It is always with interest that I get to check out the next edition of the APS newsletter, and this November edition is, as usual, jam packed with lots of pain goodies (and coloured orange to support CRPS Awareness Month).
To begin with, start planning for next year’s Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Melbourne. Travel grants are now open. I always like to fill in the EOI form to get up to date with conference news as it comes available. The theme of the conference is pain management, research and education in low- and middle-income settings. With twenty-four topical sessions- this will be a blast. Not to mention the social functions as well.
Check your social diaries people! It is exciting to see upcoming Australian Pain Society (APS) social networking events are coming to a state near you. Please do send us your photos when you attend as we love to highlight what our members are up to.
Two great interesting articles for reading. One is from the basic pain research group on how when Oleic acid is released by sensory neurons it will inhibit TRPV1-mediated thermal hypersensitivity via GPR40. The other I also read with interest is the recent publication on how B cells drive neuropathic pain–related behaviours in mice through IgG–Fc gamma receptor signalling. This is an important publication shared with us by APS member Mark Hutchinson, along with colleagues Daniel Barratt and Peter Grace. Their paper contributes to our knowledge on the exact mechanisms of how B cells will contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.
Impressive to see the upcoming supported pain self-management online seminar. Better yet - it’s free. This will be a good opportunity to catch up on what Pete Moore, Bronwyn Lennox Thompson and Chris Hayes have to say, and share about getting patients back into the driving set and on track for pain management.
Kind regards
Joanne Harmon
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WHAT’S COMING UP?
We are excited to see you at the 2025 Australian Pain Society 45th Annual Scientific Meeting. It has been 13 years since we were last in Melbourne, and we are thrilled to be hosting APS 2025 in Melbourne.
Here are a few things to look forward to in November!
Registration Opens
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Registration information is available on the conference website.
Program Coming Soon
The full conference program will be released shortly, including the list of concurrent sessions and pre-conference workshop programs.
Accommodation Available
Accommodation options are also available –now is the time to start planning your trip to Melbourne next year.
Travel Grant Applications Close
Wednesday 30 November 2024
Further information can be found here: Travel Grants
Professor Michael Cousins AO Travel Grant
If you have any questions, please contact the APS Conference Secretariat: apsasm@dccam.com.au
REGISTRATION OPENS 19 NOVEMBER 2024
Get in early and secure your place at Australia’s only multidisciplinary conference offering insights into the complex nature of pain management from a variety of medical, nursing, research and allied health perspectives.
Complete the Expression of Interest form to be kept up to date with conference news as it becomes available.
Become a member and save on your APS 2025 registration fee!
Early Bird Register before 18 February 2025 Non-Member
Becoming
Being a member saves you up to $420 after membership fees!
APS Student Member Registration Price Only $300
Being a member saves you $1,130 after membership fees!
Tell your colleagues who are interested in becoming members so they can save on their registrations too!
Become an APS Member and start saving straight away!
Should you have any queries about the conference, please contact the Conference Secretariat.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC.
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PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE
The APS Scientific Program Committee is delighted to bring you an exciting program in the IASP Global Year about Pain Management, Research and Education in Low- and Middle-income Settings
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You can look forward to an extensive program including seven pre-conference workshops, plenary of international keynote speakers, national leaders in the field of pain, 24 topical sessions and three social functions.
Yes, that’s right – 24 topical sessions!
Thanks to a record number of submissions received, the APS is delighted to confirm the ASM program in 2025 has been extended to include an additional stream of concurrent topical sessions.
The program will run until 5pm on Wednesday afternoon – ensuring delegates have access to more content, more speakers and more opportunities to connect than ever before.
Follow the links to start planning your conference experience today!
