PRESIDENT

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Jacqueline Weisbein is a distinguished board-certified, fellowship-trained Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Pain Management. With over 12 years of dedicated practice in Napa, California, she brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her patients.

Holding dual board certifications in pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Weisbein is renowned for her commitment to enhancing patients' quality of life. She meticulously crafts comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs, focusing on neuropathic pain syndromes, sports injuries, and the utilization of implantable devices to alleviate suffering and restore function.

Dr. Weisbein's leadership extends beyond her clinical practice, as evidenced by her pivotal roles in national societies. She serves as the Chairwoman of Women in Neuromodulation, Vice President of Diversity for the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, and membership committee chair for the Pacific Spine and Pain Society. Additionally, she is the President-Elect of the Women Innovators in Pain Management, demonstrating her dedication to advancing diversity and innovation in the field.

In her leisure time, Dr. Weisbein finds joy in diverse hobbies, including horseback riding, golfing, and indulging in fine dining experiences. Her passion for exploration extends to travel, enriching her perspective and fostering a well-rounded approach to patient care.

Dr. Weisbein's commitment to education is evident through her role as an educator, where she shares her knowledge with fellow physicians at national training labs and actively participates in mentorship programs. Through her multifaceted contributions, Dr. Weisbein embodies excellence in pain management, compassion in patient care, and leadership in professional development.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Kiran V. Patel MD is an Interventional Pain Management physician board certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology. Dr. Patel is the Director of Pain Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and Founder/CEO of the NYC Neuromodulation Center of Excellence. She is the ACGME Pain Medicine Fellowship program at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell.

Dr. Patel is a founding member of Women Innovators in Pain Medicine (WIPM) as well as of Women in Neuromodulation (WIN) . Dr. Patel is currently Vice President of WIPM. Dr. Patel has been a Director for the Association of Pain Program Directors since 2020.

Dr. Patel is currently the Treasurer of the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) and has been on the NANS Board of Directors for the past 6 years. Dr. Patel has co-chaired the NANS Cadaver workshop for the past several years and is currently chair of the NANS Certificate in SCS sub-committee. Dr. Patel is a Director at Large for The International Neuromodulation Society. She trains physicians in pain procedures and neuromodulation both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from Rutgers University and went on to complete an internship in Internal Medicine at Yale University. She completed her Anesthesiology residency and Interventional Pain Medicine fellowship at Columbia University. She also studied medical acupuncture at Harvard University. Dr. Patel has practiced medicine in India and Africa and has organized efforts to address the undertreatment of pain medicine and anesthesia in these regions.

Dr. Patel also conducts original clinical research and is the Co-Principal Investigator of the RESTORE trial She serves as the Deputy Editor of Pain Practice and as Section Editor of the forthcoming sixth edition of Bonica’s Management of Pain. Her work has been published in Neuromodulation, Pain Practice and other peer reviewed journals. Her career is dedicated to improving Interventional Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation through physician education, training and patient access to care.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Helen Blake is an Interventional Pain Physician and best-selling author of the book “Move Freely: Get Your Life Back After Injury.” She is board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Her compassionate, patient-centered, comprehensive pain management techniques help her patients manage their pain and minimize their dependence on medications. She strives to give her patients the results they need to live their best life.

Dr. Blake is empathetic, passionate, and inspiring to her patients and staff alike. Her Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery (Premier Orthopedic Hospital) gave her advanced training in the evaluation of musculoskeletal complaints and sports injuries but it’s her interest in moving knowledge further with continuing education and the relentless study of cutting edge therapies that sets her apart from her peers.

PAST PRESIDENT

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Jameson received her medical degree from Michigan State University. Upon graduation, she went on to complete her internship at David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California. She then spent four years as a United States Air Force Flight Surgeon. She completed her residency in Anesthesia at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City. She then furthered her training by graduating from a Harvard fellowship in Pain Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. She is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology. This is the only recognized board certification for pain management through the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr Jameson is also the only physician in North Idaho who is board certified in obesity medicine. She is on numerous international committees in the field of pain management and has published articles and developed national curriculum related to interventional pain management. She serves on the board of the American Society for Interventional Pain Physicians, Women in Neuromodulation, Idaho Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, and is a founder of The Society for Women Innovators in Pain Management. She is actively involved in clinical research serving as the principal investigator for multiple randomized controlled trials.

Dr. Jameson is the co-founder of Axis Spine Center.

