Future Leaders in Pain Research

2005 Grant Recipient: Barbara A. Hastie, PhD MA

University of Florida College of Dentistry
Gainesville, FL
Ethnic Differences in Acute Pain and Analgesic Side Effects

Please state which institution you are currently conducting research.

University of Florida

How did receiving the Future Leaders in Pain Research Grant impact your career in pain research?

The APS Pain Research Grant Program was a vital step to my career in pain research. The APS-funded study allowed to me to gather sufficient pilot data for successful application to NIH and other grant mechanisms. That study afforded me the opportunity to establish a study model that has been expanded and tested in other clinical populations. As such, I established strong cross-discipline collaborations, which were fortified in that project and were further expanded since then. In summary, that study laid an excellent foundation for building a collaborative team, securing other funding, and expanding into other studies and populations, all of which have led to greater breadth and depth of investigation in pain.

What is your current research focus? Briefly describe the importance of this work and how it advances the APS goals, mission, and your own personal development.

The current focus of my research involves the investigation of multivariate models for predicting acute post-operative pain and analgesic response as well as risk factors for development of chronic pain in various clinical populations. This work entails examination of multiple domains across the pain trajectory including psychosocial, genetic, pharmacologic and pharmacogenetic factors as well as quantitative sensory testing plus multiple other intra- and post-operative factors that contribute to differences in pain experience. Within that context, a major emphasis of my research involves investigation of ethnic and sex differences in pain and analgesia across clinical populations. An underlying theme for all my research is to explicate disparities and identify risk factors in pain and treatment eventually to elucidate targeted domains for better outcomes and to thwart transition to chronic pain across clinical and ethnically-diverse populations. This work fully aligns with the goals and mission of the APS in that it involves multidisciplinary professionals working collaboratively to increase knowledge of pain and translate research findings into practice. Indeed, the ultimate goal of my translational research is to generate clinically-applicable and patient-centered findings for better relief and improved pain care for those who currently suffer inexplicably from pain.

Are you still an APS member? If yes, do you feel that it has been of value to your professional development?

Yes, I remain an active member of APS, and it has been quite valuable to my professional development in many regards. First, APS membership has provided opportunities for networking with experts from disparate fields with the central focus on pain, from basic to clinical and translational aspects. APS also offers a superb professional venue for building current and future collaborative relationships. Next, the annual meeting and other educational opportunities afforded to members are of top caliber. They not only expand my knowledge base but they are intellectually-stimulating and idea-generating. APS membership also allows me to stay updated on advocacy efforts and timely issues influencing research, policy and clinical practice. Notably, perhaps the most professionally and personally rewarding aspect of APS membership is the vast array disciplines represented and collegial nature of the members.