Program Overview
Keynote Speakers
Pre-Conference Workshops
Topical Concurrent Sessions
Social Program
For information on APS 2025 visit the conference website.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
ACUTE PAIN DAY
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Journeying through acute pain: Clinical strategies, research insights and responsible opioid use
8:30am - 5:00pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC
Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
This acute pain workshop is open to all pain clinicians and will focus on the pain journey, incorporating metropolitan and regional practice. Clinicians can attend as the full day or two half day workshops with exciting practice leaders speaking on topics that are at the forefront of our minds in day to day practice.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
FUNDAMENTALS OF PAIN
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Contemporary Pain Management - Primary Care and Beyond
8:30am - 12:30pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC
Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Hear from a multidisciplinary panel of experienced clinicians as they help you explore pain science essentials and the application of simple, evidenced-based techniques that work in primary care. Learn about neurobiological mechanisms of pain, the psychological impact of pain, how to engage people in treatment and address the question “Is it all in my head?”, skills for managing activity with pain, and assessing pain using a variety of useful tools.
This is workshop is valuable for general practitioners, primary care nurses, allied health professionals and those looking to update their assessment and everyday management skills.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
PAIN IN CHILDHOOD
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
8:30am - 12:30pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
The workshop opens with updates on managing pain in children with joint hypermobility and in palliative care from a holistic treatment perspective. We will then explore virtual reality for pain management: local applications of INOVATE pain research and an opportunity to try the new technology.
We will then take a global perspective, introducing the Pain in Child Health (PICH) program to Australia. PICH is an international community of researchers cultivating and supporting new researchers and promoting new discoveries in child pain management. Speakers will outline the development of PICH, how PICH is supporting Australian research and linking with international research programs, and we will hear about local research projects.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
BASIC PAIN RESEARCH
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
1:30pm - 5:00pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC
Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
This workshop will showcase the latest in Australian basic pain research from early to mid-career and senior researchers and provide a forum to discuss mechanisms of nociception and pain across all levels of investigation: From molecular and cellular analyses to studies in animals and humans (pre-clinical or clinical).
The workshop is open to all interested in mechanisms of nociception and pain, including basic and clinical researchers, health professionals and students at all levels.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
A pain-informed approach to the management of headache & migraine
1:30pm - 5:00pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC
Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
This workshop will focus on the assessment and treatment of chronic headache and migraine. We will explore different contributing factors towards headache and migraine using a biopsychosocial lens to inform clinical reasoning and a pain-informed approach to treatment. This will include exploring the interactions between tissue-based contributors, central and peripheral pain mediators, psychological factors and the social context. The workshop will then provide a framework for the treatment of headache and migraine, with a focus on the role of the physiotherapist. This session is intended for physiotherapists, and it would also be suitable for other allied health and medical professionals who have an interest in this area.
For further information: www.dccam.com.au/aps2025
Questions? Please email us at apsasm@dccam.com.au
PSYCHOLOGY IN PAIN MANAGEMENT
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
Navigating the Complexity of Neurodivergence and Pain
1:30pm - 5:00pm, Sunday 13 April 2025
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, VIC Registration Fees starting from $160
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
This workshop acknowledges the complexity that patients with neurodiversity face in the pursuit of pain management, with three key learning objectives:
1. To provide a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and pain management utilising a multidisciplinary perspective with presentations from Neuropsychology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
2. To use a set of foundational principles from pain neuroscience to effectively guide the assessment and management of those with neurodiversity; and
3. To identify the outcomes patients might experience when we approach pain management from the perspective of neurodiversity.
ASM TRAVEL GRANTS
The Australian Pain Society (APS) is pleased to announce the availability of several Travel Grants for members to present their research at our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).
Travel Grants are awarded as follows:
• PhD students (up to the value of $500)
• A single dedicated Travel Grant for a Pain in Childhood (PinC) SIG member ($500)
• A single dedicated Travel Grant for a Basic Pain Research (BPR) SIG member ($500)
• If funds permit, further travel grants may be offered to nurses, allied health professionals, and other post-graduate students.
This Travel Grant program is designed to encourage contribution to, and participation in, the ASM, and is made possible through an allocation of a capped pool of APS operating funds.
Full eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions are available on the Travel Grants webpage.
NEW! Professor Michael Cousins AO Travel Grant
In honour of Professor Michael Cousins AO, the APS is pleased to announce a single, dedicated Travel Grant for an allied health practitioner member to present their research abstract at our ASM.
