Wrapping Up a Successful IX Symposium: Science, Connections, and Future Plans!
On Saturday, October 19, we marked the end of the three-day IX Symposium of the Polish Pain Society, ‘Advances in Pain Treatment’. Prof. Starowicz had the pleasure of organizing and chairing the session „Cannabinoids in Pain Medicine”, co-organized by the Polish Association for the Study of Pain (PTBB) and the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS).
The session featured distinguished experts:
– Prof. Bogdan Ionel Tamba from ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania, who brings over 15 years of experience in clinical pharmacology and drug development, focusing on pharmacological advancements in pain treatment
– Dr. Francesca Guida, Associate Professor at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy, whose research explores neuropathic pain mechanisms and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, as well as the connection between gut microbiota and pain pathways.
– Dr. Silviu Brill, Director of the Institute of Pain Medicine at Tel Aviv Medical Center, past-president of the Israel Pain Association, whose expertise includes cannabinoids for pain management and the psychological aspects of chronic pain.
– Dr. Michał Graczyk from Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland, specializing in palliative care, particularly the use of cannabinoids and opioids for chronic cancer pain relief.
In addition, Dr. Katarzyna Popiołek-Barczyk presented an engaging lecture in the Pain and Lifestyle session titled ’Turning the Enemy into an Ally – Unveiling the Role of the Histamine H3 Receptor in the Pursuit of New Analgesics’. This session also featured excellent and insightful talks by Bart Morlion, past president of EFIC, on diet and pain, and Vinko Palada on sleep and pain, adding valuable perspectives to the discussion.
The symposium was not only about cutting-edge science but also a fantastic opportunity for meetings and networking. We were thrilled to reconnect with alumni from the Institute of Pharmacology PAS, including Dr. Ilona Obara, currently at Newcastle University, and the team led by Prof. Przemysław Bąbel from Jagiellonian University. These reunions and discussions enriched the experience, making it even more special.
For the full conference program, please visit here.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Magdalena Kocot-Kępska, President of the Polish Association for the Study of Pain (PTBB), for the fantastic organization. We know it took tremendous effort and dedication from the entire team. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this symposium. The dates of September 11-13, 2025, are already marked in our calendars! See you next year in Wrocław!
