NAPS 2024 guest Michael Sullivan describes his professional trajectory, his views on psychological interventions in pain management and his unique experience as a musician.
The North American Pain School (NAPS) brings together leading experts in the fields of pain research and management to provide a unique educational and networking experience for the next generation of pain researchers. Each year, selected NAPS students interview guest researchers to learn more about their professional and personal backgrounds. This year, Morgan McNeil focused on the fascinating journey of Michael Sullivan, Professor in the Department of Psychology at McGill University and member of the QPRN. Michael Sullivan’s work has significantly advanced knowledge of how psychological factors influence recovery trajectories after musculoskeletal injury, most notably with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, now integrated into assessment protocols in pain clinics and rehabilitation centers worldwide. In this interview, Michael Sullivan talks about what brought him to clinical psychology and the field of pain, and the challenges he overcame. He also shares his views on multidisciplinary clinical practice in pain management, as well as exciting and funny anecdotes about his other passions.
