Letter to the Editor

Chronic Pain Visits and Academic Medicine for Underrepresented Minorities: The Surprising Parallel

Authors: Kendall M. Campbell, MD, José E. Rodríguez, MD

Abstract

Patients with chronic pain can be some of the most difficult patients for clinicians to assist, but they are also some of the most knowledgeable about physical dysfunction resulting from pain. Physicians often struggle to learn the lessons these patients try to teach regarding the daily challenges they face. In many instances, patients with chronic pain are associated with the negative stigma of being drug abusers or drug seekers. Patients in chronic pain are really no different from patients with other chronic diseases who need support, encouragement, and effective treatment.

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