The Professor Michael Cousins AO Allied Health Practitioner Travel Grant includes:
• Complimentary ASM registration at the relevant early bird rate
• $500 towards ASM travel and accommodation expenses
To be considered for any Travel Grant:
a. an EOI for a Travel Grant must be indicated when your abstract is submitted; AND b. a Travel Grant Application form must be submitted to aps@apsoc.org.au by 5pm on 30 November 2024 – no exceptions.
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BPR Pain Hour: Advances in the visualization of neuronal activity in pain pathways
Tuesday 19 November 2024, 12 - 1pm AEDT (via Zoom)
The purpose of our Basic Pain Research Special Interest Group (BPR SIG) is to share, improve, and promote scientific knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of nociception and pain across all levels of investigation, from molecular and cellular analyses to preclinical or clinical studies.
This forum will provide an informal platform to promote and share our research and insights, from early career researchers (ECRs; including students) and senior colleagues.
Session 12: Advances in the visualization of neuronal activity in pain pathways
Summary:
Information about touch, temperature, itch, and pain is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons located at a number of different levels of the nervous system, including the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. Traditionally, studies investigating sensory neuron function at these levels have been restricted to a single time point and/or small populations of cells, either during in vivo anaesthetised animal recordings, in vitro cultured preparations, or ex vivo isolated nerve preparations. These methodologies do not permit chronic recordings of large populations of sensory neurons over time, and they do not inform how sensory neurons behave in the awake condition.
This session will explore how the development of cutting-edge microscopy and geneticallyencoded sensors have led to recent advances in
our understanding of sensory neuron function. Phill Bokiniec (University of Queensland) will describe a novel method that allows for the chronic investigation of sensory neuron function in the awake mouse. By leveraging the genetic capabilities of the mouse, and advances in imaging from whole populations of neurons, he will show examples of how peripheral sensory neurons encode cutaneous innocuous temperature.
Feng Wang (Laval University, Canada) will describe the application of in vivo Ca2+ imaging of sensory neurons in the spinal cord to study their functions in both physiological and pathological conditions. He will show examples of key cellular mechanisms used by spinal cord sensory neurons to encode nociception and thermal sensation.
The invited speakers:
• Dr Phill Bokiniec, University of Queensland, Australia
• Dr Feng Wang, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
All are welcome to attend, including postgraduate students.
Please be advised that the speakers and most of the audience may not have clinical or healthcare backgrounds. Therefore, they may not be able to provide advice about managing pain from a healthcare perspective.
We look forward to seeing you there, please register here
Oleic acid released by sensory neurons inhibits TRPV1-mediated thermal hypersensitivity via GPR40
Maksim Sendetski, Saskia Wedel, Kenta Furutani, Lisa Hahnefeld, Carlo Angioni, Jan Heering, Be´ la Zimmer, Sandra Pierre, Alexandra-Maria
Banica, Klaus Scholich, Sorin Tunaru, Gerd Geisslinger, Ru-Rong Ji and Marco Sisignano, Oleic acid released by sensory neurons inhibits TRPV1-mediated thermal hypersensitivity via GPR40, iScience 27, 110552, August 16, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110552
Reviewers
Rainer Viktor Haberberger, Chair of Anatomy, The University of Adelaide;
Dusan Matusica, Anatomy senior lecturer, Flinders University
Review of article
Study group
A key component of peripheral pain signaling, the capsaicin receptor TRPV1 and the lipid oleic acid were studied using mass spectroscopy. Mouse models, spinal cord slices and primary and transfected cells were used in culture.
Aims of study
Sensory neurons such as pain-transducing so called nociceptive neurons respond to stimulation with action potentials which travel to the spinal cord and higher brain centres to create the perception of pain. But in addition to the generation of electrical impulses, these neurons also release factors such as neuropeptides and extracellular vesicles. The aim of the study was to determine if nociceptive neurons release lipids upon stimulation and further investigate their role.
Brief methodology and results
The study used an array of different methods. Mass spectroscopy was used to detect lipids in the supernatant of primary cultured sensory neurons and in dissected sciatic nerves in response to stimulation of the TRPV1 receptor with capsaicin. This showed the TRPV1-dependent release of
lipids from neuronal cell bodies and processes. Oleic acid is a lipid that was released from sensory neurons and increased in the sciatic nerve.
