CANADIAN PAIN SOCIETY ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING

CANADIAN PAIN SOCIETY ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING

The 2025 Canadian Pain Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting brought together leaders in pain research, clinical care, advocacy, and lived experience for a four-day event on the University of Toronto campus from May 1–4. The gathering featured a wide range of sessions exploring innovations in pain management, social determinants of health, and the intersection of research and practice.

The IPRC's Dr. Norm Buckley, who participated in a panel on ethical challenges in pain research, also played a role in a highlight of the conference: the Friday afternoon community parade to Queen’s Park. Led by a brass band, the march (made up of conference attendees) was a vibrant and symbolic effort to raise public awareness about chronic pain as a pressing health and policy issue in Canada. Dr. Buckley proudly donned a sash labeled “Research,” representing the crucial role that evidence generation plays in improving pain outcomes.

Following the march, attendees gathered for a celebratory BBQ at the Goldring Student Centre. The event included a DJ and dancing, a photo booth, and a classic summer menu of hotdogs, hamburgers, and ice cream sandwiches. It was a festive, community-building end to a day that emphasized both advocacy and collaboration.

The Chronic Pain Network's Brandon Van Dam and Rachel Roy, with Dr. Norm Buckley, Megan Groves and Florentina Miftodi of the Institute for Pain Research & Care pose for a photo, following a march to Queens Park at the Canadian Pain Society's Annual Scientific Meeting.