PAINWeek 2024 Global Summit Ignites a Revolution in Pain Care

PAINWeek 2024 transformed Las Vegas into the epicenter of pain management from September 3-6, bringing together healthcare professionals from around the globe for the largest summit of its kind in the U.S. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas became a hub of innovation, education, and collaboration, uniting nearly 2,000 clinicians under a shared mission: to revolutionize pain care. 

This four-day annual medical conference saw a diverse array of medical specialties, from physicians and nurse practitioners to pharmacists and physical therapists, converge to exchange ideas and shape the future of pain management. PAINWeek 2024 was more than CME/CE medical education—it ignited global collaboration and sparked groundbreaking innovation. 

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation 

The annual medical conference commenced by kicking off 12 dynamic educational tracks. PAINWeek’s Program Director, Carli Rowe, and Operations Director, Jeneen Mangel, led participants through PAINWeek 101, offering a comprehensive guide to session selection, earning CME/CE credits, and maximizing the overall conference experience. 

Attendees dived into cutting-edge topics, including nociplastic pain, mobile health, sickle cell pain, and endometriosis. “The best part of these large conferences is reconnecting with colleagues,” one attendee noted, highlighting the camaraderie that defines PAINWeek. The day concluded with an evening CME Satellite Symposium on holistic patient care strategies. 

Day 2: Expanding the Horizons of Pain Management 

Day 2 saw groundbreaking presentations from leading pain management pioneers. Experts like Eugene Vortsman, DO, discussed the potential of psychedelic medicine, while Georgine Lamvu, MD, MPH, shared insights on chronic pelvic pain, and Paul Christo, MD, MBA, explored the future of neuromodulation. 

The grand opening of the Exhibit Hall was a major highlight, featuring nearly 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in pain management. From Hive CBD’s vibrant bee car to Relax Sauna’s infrared experience, the hall buzzed with excitement. 

Afternoon sessions explored topics like AI in pain assessment, acupuncture for women veterans, and future analgesics. Keynote speaker and mindset expert Charles Clark captivated the audience with a powerful account of overcoming a debilitating injury, emphasizing the transformative power of alternative therapies and patient empowerment. Clark's poignant observation: “Sometimes, what someone needs most isn’t our wisdom, but our willingness to be present.” 

The day concluded with the highly anticipated Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall, offering attendees the perfect opportunity to network with fellow professionals, explore cutting-edge products and services, and create lasting connections with key industry leaders. 

Day 3: Diving Deeper into Specialized Topics 

Day 3 continued with an array of expert-led sessions. Theresa Baxter, MSN, FNP, CARN-AP, led discussions on OUD treatment, Celeste Nadal, MD, explored the intersection of dementia and pain, and Nick Knezevic, MD, PhD, presented innovative headache treatments. 

A key highlight of the day was the debate on the medical use of cannabis, featuring Paul Christo, MD, MBA, and Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, which offered attendees a robust, evidence-based discussion on this hot topic. 

The day concluded with the Scientific Poster/Networking Reception, bringing together experts, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives for a night of education, connection, and celebration. 

Day 4: Wrapping Up with a High Note 

The final day maintained the summit’s momentum with Karen Williams, DNP, FNP-BC, AQH, FAANP, and Karen Sova, MSN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, leading an engaging hands-on workshop on auricular acupuncture therapy. PAINWeek’s Program Director, Carli Rowe, even participated in live demonstrations, elevating the interactive experience. 

The Exhibit Hall remained a bustling hub as attendees explored breakthrough technologies and advanced treatments. With a focus on multidisciplinary pain management, the event featured twelve diverse learning paths, offering thought-provoking lectures on topics ranging from the psychosocial components of the biopsychosocial approach to a lively Q&A on the future of psychedelic medicine.  

We concluded an extraordinary week with a memorable Closing Reception and Raffle Drawing, where attendees celebrated with champagne and enjoyed the excitement of winning incredible prizes, including a Louis Vuitton duffle bag, an Apple iPad Mini, and PAINWeek 2025 conference passes with a two-night stay at The Cosmopolitan. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pain Management 

For those unable to attend, on-demand access to PAINWeek 2024 content will be available from November 2024 to November 2025. Learn more now!

PAINWeek 2025 is already on the horizon, set for September 2-5, 2025, in Las Vegas. Early bird pricing is now available for those eager to secure their spot at next year’s revolutionary event. Visit the event page to learn more and register.

PAINWeek 2024 was more than just a conference; it was a movement—one that is shaping the future of pain care. As one attendee perfectly captured, “I’ve learned more here than anywhere else. The best part is taking that knowledge back to my community and leading change.” 

Until next year, let’s continue advancing pain management education and improving patient care.