VICE PRESIDENT

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Maricela Schnur is a fellowship-trained practicing chronic pain physician based out of Duluth, MN. She earned her bachelor’s degree from NYU and her medical degree from Weill-Cornell Medical College. After taking care of a sick family member during medical school she realized she needed further training in finance and accounting and obtained her MBA from the Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. After medical school, she traveled to Boston for residency training in anesthesia at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a graduate of the chronic pain fellowship program at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Campus, and practices at a hospital-based practice, St. Luke's Hospital. For the past few years she has been a Dyad Leader at her hospital encompassing the interventional pain, neurosurgery, neurology, PMR and neurosurgery divisions. Her interests include archery where she competes both locally and nationally and she enjoys spending time with her two children and husband.

VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Jolene Smith is a highly skilled interventional pain physician, board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management. Known for her commitment to advancing pain management practices and educating the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Smith's journey began in Minnesota, where she attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for her undergraduate studies. There, she balanced her academic pursuits with her love for rugby, earning recognition as Student Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to serving her peers and community.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Smith pursued her medical education at Des Moines University. During her time there, she distinguished herself as a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, the national osteopathic honor society. Following medical school, Dr. Smith returned to Minnesota to complete a comprehensive medical training program, beginning with a Preliminary Internal Medicine before continuing with an Anesthesia Residency and Pain Fellowship at Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Smith was drawn to the Des Moines community for its collaborative medical environment, leading her to join a private practice pain group, where she remains an integral part of the team today. Through her work in pain management, she helps patients navigate the complexities of chronic pain, utilizing cutting-edge techniques in interventional pain therapy.

Recognizing the need for continuous learning, Dr. Smith pursued a graduate certificate in Cannabinoid Medicine from Thomas Jefferson University, further expanding her knowledge in the evolving field of medical cannabis as an adjunctive treatment for pain.

As an Adjuvant Assistant Professor at Des Moines University, Dr. Smith is deeply committed to shaping the future of medicine. She co-created a special topics in pain management elective course designed for first- and second-year medical students, helping them gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of pain management.

Dr. Smith also serves as a preceptor for medical students and internal medicine residents, sharing her expertise and mentoring future physicians in the intricacies of pain management and patient-centered care.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Smith is a dedicated mother to two young children. She values time spent with her family, often enjoying the great outdoors through hiking and camping adventures. In quieter moments, she indulges in her love for puzzles, appreciating the mental challenge they provide.

TREASURER

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Tammy Dann, DO, MPH is a Dayton, Ohio based interventional pain physician who is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management. Following undergraduate study at Grinnell College, she completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Minnesota, then attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. After finishing her Anesthesiology and Critical Care residency at St. Louis University, she came full circle with her midwest tour by completing a Pain Management fellowship at the University of Iowa. She has been in private practice in both West Virginia and Ohio since that time and is currently faculty for Kettering Health Anesthesiology and Family Practice residency programs.

Dr. Dann’s passion is the treatment of chronic pain utilizing a wholistic approach that encompasses many avenues of treatment in order to achieve the best results for the patient. She also utilizes a wide variety of higher level treatments with particular expertise in the use of intrathecal pumps in the management of chronic pain, as well as targeted spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar stenosis. Dr. Dann has served as a speaker for a wide variety of national meetings, courses and labs throughout the US, and is currently the President of the Ohio Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (OHSIPP) in addition to her WIPM position.

In her free time, Dr. Dann stays busy with her four daughters’ activities, teaching Sunday school, coaching football cheerleading and working out on her various Peloton devices. She also has two adorable large dogs, two cats and four fish. Traveling with her husband - an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon - is another favorite activity and affords her time to sleep more than four hours a night as well.

SECRETARY

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Jordan Lee Tate MD, MPH is an Interventional Chronic Pain Medicine specialist who dedicates herself to comprehensive, holistic care for her patients. She specializes in advanced neuromodulation techniques and focuses on rehabilitation with non-surgical procedures to alleviate pain. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a focused study on Neuroscience and earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Tate obtained a Master’s degree in Health Education from Rollins School of Public Health at the CDC where she dedicated her thesis work to initial research on clinical opioid use, misuse, and diversion. After a residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Emory, she completed her fellowship in Pain Medicine at The Mayo Clinic. As an active clinician, researcher, and busy mom of three, Dr. Tate is also passionate about traveling, education, and wellness. She lives and practices in North Georgia at Southern Pain and Spine, where she serves as Chief Medical Officer and directs several research projects on Spinal Cord Stimulation and runs a subspecialty clinic on Chronic Pelvic Pain. In addition to her board position in WIPM, she also sits on the board of ASPN (American Society of Pain and Neuroscience) and GSIPP (Georgia Society of Interventional Pain Physicians).

