7th IASP-South East Asia Pain Management Camp: A Journey Beyond Borders

By Dr. Alvis Lee Tian Yee, Ministry of Health Pain Management Subspecialty Trainee

I had always heard great things about the IASP Pain Management Camp—but as with many things in life, some experiences are best understood by living them. When the call for applicants for the 2025 7th IASP-South East Asia Pain Management Camp was announced, I knew I had to try.

The application process itself was no small feat. Beyond submitting a resume and recommendation letters, it required a deep commitment to the ideals of multidisciplinary pain management. After a competitive selection, I was honoured to be chosen as part of Malaysia's delegation—alongside a clinical psychologist and a fellow anesthesiologist —to attend this prestigious pain camp held from 27 to 30 April 2025 at Changi Cove Hotel, Singapore, in conjunction with the ASEAPS Congress.

From the very start, the scale of the camp exceeded expectations. The faculty line-up alone set the tone: Prof Andrew Rice (Current IASP President), Prof Michael Nicholas (Renowned Clinical Psychologist & Director of Pain Education at the University of Sydney), Dr Mary Cardosa (MASP Past President and IASP President-Elect), Prof Fiona Blyth (Renowned public health physician & Pain Epidemiologist), Dr Jocelyn Que (Professor at the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines), Dr Shawn Lee (Malaysia’s experienced Clinical Psychologist in Chronic Pain), Dr Angela Yeo (Pain Specialist from Singapore and pioneer of Southeast Asia’s first paediatric chronic pain clinic), and others including Dr Ong Say Yang (Current President of ASEAPS & Pain Association of Singapore), and Dr Lester Jones (Renowned Pain Physiotherapist and educator) —all experts and advocates in their fields. Words couldn’t describe how fantastic this Pain Camp was. If one were to transcribe the entire experience, it could easily fill a novel.

Among the many impactful sessions, Professor Fiona Blyth’s talk on the global burden of pain stood out as particularly thought-provoking. She eloquently emphasized the urgent need for pain to be recognized as a public health priority and challenged us to consider how we advocate for it within systems of power. In what she described as a “five-minute lift ride with someone from the Ministry of Health,” she urged us to be ready—to grab any brief opportunity to speak up, advocate, and make a compelling case. “You only have one chance,” she said, “and you must be prepared.” Her message was a powerful reminder that advancing pain care isn’t just about clinical expertise—it’s also about timing, communication, and being equipped to lead change.

Another very memorable highlight for me was the Patient Self-management session by Prof Michael Nicholas. Hearing firsthand about the development of the Chronic Pain case formulation model & self-management—which we were introduced to during our local training in Malaysia—felt surreal, like meeting a celebrity whose work had already shaped our thinking. 

I also found the updates on neuropathic pain by Prof Andrew Rice & Dr Ong Say Yang, especially POST (Pain-focused Sensory Testing), to be eye-opening. These concepts were not just theoretical—they were deeply practical, prompting a realization: pain management is always evolving, knowledges are being constantly researched and updated & learning is never-ending.

Not to forget another touching moment came when the organizers hosted a live interview session with an adolescent living with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome. Seeing her confidently share her journey—and witnessing how Dr Angela Yeo and Dr Lucy’s team helped her regain quality of life through a holistic, biopsychosocial model—was nothing short of empowering. It reminded all of us why we do what we do.

My roommate at the camp was an anesthesiologist from Vietnam, and together we practiced relaxation and grounding techniques. While I was already familiar with these methods from Malaysia’s MENANG Programme, sharing them across cultural contexts brought a fresh appreciation for the universality—and adaptability—of good pain care.

In group discussions, the diverse backgrounds of my peers made every session richer. My team included a palliative care physician, oncologist, physiotherapist, psychologist, and pain trainees from around the region. The variety of perspectives expanded my understanding of pain management from multiple angles—biomedical, psychological, social, and spiritual.

Throughout multiple group activities, case discussions & roundtable participations, I realized a holistic pain management requires the cooperation of many hands, minds, and hearts. I also learned that the struggles I face—such as setting up a structured multidisciplinary patient self-management programme—are not unique. Clinicians across ASEAN are wrestling with the same systemic barriers. One unexpected lesson came during a group discussion on barrier to pain management, where I was stunned to hear about the shortages of essential analgesics, including opioids, in some countries. It was a sobering reminder of how uneven healthcare access can be.

One of the most meaningful aspects was being mentored by Prof Michael Nicholas himself. Under his guidance, I developed a personal SMART goal: To organise a patient-focused pain self-management programme in Northern Malaysia within the next two years, and to continue the legacy of Penang General Hospital’s multidisciplinary pain clinic. It was humbling to receive his direct feedback, and inspiring to be encouraged by someone I had long admired from afar.

Of course, no camp is complete without the little moments that form lifelong memories. One evening, we strolled to a nearby food court and shared a hearty meal of chilli crab. Throughout the camp, we exchanged snacks and stories, with participants from not only ASEAN countries but also Fiji, Romania & Hong Kong. We also had faculty travelling from United Kingdom & Australia! These small gestures and conversations reminded me how shared meals often lead to shared understanding.

