During this two-week seminar, an attempt will be made to integrate the preclinical topics already acquired (i.e. neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pharmacology, psychosociology) into the multidisciplinary clinical sciences, which constitute the core of Pain Medicine, a new and rapidly expanding field. During each session, moderated by at least two teachers from different backgrounds (i.e. a basic scientist and a clinician), the contribution of basic sciences to the understanding of specific, clinically painful conditions will be determined in terms of pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

In order to optimally prepare each topic, the following documentation, directly related to the subject matter, will be made available for study ahead of the session: two to three research and/or review papers, the description of an actual clinical case, and a few relevant questions which will constitute the framework of the seminar. In addition, four “clinical rounds” with actual patients will be organized to provide insight into the fascinating complexities of the pain patient.