Inpatient care In the hospital, our pediatric anesthesiologists utilize regional anesthesia, such as nerve blocks and epidural analgesia, to provide effective pain management while minimizing side effects from oral or IV medications. We have a dedicated Acute Pain Service in the hospital staffed by a pediatric anesthesiologist to follow our pediatric patients post-operatively. Our faculty will see patients daily, ensuring regional anesthesia and other treatments such as non-opioid pain infusions are used as appropriate to ensure a smooth recovery after surgery. Outpatient care Pediatric anesthesiologists dedicated to pediatric pain medicine complete additional training, such as an ACGME fellowship in Pediatric Pain Medicine and obtaining an American Board of Medical Specialties board certification in Pain Medicine. These highly skilled pain physicians employ a variety of treatment modalities to care for pediatric patients: Complex medication management involves anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, neuropathic analgesics, compounded medications, topical medications, opioids, and more. Procedures include simple ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections such as trigger point injections to regenerative medicine such as prolotherapy and PRP, fluoroscopic procedures such as steroid injections and nerve blocks, and even neuromodulation, such as from peripheral nerve stimulation. Complementary medicine includes recommendations for dietary changes, supplements, and collaborating with integrative medicine specialists. As pain physicians with a background in pediatric anesthesiology, our faculty work closely with our surgical partners and are able to treat surgical and medical pain presentations. Common surgical pain consultations include: Development of peri-operative pain plans for patients either with a history of challenging post-operative pain control or for patients who already have complex care needs and are concerned about recovery after surgery. Common post-surgical pain issues like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), medication weaning, and chronic post-surgical pain. We also work closely with pediatricians, family practice providers, and a multitude of pediatric specialists on a variety of conditions. Common medical pain consultations include: Chronic abdominal pain Chronic headaches Chronic musculoskeletal pain (low back pain) TMJ Rheumatologic conditions (JIA) Pelvic Pain Fibromyalgia Pain of chronic childhood diseases ( Sickle cell anemia, cancer, DM1, Epidermolysis Bullosa, EDS, CRMO, etc.) How to book a consultation Our pediatric pain physicians see patients out of our department's faculty practice at the Mission Bay campus and via telemedicine. We also anticipate soon opening a clinic in the East Bay. If you or a loved one are interested in being seen for consultation, please visit the Center for Pain Medicine website to request an appointment. Our people Katharina Brab, MD, PhD Visiting Asst Clin Professor Eugene Carragee, MD Assistant Clinical Professor Denise Chang, MD Associate Clinical Professor Marla Ferschl, MD Professor, Exec. Vice Chair of Pediatric Anesthesia, Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia Justin Libaw, MD, MPH Assistant Clinical Professor Evelyn Monico, MD Associate Clinical Professor David Robinowitz, MD, MHS, MS Clinical Professor Taran Sangari, MD, MBA Professor, Vice Chair and Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia, BCH Oakland Jocelyn Wong, MD Assistant Clinical Professor Amy Zhang, MD, BS Assistant Clinical Professor
