May 11, 2023
On May 2 and May 6, the NCAFP welcomed Dr. Steven Prakken to teach the “Treatment of the Complex Pain Patient” virtual seminars. More than 140 attendees tuned in to hear Dr. Prakken teach evidence-based treatment of chronic pain conditions, psychiatric comorbidities, and the clinical approaches these patients need. “I applaud the NCAFP for offering virtual events and short sessions that are impactful in everyday practices,” said one physician who attended. “I’m looking forward to the summer offerings.”
NCAFP Director of Events and CME Kathryn Atkinson had this to say about the seminars: “We were extremely fortunate to partner with the Governor’s Institute and Dr. Prakken to produce a top-notch digital program everyone enjoyed. We know personal and professional schedules stay busy, especially this time of year, and so it was great to see so many people make time for this exceptional opportunity to better their knowledge and skills on this critical topic. Thank you to everyone who joined us!”
Dr. Prakken taught without overloading himself as an instructor, thanks to the ability to pre-record his two 45-minute lectures for both seminars and attend so he could do live Q&A sessions with attendees. Several attendees reported in their post-event feedback forms that they enjoyed the virtual setting. “It was great!” wrote one attendee. “I loved the forum from home with my coffee and pajamas, and I was able to pick up some great education at a decent price! I really commend the shift and the access.”
“I wasn’t sure I would like that the lecture was recorded,” reported one attendee, “but this left the presenter available to answer chat questions during his talk, and that worked really well.”
“This was pretty awesome,” wrote another attendee. “I hope we have many more CME events online. Thanks so much!”
Each seminar covered the full process of intake and treatment of patients with chronic pain and psychiatric comorbidities. Specifically, Dr. Prakken spoke about common diagnoses, use of pharmacological treatments, assessing risk in treating chronic pain alongside comorbidities, and optimal clinical approaches to the patients themselves. As the Chief of Medical Pain Service at Avance Care who is certified in both primary care and psychiatry, he taught from his decades of experience of serving chronic pain patients with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Attendees said they appreciated his insight, not only during the seminars but also for their future care.
“This was an excellent training event,” one attendee reported.
Another grateful attendee said, “This was one of the best pain management courses I have attended!”
Dr. Prakken’s interdisciplinary approach was especially helpful. “As a psychologist, I am very happy to have had this presentation,” reported one attendee. “This cross training was very helpful!”
This “Treatment of the Complex Pain Patient” series was the second version of the NCAFP’s partnership with the Governor’s Institute, and the first occurred in 2022 to similar acclaim. The NCAFP will host another virtual CME event on June 24: the Summer Symposium, which has an expert lineup of teachers and the ease of attending from anywhere our members want.
Why will it be virtual? Member demand: “Please offer more like this!” one attendee requested.
The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, Inc. (NCAFP) is a nonprofit professional association headquartered in Raleigh which represents over 4,300 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students across the state. It is the largest medical specialty association in North Carolina and is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, based in Leadwood, KS.