Capsaicin increases the number of synaptic transmission (spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, sEPSCs) in mouse spinal cord slice preparations, but this increase was suppressed by co-administration of oleic acid. When the lipid was applied by itself, it had no effect. This indicated that oleic acid is released from nociceptive neurons and has an inhibitory effect on nociceptive transmission.
Using cell culture models that expressed calcium indicators and a putative receptor for oleic acid in combination with bradykinin-sensitised cultured sensory neurons it could be shown that oleic acid activates the GPR40 (FFAR1) receptor and is able to reverse nociceptor sensitisation in vitro.
GPR40-deficient mice and wild-type mice were utilised in a model of inflammatory pain (plantar zymosan injection). Here, it could be demonstrated that the oleic acid-GPR40 mediated inhibition of nociceptor sensitisation is also present in vivo.
Conclusions
The study indicates that a) nociceptive neurons release lipids in response to stimulation and b) that one of the lipids, oleic acid, has an inhibitory and therefore limiting effect associated with “pain” transmission.
Reviewer's critique & take home message from the article
This is a valuable publication. It clearly demonstrates the impact of lipids on pain transmission. Lipids are more difficult to investigate (methods such as RNA Sequencing, western blot cannot be used) which does not mean that this class of molecules is less important.
Declaration
The reviewer has no connection with the authors of the paper.
Developed by the Australian Pain Society in collaboration with the National Ageing Research Institute, this FREE ‘train-the-trainer’ pain management program is for use by sta in both residential aged care facilities and organisations that provide aged care in the community, as well as NDIS providers.
Bite-sized 10 minute training modules!
Eight (8) painACT modules: One for the trainer called “How to use the painACT trainer program”, and seven modules for the trainer to train their sta :
Introduction to pain in aged care
Impact of pain on the person, family and sta
Conversations about pain
Source reference: Pain in
2nd
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Developed by the Australian Pain Society in collaboration with the National Ageing Research Institute, this FREE ‘train-the-trainer’ pain management program is for use by sta in both residential aged care facilities and organisations that provide aged care in the community, as well as NDIS providers.
For more information:
painACT is available on the Australian Pain Society website and consists of: > trainer learning module documents > short training video clips, and > participant handout material apsoc.org.au/painACT-Online-Learning
Would you like to be featured in an APS
Email the APS Secretariat (aps@apsoc.org.au) if you would like to complete a short interview to introduce yourself and your work to the broader membership.
APS Social Networking Events
Please join us for an Australian Pain Society (APS) social event!
Come along and catch up with your local APS colleagues and learn more about what other people are doing in your state.
In fact, if you have friends/colleagues with an interest in pain management but who are not members of the APS, why not bring them along too, so that they can connect with the APS community and find out more about how the APS can help support them.
The evenings will be largely unstructured so you can focus on meeting and connecting with others.
Hope you can make it!
Joyce McSwan, APS President
ADELAIDE – THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2024
5.00 – 7.00pm
West Oak Hotel
208 Hindley Street, Adelaide
RSVP by 4 November 2024 here!
MELBOURNE – THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2024
5.30 – 7.30pm State of Grace Rooftop 27 King Street, Melbourne RSVP by 4 November 2024 here!
PERTH – THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2025
6.00 – 9.00pm
Prince Lane Rooftop Bar 356 Murray Street, Perth
RSVP by 13 February 2025 here!
NSW & QLD events are being organised, more details to follow…
The Australian Pain Society (APS) is delighted to introduce:
Pete Moore – Author/trainer and originator – Pain Toolkit UK
Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson – Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
Dr Chris Hayes – Pain Medicine Physician, John Hunter Hospital’s Integrated Pain Service, Newcastle, Australia
All three presenters have many years of pain self management experience and will explain what ‘supported pain self management’ is and how it can help patients get back in the driving seat and back on track.
Pete says… “Going by the many conversations I had with numerous healthcare professionals at the 2024 IASP World Congress on Pain in Amsterdam last August, ‘supported pain self management’ has become a hot topic and many educational courses for healthcare workers are now springing up in Australia and around the world.”
