Pushing the Pain Medicine Horizon

Abstract

After more than 20 years of bringing together professionals dedicated to excellence in Pain Medicine, American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) continues to be a major force in advancing the practice of Pain Medicine, by providing unequaled opportunities to improve skills and advance knowledge. Above all, AAPM strives to bring increasing value and resources to its members. In just the first half of 2005, AAPM has seen much success, with membership now exceeding 1,600 and the annual meeting now hosting more than 1,000 attendees. Our Medline indexed journal, Pain Medicine , is now celebrating its sixth year. It recently increased to publishing six issues per year and became the official journal of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australia New Zealand College of Anesthetists. Over the past 20 years, AAPM has led the way for the American Medical Association (AMA) to recognize Pain Medicine as a specialty, with representation in its House of Delegates. AAPM conceived of and facilitated certification, which led to the incorporation of the American Board of Pain Medicine. As highlighted in previous columns, AAPM is also taking the lead in public policy related to pain. As a founding member of the Pain Care Coalition (PCC), which brings together the resources of AAPM with the American Pain Society, the American Headache Society, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, AAPM …