Newswise — Chicago, Illinois—The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) is pleased to announce its Pain Medicine 2015 Awards for exceptional service to the Academy and/or the field of Pain Medicine. Recipients will be honored on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at AAPM’s Annual Meeting in National Harbor, MD, where more than 1,000 scientists, physicians and key nonphysician providers convene to discuss and learn the latest in Pain Medicine.

The Pain Medicine 2015 Award winners are:

Lieutenant General Eric Schoomaker, MD, PhD—Philipp M. Lippe, MD, AwardMajor General Richard W. Thomas, MG, DHA—Philipp M. Lippe, MD, AwardThis award is given to a physician for outstanding contributions to the social and political aspect of Pain Medicine. Social and political accomplishments could be those that benefit the science, the practice or the recognition of the specialty.

Clifford Wolff, MD, PhD—Founders AwardThis award is given to an individual for outstanding contributions to the science or practice of Pain Medicine. This award is given for continued contributions for the basic or clinical science of Pain Medicine or for demonstration of clinical excellence or innovation in the practice of Pain Medicine.

Perry G. Fine, MD—Distinguished Service AwardThe Distinguished Service Award is given to an individual for commitment and contributions to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. This award is given to an individual for specific outstanding contributions.

Samir K Ballas, MD, FACP—Patient Advocacy AwardThis award recognizes activity of an individual in advocating for appropriate evaluation and treatment of patients suffering from pain. This award was created to honor those healthcare professionals whose deeds reflect their recognition of the importance and impact of the specialty of Pain Medicine.

Michael Cousins, MD, DSc—Presidential Excellence Award for Education This award honors an individual who has made major contributions to the education of others about Pain Medicine.

ChildKind International—Robert G. Addison, MD, Award This award is given for outstanding contributions that foster international collaboration between the American Academy of Pain Medicine and individuals or organizations that support the development of the specialty on an international scope.

About AAPM The American Academy of Pain Medicine is the premier medical association for pain physicians and their treatment teams with over 2,500 members. Now in its 32nd year of service, the Academy’s mission is to optimize the health of patients in pain and eliminate pain as a major public health problem by advancing the practice and specialty of pain medicine through education, training, advocacy, and research. Information is available on the Academy’s website at www.painmed.org .

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