This seminar is suitable for both health professionals and people with lived experience of persistent pain.
There will be a 45 minute presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.
The session will be moderated by Ms Bernadette Smith, APS President-Elect.
Places are limited, we look forward to seeing you there!
PLEASE RSVP HERE
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B cells drive neuropathic pain–related behaviours in mice through IgG–Fc gamma receptor signalling
Thank you to APS member Mark R. Hutchinson, along with colleagues Daniel T. Barratt and Peter M. Grace, for sharing the following recent publication.
Article first published online: 25 September 2024
Journal Reference: Science Translational Medicine 16, eadj1277
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj1277
Abstract
Objective
This study investigates the role of B cells in the development of neuropathic pain, a debilitating chronic condition. Prior research has emphasised neuroimmune interactions in pain development, but the involvement of specific immune cells, particularly B cells, has not been fully elucidated. This work aims to establish the importance of B cells and IgG signalling in neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury.
Design
A combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches was used in mouse models to deplete B cells and assess the impact on pain behaviour. Gene expression analysis and IgG localisation studies were performed on both mouse and human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) samples.
Setting
The study was conducted in controlled laboratory environments using mouse models of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and cadaveric donated human tissues.
Subjects
The subjects included male and female mice, as well as human DRG samples from donors with chronic pain.
Methods
Mice underwent peripheral nerve injury, followed by B cell depletion through anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody administration. B cell–deficient mice were also used. IgG levels were measured in the DRGs and spinal cords, and
Results
passive IgG transfer experiments were performed. Additionally, gene expression and histological analysis in human DRGs were performed.
Depletion of B cells prevented the development of allodynia, a key symptom of neuropathic pain. IgG was found to accumulate in DRGs and spinal cords post-injury, colocalising with sensory neurons and macrophages. In humans, IgG was similarly detected in DRGs of individuals with chronic pain. Passive IgG transfer induced painrelated behaviours, which were abolished in Fc gamma receptor-deficient mice.
Conclusions
B cells play a critical role in neuropathic pain development through the production of IgG, which acts via Fc gamma receptors. These findings suggest that targeting B cells and IgG signalling pathways could be a promising therapeutic approach for managing neuropathic pain.
Implications/Discussion
This study highlights a novel and critical role for B cells and IgG–Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) signalling in the development of neuropathic pain. The identification of the B cell–IgG–FcγR axis as essential for the onset of pain behaviours following peripheral nerve injury opens new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Current treatments for neuropathic pain often fail to address the underlying immune mechanisms, and this research suggests that targeting B cells or the IgG-FcγR signalling pathway could offer a more effective strategy.
Given the effectiveness of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody treatment in preventing pain development, therapies that modulate B cell activity could potentially prevent or reduce chronic pain in patients following nerve injury. This has significant implications for conditions like post-surgical neuropathies or diseases with an immune component, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the accumulation of IgG in both mouse and human dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) reinforces the translational relevance of these findings and suggests that human
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neuropathic pain may share similar immune mechanisms with animal models.
Future research should investigate the potential for combining B cell depletion with other immunomodulatory approaches to improve pain outcomes. Additionally, exploring the specific autoantigens driving the IgG response could lead to the development of more targeted therapies, potentially reducing the side effects associated with broad-spectrum immunotherapies. These findings also call for a reassessment of current neuropathic pain models, ensuring that B cell–
mediated pathways are considered in both preclinical and clinical research. Ultimately, this study suggests that immunotherapies traditionally used in autoimmune conditions, such as anti-CD20 treatments, may have broader applications in the management of chronic pain, offering new hope for patients with intractable neuropathic pain. Declaration
Mark R. Hutchinson has nothing to declare pertinent to this research.
Have you had an article accepted for publication recently?
The Australian Pain Society (APS) is keen to share publications from our members with their colleagues via our eNewsletter. If you’ve had an article accepted or published recently, please contact our Assistant Editor Joanne Harmon via the APS Secretariat (aps@apsoc.org.au) with the title, authors, and reference (i.e., journal, volume, and DOI) of your article and request the submission template. We would love it if you also supply a short commentary (300 words max) to give our readers the gist of the article.
