Are we training future pain specialists?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether pain practices in Tennessee are training future pain specialists. Following IRB approval, a questionnaire designed for the study was administered to members of the TN Pain Society. Results indicate that none of the subjects are training residents at their pain practice and the majority are not training pain fellows. Few attendings reported having trained in a pain fellowship themselves and the majority are reportedly not engaged in continuing pain management education through national or international organizations, such as the American Pain Society (APS) or the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Of concern is whether or not this sample reflects the nature of pain practices throughout the country. If so, will there be a shortage of pain residents and fellows in the near future? Will pain practices be opened and operated by those who are not trained to treat chronic pain?