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Lisa R. Kroopf, MD, is a Fellowship-Trained Interventional Pain Physician, who has dual board certifications in Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. She completed her PM&R Residency and Pain Fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center, and currently resides in Northern California. Monterey Pain, Spine & Wellness Institute in Northern California, founded by Dr Kroopf, serves as a hub of excellence for interventional pain treatments for a wide variety of conditions ranging from lumbar stenosis to migraine headaches. Dr. Kroopf's dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements is evident through her advanced training in neuromodulation and minimally-invasive surgical techniques. She is deeply committed to providing comprehensive, whole-person care to her patients. She employs a multidisciplinary approach and cutting edge skills to offer patients innovative and effective solutions for pain relief. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Kroopf extends her expertise to promote healthy lifestyle habits through her consultancy with Get Healthy USA. In this role she combines two great passions - medical technology and wellness initiatives. Dr. Kroopf is actively involved in shaping the future of Pain Management. As a compassionate physician educator and mentor, she empowers others with her knowledge and serves as a strong advocate within the medical community. Dr. Kroopf's contributions to the field have led her to become a founding member of two esteemed organizations: the Society of Women Innovators in Pain Management and the Pacific Spine and Pain Society. Despite her professional achievements, Dr. Kroopf also finds time to for her personal endeavors. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, maintaining an active fitness routine, snowboarding with her family, and cheering on her kids in a variety of sport’s competitions including club soccer and tennis.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

FOUNDING MEMBER, LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Suzanne Manzi is a highly accomplished expert in Interventional Pain. Born and raised at the Jersey Shore, she quickly demonstrated her exceptional abilities, excelling as a NCAA Division 1 Basketball player for the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Her athletic pursuits ignited her passion for healthcare and innovation, propelling her towards an illustrious career in medicine.

After completing her residency at Baylor College of Medicine/ UT Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Alliance in 2009, Dr. Manzi pursued advanced fellowships, acquiring specialized expertise in Interventional Spine, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and Pain Management at Michigan State University and Lansing Orthopedics in 2010. These rigorous training experiences have solidified her position as a leading authority in her field.

With unparalleled dedication to her craft, Dr. Manzi has earned the remarkable distinction of being quadruple board-certified by the esteemed American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Pain Medicine, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and American Board of Obesity Medicine, further exemplifying her commitment to comprehensive patient care.

Currently, Dr. Manzi serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the renowned University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School. In June 2016, she established Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, an innovative practice in Houston, Texas. Through this state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Manzi provides a wide array of advanced pain management procedures, regenerative medicine, and wellness and weight loss services, creating a holistic and patient-centric approach to care. Notably, her practice has earned accreditation with exemplary status from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).

Dr. Manzi's exceptional contributions to the medical community have earned her numerous accolades, including being voted as "Houston's Top Doctors" by Houstonia magazine for multiple years consecutively since 2016. In 2018, she was also recognized as one of the "Top 3 Pain Management Doctors" in Houston, Texas. These accolades are a testament to her unwavering dedication to optimizing patient function and reducing pain, leveraging her advanced training and diagnostic skills to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Manzi remains actively engaged in cutting-edge research projects and plays a pivotal role in educating and collaborating with colleagues to advance the field of pain management. As a consultant for various companies, she imparts her expertise on interventional pain procedures, furthering the knowledge of fellows and physicians nationwide.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Manzi embraces an enriching personal life. An avid enthusiast of physical activity, she enjoys engaging in weightlifting, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, and snow skiing. Her passion for knowledge extends to her love for reading and exploring diverse cultures through travel, where she visits friends and family worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Manzi cherishes the joys of motherhood, as she and her partner, Glen Fichardt, have two children, Rhys Manzi Fichardt and Louise Marie Fichardt.

Dr. Suzanne Manzi's remarkable achievements as a quadruple board-certified practitioner and her dedication to advancing the field of interventional pain management stand as an inspiration to fellow women innovators in the healthcare industry. Through her unparalleled expertise and compassionate patient care, she continues to transform lives and make a significant impact in pain management and beyond.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Dr. Sara Nashi holds dual certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation as well as Pain Management. She has been practicing since 2013 and for the past 8 years has been the Director of the Interventional Pain and Spine Division at TriHealth. She has played a pivotal role in shaping clinical excellence and physician training during her tenure.

In 2019, Dr. Nashi developed the TriHealth Annual Spine Symposium, a multidisciplinary program designed to educate providers about various pain conditions and the latest advancements in treatment. Through this initiative, she has helped bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the public, fostering greater awareness and understanding of pain management strategies.

Dedicated to mentorship and advocacy, Dr. Nashi guides future leaders through the NANS Women in Neuromodulation (WIN) Mentorship Mastermind Program. She also champions physician education and policy advancements as President of the Ohio Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (OHSIPP). Additionally, she is an active member of the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society (IPSIS), contributing to the Health Policy Committee to help shape policies that impact patient care and access to interventional treatments.