Two quotes stuck with me and will stay for a long time:

• “It’s perfectly normal to not know anything when you first start your journey in pain medicine. Just move on—and eventually, you’ll know.” — Dr Aimee, Philippines
• “Some of you shared you were about to quit before coming to Pain Camp, and that this experience changed your mind. Others said you felt alone in your practice. Let me remind you: You are not alone.” — Prof Andrew Rice

Both struck a chord with me—because yes, pain medicine can be isolating. But Pain Camp was a reminder that we’re part of a larger family, united by the common goal of reducing suffering and improving quality of life.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP) for selecting me to be part of this unforgettable journey. I am especially thankful to Dr Angela Yeo and the team for organizing this Pain Camp. Her tireless dedication alongside the organising committee made this event a resounding success.

To anyone considering attending a future IASP Pain Camp: Do it. Go to learn. Go to be mentored. Go to network. Go to rediscover your passion. This is where ideas are born, connections are made, and courage is refueled. In this journey of pain medicine, we may come from different cultures and healthcare systems—but at our core, we share the same vision: a holistic, compassionate, and biopsychosocial approach to alleviating pain. We are not alone.

Pain Camp Reflection - Hui Yen Ling, Clinical Psychologist

Attending the ASEAPS pain camp was an enriching and eye-opening experience that really highlighted the value of Community of Practice. From the start, I was welcomed into a truly supportive environment where people from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise came together with a shared purpose: to teach, to learn, and to grow. The spirit of a community of practice was not just talked about—it was genuinely practiced and led by example. 

The course illuminated the complexity of pain and its management. While the theoretical aspects were clear on the surface, it was through role-playing sessions, interactive discussions, and group-based case discussions that shed light on how intricate and layered pain management can be. These activities emphasized the essential role of interdisciplinary collaboration—a component that is still underdeveloped in many healthcare settings. 

Listening to pioneers in the field, who have dedicated decades to advancing pain management, was both humbling and deeply inspiring. Their passion and perseverance prompted me to reflect on my own journey: what I’ve done so far, what I’m currently pursuing, and what I hope to do in the future. It was a powerful reminder that learning is a lifelong process, and there is always more to learn and contribute. 

Beyond the formal learning, I cherished the spontaneous conversations—exchanges that offered glimpses into the personal stories behind professional titles. These moments reminded me that everyone carries unseen battles, even those who appear carefree. This human connection, often overlooked in clinical settings, was an unexpected but valuable takeaway. 

I also appreciated the mentor-mentee structure, which offered guidance and support beyond daily workplace interactions. Having someone to turn to for honest dialogue and encouragement added a personal dimension that made the learning experience even more meaningful. The more I learn from this camp, the more I realize how much I don’t know and how much more there is to learn. 

This course really did push me out of my comfort zone. It helped me recognize the power of small steps in personal and professional growth, as well as deepened my appreciation for continuous self-improvement. I leave this experience feeling inspired, grounded, and grateful—for the knowledge gained, the people met, and the journey still ahead.

My Experience at ASEAPS Pain Camp 2025
by Dr Husna binti Razak, Anesthesiologist

As someone entrusted to hold the fort for pain management in my hospital, I have often felt the weight of responsibility and the need to continuously expand my knowledge in this field. While searching for resources to strengthen my understanding of pain medicine, I came across the ASEAPS Pain Camp 2025—and I am truly grateful that I did.

Malaysian Association for the Study of Pain (MASP) made it possible for me to participate in the ASEAPS Pain Camp 2025 which was held in Changi Cove, Singapore. The experience turned out to be far more enriching than I had anticipated. Initially, I thought the focus would be mainly on pharmacological treatment and interventional procedures. However, Pain Camp opened my eyes to the fact that effective pain management is not just about drugs or interventions—it requires a holistic approach that takes into account the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of pain.

One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Pain management cannot and should not be done in isolation. The opportunity to learn from and engage with other participants from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds provided me with fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation of how different disciplines can come together to improve patient care.

Equally memorable was the sense of community fostered throughout the program. I felt truly inspired and grateful to be part of such an enthusiastic and engaging group of individuals who share the same passion in advancing pain management. I also took the opportunity to network with fellow participants from Singapore, Phillipines, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Fiji. Through lively discussions, we exchanged ideas on innovative pain management strategies, shared challenges faced in our respective healthcare system, and even explored the possibility of future collaborations. These meaningful interactions not only broadened my professional horizons but also underscored the universal importance of multidisciplinary cooperation in the field of pain medicine.

Overall, I found the ASEAPS Pain Camp 2025 to be an invaluable experience. It has not only broadened my knowledge but also reshaped my outlook on pain management. I believe strongly that such a program should be made accessible to everyone in the anaesthesia fraternity, as it equips us with the tools and mindset to provide holistic and compassionate care to patients in pain.