Leading Experts on Pain and Addiction Gather for Nicholson-supported Symposium

On December 2nd, The Nicholson Foundation and Princeton University’s Center for Health and Wellbeing gathered many of the nation’s leading experts on pain and addiction for a symposium on “Pain, Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic.” Attendees at the symposium explored the link between current pain management practices and the opioid epidemic.

Symposium speakers included federal and state health officials, nationally recognized academics and researchers, and front-line healthcare providers. Speakers and panelists examined the issue from a variety of perspectives – detailing the social and historical context of how we conceive of and treat chronic pain; presenting the science behind pain and addiction and current pain management practices; and discussing national and state-level initiatives to curb the opioid overdose epidemic.

A recurring theme of the day was the need to look for comprehensive, systemic solutions. Just as a holistic and multi-modal approach is needed to clinically improve chronic pain care, a comprehensive and multi-level policy approach is necessary to change the trajectory of the opioid epidemic.

View videos and transcripts of conference presentations

Read Jan Nicholson’s opening speech

Media Coverage:

NJ Spotlight - Helping Patients Manage Pain While Curbing Opioid Addiction

NJ Spotlight - Princeton Researchers Link Pain, Overdoses, Suicide, and Trump Votes

Washington Post - An Opioid Epidemic is What Happens When Pain is Treated Only With Pills

NJ Spotlight - Experts Warn Christie's Prescription Limits Could Cause More Addiction

Photos: 

Jan Nicholson, President of The Nicholson Foundation, delivers opening remarks.

Keith Wailoo of Princeton University, Jane Ballantyne of the University of Washington Medical School, and panel moderator Judith Glassgold of Princeton University discuss the history and science of pain.

Richard Besser moderates a panel of front-line providers, including Kathleen Foley of Memorial Sloan Kettering, Paul Desjardins of Rutgers Dental School, Rachael Evans of Henry J. Austin Health Center, and Mark Rosenberg of St. Joseph's hospital.

The Nicholson Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Joan Randell introduces Gary Franklin, MD of University of Washington Medical School.

Joanne Kenen of POLITICO moderates a panel on policy approaches in New Jersey, including Steve Lee of the NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs, NJ State Senator Joseph Vitale, Arturo Brito, MD of the NJ Dept. of Health, Jill Williams, MD of RWJ Medical School, and Gary Franklin, MD, of the University of Washington.