Listening Time — 45:09
A new documentary called Pain Matters, which premiered on the Discovery Channel, attempts to bring chronic pain out of the shadows. In it health care experts discuss the issue and profile several people who have battled chronic pain.
This episode of Move Forward Radio features three people interviewed in the Pain Matters program: Dr. Melanie Rosenblatt, American Chronic Pain Association CEO Penney Cowan, and Iraq war veteran Derek McGinnis. Also featured is physical therapist John Garzione who discusses physical therapy treatment for chronic pain.
Download the podcast on iTunes or listen below:
Melanie Rosenblatt, MD, is the medical director of pain management at North Broward Medical Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. A graduate of Stony Brook University School of Medicine, she completed her anesthesia residency and pain training at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. Dr. Rosenblatt is board certified in anesthesiology, pain management, and addiction medicine.
Penney Cowan is the founder and chief executive officer of the American Chronic Pain Association. As a person with chronic pain, she established the ACPA in 1980 to help others living with the condition. Due to her advocacy for pain issues, she was awarded the Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Citizen by the Institute for Public Service, Washington, and is listed in Who's Who in America, 24th Edition. The American Pain Society awarded her the 2005 John and Emma Bonica Public Service Award and the 2013 Elizabeth Narcessian Award for Outstanding Educational Achievements. Additionally, the American Academy of Pain Medicine awarded her a Presidential Commendation in 2013.
Derek McGinnis was serving with the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during Operation Phantom Fury when his Humvee ambulance was broadsided by a suicide driver. He suffered severe injuries, particularly to his left leg, which was amputated to save his life. Additionally, flying fragments hit the side of his face and body. His right eye was severely damaged and his brain jarred traumatically. These injuries led to chronic pain, which he struggled with for years.
To help other veterans and their loved ones navigate the health care system and deal with the physical and emotional aspects of serious chronic pain, he wrote the book, Exit Wounds: A Survival Guide to Pain Management for Returning Veterans and Their Families. Derek now works for the Department of Veterans Affairs in California reaching out to homeless veterans.
John Garzione, PT, DPT, is certified as a diplomate in pain management by the American Academy of Pain Management. He is the president of the Pain Management Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association. He has presented and published numerous articles on the treatment of chronic pain conditions. John is a consultant with a private pain management practice, Chenango Therapeutics, in Norwich, New York.
