PRESIDENT
2024-11-13
A Message to Colleagues and Friends
It is a great honor to serve as the inaugural president of the Taiwanese Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management (TSRAPM). Regional anesthesia and pain management have long been overlooked fields in Taiwan, and the establishment of this society aims to bring ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia into the spotlight. We hope to fully leverage its potential in enhancing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), reducing perioperative carbon footprints, refining war injury anesthesia training, advancing pain clinic practices, and promoting shared decision-making (SDM) in surgical anesthesia. By popularizing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, we aim to ensure that procedures that do not inherently require general or spinal anesthesia allow patients to benefit from nerve blocks as the primary anesthesia method.
Globally, major regional anesthesia organizations such as the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRAPM), the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA), and the Asian and Oceanic Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine (AOSRA-PM) have all emphasized the integration of pain medicine into their missions. These organizations highlight the shared foundation of functional anatomy between regional anesthesia and acute and chronic pain management. Given that Taiwan’s regional anesthesia society was established relatively late, we adopted the international trend by incorporating both regional anesthesia and pain management into our name: Taiwanese Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management (TSRAPM). The term “Management” was chosen over “Medicine” to underscore our focus on practical training and implementation. Our vision is to create a multidisciplinary organization fostering innovation and collaboration in regional anesthesia, acute pain, and chronic pain management.
A Vision for TSRAPM
TSRAPM seeks to provide a vibrant platform for passionate professionals in the field of regional anesthesia and pain management. With the support of Chung Shan Medical University and its affiliated hospital, we will launch unique initiatives, such as exploratory cadaveric workshops, to develop ultrasound-guided nerve block and pain management techniques. Our long-term vision revolves around the following key goals:
1. Internationalization of TSRAPM
Strengthening connections with international RAPM organizations is a top priority. By establishing partnerships, such as sister societies, and hosting joint conferences with global RAPM organizations, we aim to align with cutting-edge treatments and technologies while boosting TSRAPM's international competitiveness.
2. Multidisciplinary and Cross-Field Development
RAPM encompasses regional anesthesia, acute pain, and chronic pain, all revolving around the RAPM encompasses regional anesthesia, acute pain, and chronic pain, all revolving around the core framework of functional anatomy. Research and publications in these areas often reflect their interconnectedness. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration—such as exploratory cadaveric workshops—we aim to foster breakthroughs in RAPM techniques. Additionally, we will integrate anatomy educators as core members to complement clinical expertise.
3. Research-Driven Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice
Developing and applying new techniques requires both anatomical exploration and robust research. TSRAPM's committees, composed of leading experts, will provide members with practical research and development skills. These efforts will align with the needs of practicing clinicians and contribute to Taiwan’s presence in global RAPM research through impactful publications.
4. Shaping Health Policy for Regional Anesthesia
Economic considerations are a critical factor for the future of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. As debates over self-pay versus national health insurance coverage persist, TSRAPM will work closely with government agencies to formulate policies that maximize patient benefits and align with the broader healthcare landscape.
5. Mapping RAPM Practices in Taiwan
We plan to develop a comprehensive map of regional anesthesia and pain management practices across Taiwanese medical institutions. This resource will provide valuable information for residents seeking specialized training and guide patients in choosing appropriate referral centers.
6. Comprehensive Education Programs
To ensure RAPM flourishes nationwide, we will establish regional committees (North, Central, South, East) and organize workshops based on anatomical regions and functional applications. These programs will cultivate emerging talent by fostering interaction between domestic and international experts, ensuring the next generation of RAPM leaders is well-prepared to continue our mission.
Looking Ahead
These goals reflect TSRAPM's commitment to leading the field of regional anesthesia and pain management in Taiwan. Together with our members, I am confident we can shape a stronger and more internationally recognized TSRAPM. Let us work hand in hand to build the future we envision for RAPM in Taiwan—a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and excellence.