training: Enhancing Training for Better Outcomes - Part 2

  Join us for Part 2 of our engaging series on the necessary reforms in pain medicine training as we explore potential changes that could significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of pain medicine education.Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO are joined once again by esteemed experts Scott Gregory Pritzlaff, MD, Associate Professor and Pain Medicine Fellowship Director at UC Davis Health, and Sayed Emal Wahezi, MD, Professor and Pain Medicine Fellowship Director at Montefiore Medical Center, to delve deeper into the structural adjustments and implications of extending training periods in pain medicine.Tune in to hear:Structural Changes and Educational Enhancements: Discussing the risks & benefits of: extending fellowship duration,  truncating baseline specialty training years, creating a pain residency, re-establishing graduation case numbers, and more. How do we make training comprehensive and attract a more dedicated cohort of trainees?Diversity and Accessibility: Examining how changes in training duration might impact the diversity of applicants and accessibility of pain medicine as a specialty.Mentorship and Peer Learning: Highlighting the importance of mentorship and peer learning that changes in training could facilitate, enhancing both professional growth and patient care.Controversies and Challenges: Addressing the potential challenges and controversies associated with implementing longer training periods, such as funding, accreditation, and acceptance within the broader medical community.The Need for Collaboration: Discussing the need for a unified voice in pain medicine and collaboration across specialities and societies to achieve mutual advocacy goals & better training. This episode is critical for educators, trainees, and healthcare policymakers interested in understanding and shaping the future of pain medicine training.

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• Pain Medicine Training: A Call for Reformation - Part 1

  Join us in a critical discussion on the urgent need for reform in pain medicine training programs. In this enlightening episode of the Pain Matters Podcast, hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, engage with experienced pain medicine program directors to delve deep into the current state, gaps, and proposed changes surrounding pain medicine fellowships.Tune in as we’re joined by Scott Gregory Pritzlaff, MD, Associate Professor and Pain Medicine Fellowship Director at UC Davis Health, and Sayed E. Wahezi, MD, Professor and Pain Medicine Fellowship Director at Montefiore Medical Center as well as a board member of the Association of Pain Program Directors, to share unique insights into the complexities of pain medicine training.In this episode, you'll hear about:The Current State of Pain Medicine Training: Insights into the existing structure of pain medicine training programs and their limitations.Challenges with Fellowship Durations: A detailed discussion on the implications of the current short durations of fellowships and how they may not adequately prepare physicians for the complexities of pain management.Interdisciplinary Education: The importance of integrating diverse medical disciplines within pain medicine training to enhance understanding and patient care.Potential Reforms: Proposals for extending fellowship durations and making pain medicine training more comprehensive and interdisciplinary.This discussion is essential for anyone involved in medical education, particularly those in pain medicine, who seeks to understand the future directions of training that could better prepare physicians for the evolving challenges in patient care.Please subscribe and turn on notifications to ensure you don’t miss part 2 of our Pain Medicine Training discussion. 

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