PAIN UPDATE SUMMER 2026
IN THIS EDITION 2026 CANADIAN PAIN SOCIETY ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING Page 2
CANADIAN PAIN CARE FORUM Page 2
7TH ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY Page 3
MEET IPRC FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT ROTEM PETRANKER Page 4
Connect with us on social: Facebook facebook.com/mgd.iprc/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/mgd-iprc/ Instagram @mcmasternpc
CANADIAN PAIN SOCIETY 2026 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING If you attended the 2026 Canadian Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting, you may have seen a few familiar faces representing the Institute for Pain Research and Care (IPRC) and the National Pain Centre (NPC). This year's meeting was held April 29 to May 2 in Québec City, Québec. The annual conference brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees and people with lived experience from across Canada to share the latest advances in pain research, education and care. The Institute hosted an exhibit booth featuring its annual report, educational resources and promotional materials highlighting key initiatives, including the Open Access Government pain and opioid issues, the Canadian Pain Care Forum and the IPRC's interactive clinic listing - which lists known pain clinics across Canada, as well as their services and contact information. The booth provided an opportunity to engage with delegates, share knowledge and raise awareness of the Institute's programs and resources. Institute-supported projects and National Pain Centre researchers also showcased their work through scientific poster presentations, demonstrating ongoing research and innovation aimed at improving pain prevention, assessment and management. The meeting provided valuable opportunities to strengthen collaborations and support the exchange of knowledge within Canada's pain research community.
2
I N ST I T U T E F O R PAIN RE SE ARCH & CARE
Dr. Norm Buckley discusses the Chronic Pain Network at a Canadian Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting's breakfast session on Friday morning.
Hosts of the Action on Pain Podcast delivered an interesting session at the May Canadian Pain Care Forum, where they gave an overview of the podcast and highlighted the importance of storytelling to raise awareness.
CANADIAN PAIN CARE FORUM In the first half of 2026, the Canadian Pain Care Forum (CPCF) hosted two virtual sessions. Our February Forum featured Cynthia Thompson (University of the Fraser Valley), who presented her research working with healthcare providers to better explain the biopsychosocial model of pain and its role in pain science and evidence-based self-management strategies. The second speaker of the day, Gus Grant (Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia), moved away from a traditional presentation and instead led an engaging, interactive discussion on medical regulation, opioid prescribing and the balance between patient access and safe prescribing. Our May Forum highlighted the University of Saskatchewan Chronic Pain Clinic's innovative pharmacist-led interdisciplinary model, which demonstrated how a collaborative, team-based approach to care can improve access to chronic pain services. May's Forum concluded with a presentation from the creators of the Action on Pain podcast, who discussed how storytelling is being used to share the experiences and challenges of people living with pain. This approach is helping to strengthen knowledge mobilization, regarding pain research, across Canada, as well as highlighting progress towards the goals of the Action Plan for Pain in Canada. The CPCF aims to bring together clinicians, researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience to explore emerging issues and innovative approaches in pain care across Canada
2026 ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY More than 50 researchers, clinicians and trainees joined us at the Ancaster Mill for the Institute for Pain Research and Care's 7th Annual Research Day, held on May 26, 2026. The event showcased the breadth of pain-related research taking place across the McMaster community while providing an opportunity for attendees to learn from one another, ask questions, exchange ideas and build new connections. Presentations explored a wide range of topics, including aging and immunity, improving pain management in longterm care, pain education for healthcare professionals, conducting research in controversial areas, chronic pain-related brain fog and the role of psychedelics in evidence-based care for complex clinical trials. Each session concluded with a question-and-answer discussions. The day also provided time for networking over lunch, allowing attendees to continue conversations and foster new collaborations. We extend a sincere thank-you to our outstanding speakers: Dawn Bowdish, Luciana Macedo, Shauna Henry, Jason Busse, Ronessa Dass, Tara Packham and Anthony Adili.
