Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Location: Dental Sciences Building, Room D7-11
Over the past decade we have come to appreciate the sensation of pain as a complex sensory experience with multiple dimensions. During this time our knowledge about pain has exploded and it is safe to say that we know more about the onset and maintenance of acute and chronic pain than we could have ever imagined. Given the different brain regions associated with pain we have gained new insights into why chronic pain can have such a devastating impact on one’s life. Importantly, we have come to appreciate the psychosocial dimensions of pain and the therapeutic value of behavioral interventions. Unfortunately, what some of us have failed to realize, however, is that the fundamental unit of pain is the “cell” (cell and pain). I am sure this may come as a shock to some, especially those who hang their hat on the psychosocial components of pain and recognize the significant therapeutic value of behavioral therapy. But there are those with the belief that you can’t ignore the fundamental unit of biology and that understanding the cell is critical to solving the puzzle of pain. My guess is there are those with differing opinions, which we will put on the table in a discussion that should get us off to a good start in the new year!