Beyond her work in pain medicine, Dr. Nashi is committed to global outreach through All Worthy of Love South Africa, an organization that supports vulnerable and trafficked individuals by providing safety and essential resources for rebuilding their lives. Her involvement reflects a deep dedication to serving both her patients and communities in need worldwide.

Actively engaged in national pain societies, Dr. Nashi continues to drive innovation in pain neuroscience and interventional techniques, shaping the future of the field through education, advocacy, and mentorship.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Dr. Alopi Patel is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician with an additional certification in lifestyle medicine. She is passionate about integrating lifestyle-based strategies into the treatment of chronic pain, empowering patients with holistic and sustainable approaches to healing.

She serves on the faculty at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she is the Director of the Managing Pelvic Pain elective and Associate Director of Chronic Pelvic Pain Center. She is at the forefront of advancing awareness and understanding of musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain. She champions multidisciplinary approaches to managing this complex condition. Dr. Patel is also the co-creator and host of The Hurt by The Female Pain Docs, a podcast that educates and uplifts patients on topics in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and lifestyle medicine, with a focus on access, equity, and empowerment.

Dr. Patel is actively engaged in clinical research and has presented her work at national conferences. She serves in several national leadership roles, including as a committee member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Committee on Women Anesthesiologists and Committee on Pain Medicine. She is also a Social Media Editor for Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (RAPM). She has received multiple national and departmental awards for her dedication to medical education, mentorship, and patient advocacy. Through her clinical work, research, and national leadership, Dr. Patel is paving the way for improved care and awareness around women's health and pelvic pain conditions.

In her free time, she enjoys time with her two kids and husband. They love to go on nature walks, eat ice cream, and watch Disney movies on repeat. She enjoys yoga, pilates, and meditation.

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Dr. Ori is an academic Pain Physician at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston. After completing an internship year in General Surgery at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Ori graduated from the Anesthesiology Residency program at the Brigham. She then completed the Pain Medicine Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. After few years in the private practice world Dr. Ori returned to academia where she enjoys teaching and mentoring tomorrow’s young Pain Physicians in the Pain Medicine Fellowship Program. Dr. Ori’s interests include intrathecal pump therapy as well as spinal cord, DRG and peripheral nerve stimulation, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and treatment of pelvic pain and cancer pain. 

DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Dr. Lisa Stearns, Founder and Medical Director of the Center for Pain and Supportive Care, is a leading expert in interventional therapy for cancer pain and is internationally renowned for her research and expertise with intrathecal pumps. Dr. Stearns is committed to educating patients and healthcare professionals about the most effective pain management and supportive care techniques. Upon receiving her medical degree from the University of Nebraska in 1991 and completing her residency in anesthesiology and her fellowship in pain management, Dr. Stearns became one of only a handful of interventional pain specialists to focus her practice on palliative medicine.

In 2007 when Dr. Stearns founded the Center for Pain and Supportive Care (CPSC) in Phoenix Arizona, she set out to tackle what she saw as fragmented and narrow care for patients with chronic pain. Dr. Stearns has diligently worked to create a diverse team of providers, including specialists in cancer-related and chronic pain, supportive care, advanced therapies, interventional pain management, yoga rehabilitation, and medication management, among others. She has sought out talented clinicians whose values naturally follow CPSC's mission of restoring a patient's life by providing the most advanced pain management treatments through a whole-person approach to care.

Dr. Stearns has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on pain management and palliative care and is actively involved in research at both the early development and late clinical trial stages. She is frequently a featured speaker at national and international conferences in her field; she has an adjunct faculty appointment at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine where she trains pain management and palliative fellows and preceptor for Midwestern University medical students and allied health professionals. In all her work, Dr. Stearns seeks to raise awareness that pain management can "build a bridge back to life."

After watching both of her grandmothers pass away from cancer, Dr. Stearns has experienced first-hand that many chronic pain and cancer patients do not receive the proper care they need and often feel neglected throughout the treatment process. Dr. Stearns has made it her life's work to improve her patients’ function and overall quality of life, caring not only for her patients but their families and caregivers as well. Her practice is unique in that she treats the whole person by teaching them how to build healthy behaviors in all aspects of their lives: physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological.

Dr. Stearns founded the Valley Cancer Pain Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to cancer pain research, to raise awareness and to educate families, patients, and providers on integrating interventional pain treatments. She is also a co-founder and executive committee member of the Cancer Pain Research Consortium, a group of doctors from across the world working to find the latest and best treatments for cancer-related pain.

The Tragic Passion of Dr. Lisa Stearns