Certification as an SSIPM Training Centre Pain Clinic B

The committee, consisting of representatives from the fields of anaesthesiology, neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, as well as rheumatology, highlights the interdisciplinary focus of this programme through its diverse composition.

The ISSZ is retrospectively certified as an SSIPM Pain Clinic B as of April 2025. We are now authorised to train the next generation of pain medicine specialists.

The curriculum of the SSIPM programme covers essential knowledge in pain physiology, including peripheral pain mechanisms, processing within the spinal cord and brain, neuroplasticity, and endogenous pain modulation. The training provides skills in structured, pain-focused history taking and examination, differential diagnostic aspects related to pain mechanisms, assessment of physical impairment and major psychosocial factors, as well as fundamental knowledge of non-invasive diagnostic methods. Non-invasive treatments, in-depth knowledge of pharmacological analgesia, and individualised, patient-centred treatment planning are key elements of the hands-on training programme.

Interdisciplinary collaboration in the assessment and treatment of pain disorders offers Pain Fellows the opportunity to learn and apply a stepwise approach to therapy planning. A crucial factor for the success of interventional pain management is the correct indication for invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as their implementation according to guidelines. Manual skills for the independent performance of interventional pain procedures are developed under supervision.

The SSIPM Fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine with an interdisciplinary focus provides an opportunity to obtain a high-quality, specialist qualification in pain medicine with a focus on interventional diagnostics and treatments. The programme is open to all medical specialties.

Epidemiological studies worldwide show a significant increase in the number of people living with chronic pain in recent years, and this trend is expected to intensify due to demographic changes. We, as the Institute for Interventional Pain Medicine SZ AG, are pleased to address this challenge with our team and the new training programme, contributing to the development of new pain medicine specialists for the future.