A highly enriching and hands-on workshop on “Fluoroscopy-Guided Cadaveric Spinal Pain Intervention”, jointly organized by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Department of Anatomy at AIIMS Nagpur, concluded on a high note on the 6th of September. Held over two days, the national-level event brought together 35 delegates from across the country, representing specialties including PMR, Anaesthesia, Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics, and was guided by 12 distinguished faculty experts.

The event was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Prashant P. Joshi, Executive Director AIIMS Nagpur as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. Dr. Mrunal Phatak, Dean, and Prof. Dr. Seema Parvekar, Medical Superintendent of AIIMS Nagpur. The sessions included interactive lectures, live fluoroscopy demonstrations, and cadaveric skill stations designed to enhance clinical expertise in spinal pain interventions.

Addressing the participants, the Director of AIIMS Nagpur highlighted the growing relevance of pain physicians in the current era. “With increasing stress, sedentary lifestyles, and declining physical activity, the incidence of chronic pain is on the rise. It is imperative to have well-trained pain practitioners. I truly appreciate the PMR department for taking this initiative, and such workshops are invaluable as they provide practical, hands-on learning beyond traditional lectures.”

Dean Prof. Dr. Mrunal Phatak reinforced this perspective by stating, “Pain is deeply personal and subjective. Workshops like these not only update clinical skills but also install much-needed confidence in the practitioners.”

Dr. Aaditya Tarnekar, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, lauded the collaborative effort between the two departments. He appreciated the months of preparation leading up to the event, adding that specially preserved soft-embalmed cadavers were prepared to ensure participants received realistic, hands-on exposure.

Dr. Swapnil Sonune, Associate Professor, PMR and Organizing Chairman, highlighted that the management of chronic pain necessitates a comprehensive and individualized approach, primarily encompassing rehabilitative and palliative strategies. He noted that rehabilitation aims to alleviate pain while simultaneously enhancing functional capacity, thereby enabling patients to actively engage in their daily activities and improve overall well-being. Conversely, in cases where the underlying condition has advanced to a terminal stage, palliative care plays a pivotal role in addressing pain and discomfort with the primary objective of optimizing the patient's quality of life through compassionate symptom management.

Dr. Harshanand Popalwar, Associate Professor, PMR, acknowledged the impressive diversity among the participants and remarked, “It is encouraging to see enthusiastic delegates from PMR, Anaesthesia, Neurosurgery, and Orthopedics coming together to enhance their skills. This multidisciplinary involvement is key to comprehensive pain care.”

Also present at the event were Dr. Rohit Gaikar, Dr. Ashish, Dr. Shalu, and Dr. Sonali, who played active roles in ensuring the smooth execution and academic success of the sessions.

The workshop concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Rohit Gaikar, marking the end of a deeply impactful and professionally rewarding event. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the practical training and appreciated the academic depth and organization of the workshop.