APS Membership Renewals 2025
Renewal notices for 2025 will be sent by email to members in late November. Thank you for your continued support and membership of the APS.
Please note:
1. We understand that circumstances change, so each year we ask you to select your appropriate level of membership.
2. This system of self-reporting subscription levels was implemented in 2009 for the benefit and fairness of all members.
3. There has been a small increase applied to the 2025 membership fees.
Please refer to the rates below for your 2025 membership fee:
a. Regular A $130 (was $120)
b. Regular B $260 (was $230)
c. Regular C $440 (was $370)
d. Retired $65 Concessional Rate
e. Student $65 Concessional Rate
Before renewing, please ensure you review and update your member profile online.
Payments can be made by Credit Card, BPAY, or Cheque.
Did you know that the Australian Pain Society is a registered charity with ACNC? Your donation will help the Society to promote the prevention and control of diseases in human beings associated with pain.
All donations of $2 or more to APS are tax-deductible.
New Members as at 28 October 2024
Mr Frederick Collin Science Research
Dr Giovanni Ferreira Physiotherapy
Ms Tineke FitzGerald Nursing
Dr John-Paul Fuller-Jackson Science Research
Dr Nardia-Rose Klem Physiotherapy
Miss Sylvia Kwong Occupational Therapy
Mrs Ann Le Physiotherapy
Mrs Zoe Martin Occupational Therapy
Mr Jae Yong Park Orthopaedics
Dr Anupa Pathak Physiotherapy
Mr Allan Peng Science Research
Mr Laz Rabin Physiotherapy
Mr Brent Richards Physiotherapy
Dr Adele Stewart General Practice
Miss Akshita Sundaresh Physiotherapy
Dr Scott Tagliaferri Exercise Physiologist
Mrs Jennifer Trotman Physiotherapy
Miss Martjie Venter Physiotherapy
NEW!
> ACSQHC Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People: Best Practice Guidelines (Falls Guidelines) Share your feedback via the online survey before 20NOV24
Other items of interest for our members:
> Latest opioid data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics: Opioid induced deaths in Australia.
> Opioid Podcasts for GPs: These podcasts are produced by David Outridge GP, and FAChAM Trainee as a project under the auspices of Dr Steven Kelly Staff Specialist in Addiction Medicine, Kullaroo Clinic Gosford. A weekly series from the Hunter Postgraduate Medical Institute (University of Newcastle)
> Airing Pain: Pain resources via an online radio show produced by Pain Concern, a UK registered Charity
> Indigenous Resources: Webpage on the APS website aggregating Indigenous resources
> Australia’s annual overdose report 2024 from the Pennington Institute
> Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation Series: This series explores how healthcare use in Australia varies depending on where people live. It investigates reasons for variation that may be unwarranted, and provides specific achievable actions to reduce unwarranted variation
> Painaustralia eNewsletters
> ePPOC: electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration: The electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration (ePPOC) is an Australasian initiative that aims to improve the quality of care and outcomes for people who experience chronic pain.
> PainHEALTH: painHEALTH‘s aim is to help health consumers with musculoskeletal pain access reliable, evidence-based information and tips to assist in the co-management of musculoskeletal pain. painHEALTH is an initiative of the Department of Health, Western Australia
> Stanford University CHOIR: CHOIR Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry
TGA
> Codeine information hub
NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation resources:
> Brainman and Pain Tool Kit translations
> Pain Management Resources
> Quicksteps to Manage Chronic Pain in Primary Care
> Built into Quicksteps: “How to de-prescribe and wean opioids in general practice”
> A list of helpful apps for consumers and clinicians
> Chronic Pain in the ED
Calendar of Events
14 November 2024
Kolling Institute
Kolling Research Symposium 2024
Northside Conference Centre, Sydney, NSW
21-23 November 2024
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
GP24
Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, Perth, WA
27-29 November 2024
20-23 July 2025
Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia & New Zealand in conjunction with New Zealand Rehabilitation Association
RMSANZ NZRA 2025 8th Annual Scientific Meeting - Building Lives
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, NZ
08-10 August 2025
Neuromodulation Society of Australia & New Zealand
Australian & New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZSCoS)
ANZSCoS 2024
Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA
20-22 March 2025
New Zealand Pain Society (NZPS)
NZPS25 - Weaving our Kete
Te Papa Tonogarewa, Wellington, NZ
13-16 April 2025
Australian Pain Society (APS)
2025 Australian Pain Society 45th Annual Scientific Meeting
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC
24-66 April 2025
EuropeanPain Federation - EFIC
EFIC 14th Congress - Comorbidity of chronic pain and mental health disorders: Breaking the cycle
Cite - Centre de Congres, Lyon, France
17 October 2025
Pain Nurses Australia
2025 Annual Professional Day - Pain in Vulnerable Populations
Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW
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Vision, Purpose & Priorities
Vision:
All people will have optimal pain management throughout life.