Dr. Norm Buckley has served as the Scientific Director of the Institute for Pain Research and Care for two terms.
NORM BUCKLEY'S TERM AS SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR OF THE IPRC COMES TO A CLOSE After more than a decade of leadership, the Institute for Pain Research and Care bids farewell to Dr. Norm Buckley as Scientific Director in August 2026. Throughout his tenure, Norm has helped shape the Institute's vision, championed interdisciplinary pain research and education, and fostered meaningful collaborations across McMaster University and the country. He has worked diligently to eliminate barriers and improve access to care for people living with pain and has influenced countless researchers, clinicians and trainees. Under his leadership, the Institute has supported innovative research, strengthened knowledge translation initiatives and supported opportunities for pan-Canadian collaboration. Norm has served as a mentor and trusted colleague to many people over the years, encouraging curiosity, collaboration and compassion. His approach to leadership has helped build an environment where new ideas can flourish. We extend our sincere gratitude to Norm for his many contributions to the Institute, to McMaster University and to pain research in Canada. We thank him for his leadership, vision and lasting impact and wish him every success in the years ahead.
PA IN UPDATE Luciana Macedo disucsses improving pain management in longterm care at the 7th Annual IPRC Research Day, held on May 26, 2026 at Ancaster Mill.
3
MEET IPRC FELLOWSHIP
Upcoming Events
RECIPIENT ROTEM PETRANKER
Canadian Pain Care Forum
Growing up in Haifa, Israel, Rotem Petranker tended to gravitate towards activities that encouraged curiosity and imagination. "I was really into video games, Dungeons & Dragons and other 'nerdy' activities," he said. Today, he still enjoys tabletop roleplaying games alongside hobbies focused on healthy living, including meditation, daily exercise and cooking.
To learn more or view recordings from the most recent CPCF, visit:
Rotem was drawn to the Institute for Pain Research and Care fellowship by the opportunity it presented to explore the relationship between psychedelics and pain. "Pain is complicated," he explains, "but I'm curious to see whether psychedelics affect the perception of pain through direct means... or indirectly by shifting the way pain is experienced." He was excited by the opportunity to contribute to research that bridges biological, psychological and social perspectives, helping advance understanding of pain as a complex, multifaceted experience. "I learned, experientially, that pain does not [always] equal suffering," he said. Since beginning his fellowship, Rotem has also developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of combining
Fall 2026
pain-institute.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/
Michael G. DeGroote Pain Symposium November 21, 2026 University Club, McMaster University
quantitative and qualitative research methods. "Pain is a complex phenomenon," he said, noting that while numbers reveal broad trends, personal experiences provide essential context for understanding the realities faced by those living with pain.
Registration details coming soon.
Throughout his fellowship, Rotem has had the opportunity to conduct innovative research with supportive mentors, particularly Dr. Anthony Adili. His advice to future trainees is to take advantage of the Institute's mentorship, funding opportunities and supportive research environment. Looking ahead, Rotem hopes his work will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of pain and the many factors that shape how it is experienced, with an emphasis on ensuring science is he open and that research is transparent, reproducible and, ultimately, has the greatest possible impact on the people it is intended to help.
HELP SHAPE CANADA'S NEW NATIONAL ADULT PAIN STANDARD A new National Adult Pain Standard is being developed by Health Standards Organization (HSO) in collaboration with McMaster University, the Chronic Pain Network, the Canadian Pain Society and Pain Canada.
the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute will also be conducting a national survey to gather feedback from healthcare leaders, administrators, clinicians and others involved in adult pain care.
As part of the process, HSO is The survey will help determine I N ST I T U T E F O R PAIN RE SE ARCH & CARE 4 launching national consultations on whether the proposed Standard is the draft Standard. During this period, practical, feasible and aligns with
real-world healthcare delivery across Canada. Participants will complete a brief survey and may also choose to participate in optional follow-up activities. To learn more, visit: pain-institute.healthsci.mcmaster.ca