Webinar: Identifying Predictors of Chronic Pain: How the NIH HEAL Initiative Is Changing the Pain Research Landscape

Speakers

Ashley McDonnell, SPRINT: Signature for Pain Recovery IN Teens Research Partner

Ashley McDonnell is an undergraduate student at Notre Dame and has lived experience with chronic pain. Since initially being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos, Dysautonomia, and Tethered Cord Syndrome at age 17, Ms. McDonnell has become increasingly involved in pain research as a research partner. She currently consults on multiple research projects that span digital tools to target sensory discrimination in pain, clinician burnout and pain care team functioning, and enhancing shared decision-making in pediatric pain care. Ms. McDonnell first became acquainted with the Stanford Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab as a participant in the SPRINT biomarker study.

Laura Simons, Ph.D., Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine (Pediatric), Stanford Medicine

Dr. Laura Simons is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she helps treat young people with chronic pain at Stanford Children’s Health. Dr. Simons’ lab studies how to develop effective pain treatments that incorporate measures of health based on biological, psychological, and social factors. Her research also uses brain imaging technologies to better understand how chronic pain impacts children and their parents. She uses the latest digital technology in all of her projects to ensure patients can access the data. Dr. Simons’ long-term goal is to lead a robust research program to improve care for young people with chronic pain, while mentoring trainees from diverse backgrounds in medicine, psychology, and other health professions. She is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the research workforce as well as improving health equity through her research goals.

Linda Porter, Ph.D., Director, Office of Pain Policy and Planning, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Dr. Linda Porter received a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from McGill University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Boston University. Dr. Porter trained in neurophysiology at Rockefeller University and then served on the faculty of the Uniformed Services University until joining the NIH in 2003 where her role includes coordinating activities of the NIH Pain Consortium and the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee, whose missions respectively, are to advance the trans-NIH and interagency pain research agenda. She co-chaired the development of the National Pain Strategy and the Federal Pain Research Strategy. She had a key role in development of the NIH HEAL (Helping End Addiction Long-term) initiative and currently is a scientific lead for the pain research supported by HEAL. Dr. Porter has been recognized for her work through the President’s Award from the American Academy of Pain Management, NIH Director’s Awards, and the Emma and John Bonica Public Service Award from the American Pain Society.

For More Information, Contact:

Nicole Hemmenway at [email protected]

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