Purpose:
The Australian Pain Society is a multidisciplinary association whose purpose is to advance pain management through education, research, and advocacy for transformational improvements in clinical care.
Priorities:
In order to achieve our purpose, the Australian Pain Society will provide:
> Membership
> Research
> Education
> Services and resources
> Good governance and operations
> Advocacy
President:
Mrs Joyce McSwan
Gold Coast Primary Health Network
Persistent Pain Program, QLD and PainWISE
Tel: 0412 327 795 Fax: 07 3539 9801
President-Elect:
Ms Bernadette Smith
Psychology Plus
South Burnie TAS
Tel: 03 6431 9959 Fax: 03 6431 9950
Secretary:
Mrs Dinah Spratt
Physiotas Physiotherapy
Shearwater TAS 7307
Tel: 03 6428 7500 Fax: 03 6424 7811
Treasurer:
Dr Laura Prendergast
Pain Service, Northern Health
Broadmeadows VIC 3047
Tel: 03 8345 5166 Fax: N/A
Work days Mon & Thu
ACT Director:
Dr Andrew Watson
Calvary Hospital
Canberra ACT 2617
Tel: 02 6201 6352 Fax: N/A
NSW Director:
Mr Connor Gleadhill
Department of Health and Aged Care
Primary Care Division
Newcastle NSW 2038
Tel: 0405 203 661 Fax: N/A
NT Director:
Adjunct A/Prof Cindy Wall
Charles Darwin University
Darwin NT 0800
Tel: 0488 993 210 Fax: N/A
QLD Director:
Dr Duncan Sanders
Pain Management Unit, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney / Managing Pain Clinic and E3 Physio
Gold Coast QLD
Tel: 07 5620 1234 Fax: 07 3009 0420
SA Director:
Ms Heather Gray
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Adelaide SA 5000
Email: heather.gray@sa.gov.au
TAS Director:
Mr Sinan Tejani
Launceston General Hospital
Launceston TAS 7250
Tel: 0469 967 841 Fax: N/A
VIC Director:
Dr Esther Dube
Austin Health
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Email: referrals@periop.net.au
WA Director:
Ms Jacintha Bell
Lifeworks Occupational Therapy
Mount Lawley WA 6050
Tel: 0451 178 880 Fax: 08 6323 3329
Office Bearers
Immediate Past President:
Ms Trudy Maunsell
Retired QLD
Newsletter Assistant Editor:
Dr Joanne Harmon
School of Clinical and Health Sciences
University of South Australia
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: 08 8302 1442
SPC Chair:
Professor Kevin Keay
Department of Anatomy
University of Sydney
Sydney NSW 2006
Tel: 02 9351 4132 Fax: 02 9351 2817
IASP Liaison:
Professor Fiona Blyth AM
Sydney School of Public Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health
University of Sydney
Camperdown NSW 2006
Email: Fiona.blyth@sydney.edu.au
Communications Coordinator:
Mrs Joyce McSwan
Gold Coast Primary Health Network
Persistent Pain Program, QLD and PainWISE
Tel: 0412 327 795 Fax: 07 3539 9801
Newsletter Editor:
Dr Lincoln Tracy
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Monash University
Melbourne VIC 3004
Tel: 03 9903 0288
Scholarship/Grant Selection
Subcommittee Co-Chairs:
Em Prof Maree Smith AC
Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development
