The Center for Translational Pain Medicine (CTPM) is transforming the way we study, diagnose, and treat painful conditions. The CTPM brings together, under one umbrella, a diverse team of basic science and clinical researchers with complementary expertise in pain neurobiology, molecular genetics, neuroimaging, epidemiology, and bioinformatics to make exciting new discoveries in the areas of pain mechanisms and management. The CTPM extends into Duke Anesthesiology’s clinical innovative pain therapy program to achieve a common core mission of improving patient care.

Incorporating basic science, clinical research and pain management with three primary goals:

Dr. Ji in lab

Research

Understanding the pathophysiological processes that mediate persistent pain conditions and translating new discoveries into clinical practice.
University Medical students Learning About The Brain

Education

Creating high-quality educational programming for clinical and research professionals and the public.
Woman receiving facial massage

Patient Care

Providing high-quality comprehensive, primary and specialized care to individuals with a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, including orofacial pain.

Updates & Announcements

Duke Anesthesiology Awarded Program Project Grant

Two CTPM Faculty Awarded a 2020 DREAM Innovation Grant

Pain Journal Club
First Friday of the month
12 – 1 PM | GSRBIII 6130

Stay up-to-date on the latest pain-related news, research & events:
USASP | IASP | NIH Pain Consortium | Pain Research Forum

Tradition • Innovation • Translation

CTPM News

Evan Kharasch, MD, PhD

Dr. Kharasch Stepping Down as Vice Chair

After seven years of dedicated service as Duke Anesthesiology’s vice chair for innovation, it is with profound appreciation that we announce Evan Kharasch, MD, PhD, one of the most distinguished leaders in our specialty, will step down from this role in pursuit of new opportunities.
Woman vaping an e-cigarette device.

New E-Cigarette Products Contain Highly Potent Sweeteners

In a newly-published study in JAMA, Duke Anesthesiology’s Dr. Sven-Eric Jordt reveals a majority of disposable e-cigarettes tested by Duke researchers contain neotame, an unregulated artificial sweetener that enhances product appeal and raises toxicity concerns.
Satya Achanta, DVM, PhD, DABT

Dr. Achanta Awarded Grant for Novel Approach to ARDS

Congratulations to Satya Achanta, DVM, PhD, on being awarded a $199,962 grant to assess a novel intravascular membrane oxygen catheter, which may be beneficial for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Dr. Ru-Rong Ji in his lab

Duke Anesthesiologist Among World’s Most-Cited Scholars

Congratulations to Dr. Ru-Rong Ji, professor in anesthesiology, on once again making Clarivate’s prestigious list of the most highly-cited researchers in the world. He is one of 23 Duke scientists and 6,886 global researchers on the 2024 list.
Satya Achanta, DVM, PhD, DABT

Studying Spinal Cord Stimulation to Treat Lower Back Pain

Congratulations to Dr. Satya Achanta on receiving an industry-sponsored grant to evaluate the use of a non-pharmacological therapy to treat lower back pain, which affects a significant number of adults in the United States.