Training Program

Postdoctoral Training in Pain Research

This program offers training opportunities in eight tracks representing the research interests of core faculty:

1. Orofacial Pain (John Neubert, D.D.S., Ph.D., Joseph Riley, Ph.D., Robert Caudle, Ph.D.)
2. Acute and Chronic Pain Mechanisms (Robert Yezierski, Ph.D., Darragh Devine, Ph.D., Mike Robinson, Ph.D.)
3. Sex, Gender, and Ethnic Differences: Psychosocial Issues of Pain (Roger Fillingim, Ph.D., Mike Robinson, Ph.D., Joe Riley, Ph.D., Steven Z. George, PT, Ph.D.)
4. Cancer Pain (Henrietta Logan, Ph.D.)
5. Visceral Pain (Richard Johnson, Ph.D., Robert Caudle, Ph.D., Mike Robinson, Ph.D.)
6. Musculoskeletal Pain (Steven Z. George, PT, Ph.D., Roger Fillingim, Ph.D.)
7. Pain in the Elderly (Robert Yezierski, Ph.D., Ann Horgas, Ph.D., R.N., Joe Riley, Ph.D.)
8. Placebo Pain Mechanisms (Mike Robinson, Ph.D.)

Candidates must have a professional degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Pharm.D.) and be committed to a career in pain research. Send cover letter, CV, personal statement and three letters of reference to:

Roger B. Fillingim, Ph.D., Director, PRICE
rfilling@ufl.edu, 352-273-5963

Applications can also be submitted electronically to Linda Tanner at ltanner@dental.ufl.edu.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer.

Program Description

Due to the escalating prevalence of chronic pain conditions, combined with the staggering cost of pain management, there is a need for novel training strategies for the next generation of pain researchers. The University of Florida pain research community recognizes this challenge. With existing and expanding resources in education and research, PRICE is committed to producing pain specialists that will contribute to the improved understanding and clinical management of acute and chronic pain.

Future strategies in pain research and management will evolve from the efforts of clinicians and basic researchers collaborating to identify contributing and predictive factors responsible for the onset and progression of acute and chronic pain, as well as novel therapeutic targets.

Progress in pain research will will require multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, state-of-the-art resources, and individuals trained to appreciate the complexities of the biological and psychosocial components of the pain experience.

The PRICE training program has the following goals:

• To produce individuals equipped to develop clinical and/or basic science research programs
• To instill in these individuals an appreciation for the benefits of collaborative, multidisciplinary programs in meeting the present and future challenges in the field of pain research

To prepare trainees for careers in pain research, the program utilizes:

• A core group of training faculty with diverse backgrounds and well-documented expertise
• A strong institutional commitment
• A collaborative environment

The program offers training opportunities in eight designated tracks representing the research interests of the core faculty:

1. Orofacial Pain
2. Acute and Chronic Pain Mechanisms
3. Sex, Gender, and Ethnic Differences: Psychosocial Issues of Pain
4. Visceral Pain
5. Pain and Aging
6. Musculoskeletal Pain
7. Pain in the Elderly
8. Placebo Pain Mechanisms

Efforts focus on recruiting outstanding scientists and clinicians to work with mentors within the Health Science Center and the McKnight Brain Institute. Clinical facilities located throughout the Health Science Center provide a clinical component to the training program.

Trainees are exposed to a comprehensive program that consists of didactic and research components as well as required participation in clinical and basic research rotations.

The program contains:

• A well-balanced core curriculum;
• Provisions for the recruitment of underrepresented minorities;
• A required component dealing with the ethical conduct of research; and
• Steps to ensure the program meets the needs of trainees in areas of research, education, and professional development.