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

Dr. Padma Gulur

This is What Color Therapy is all About

As featured in Real Simple magazine, Duke Anesthesiology pain specialist, Dr. Padma Gulur, discusses how the use of colors can assist in the treatment of a variety of conditions of both physical and mental health.
Dr. Ru-Rong Ji

Dr. Ji Named CTPM Director

Congratulations to Ru-Rong Ji, PhD, on being appointed as the director of Duke Anesthesiology’s Center for Translational Pain Medicine - an internationally-recognized best-in-class translational pain medicine program.
Dr. Ru-Rong Ji in his lab

Dr. Ji Named a Highly Cited Researcher

Congratulations to Ru-Rong Ji, PhD, who is once again named among the most “Highly Cited Researchers" in the world; one of 22 faculty from the Duke University School of Medicine to make the 2020 list.
William Maixner - In Remembrance

In Remembrance of Dr. William Maixner

It is with profound sadness that we inform you about the passing of a beloved member of our Duke Anesthesiology family, William “Bill” Maixner, DDS, PhD. He passed away on November 2 at the age of 68 after battling an illness. Duke flags were lowered on November 4 in honor of his life and legacy.
Dr. Ru-Rong Ji

Dr. Ji Receives Prestigious Award

Congratulations to Ru-Rong Ji, PhD, on being selected as the recipient of the 2020 American Society of Anesthesiologists Excellence in Research Award, recognizing his contributions to the scientific advancement of the specialty.
Christopher Donnelly, DDS, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow Wins Highly-Competitive Awards

Congratulations to Dr. Christopher Donnelly on earning first place in two award competitions for his research project in which he identified a new role for a protein, called STING, in the regulation of pain.
Duke Anesthesiology Awarded Program Project Grant

Duke Anesthesiology Awarded Program Project Grant

The National Institutes of Health awards Duke Anesthesiology a Program Project Grant ($8.5 million) for the first time in 40 years and designates its Center for Translational Pain Medicine as a Center of Excellence.
Dr. Ru-Rong Ji

Dr. Ji Receives Founders Award

Congratulations to Ru-Rong Ji, PhD, on being selected as the 2020 recipient of the American Academy of Pain Medicine Founders Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the science or practice of pain medicine.
Drs. Martucci, Yurashevich, and Yurashevich

Introducing the 2020 DREAM Innovation Grant Recipients

Congratulations to Drs. Andrey Bortsov, Katherine Martucci and Mary Yurashevich on receiving a DIG at this year’s Duke Anesthesiology ASA Alumni Event for their cutting-edge research. Learn more about them and the focus of their DIG projects.