April 7-10, 2022
In Orlando at the WIP Conference and scheduled FIPP examination attended by over 100 people, the overall glowing reports reflect the 34 people who actually took the three components of the examination for the Fellow of International Pain Practice. There is a significant desire for those that do not have the FIPP qualification to take the exam. The passing certificate allows the examinee to show friends, colleagues and primarily patients that they have been tested on their knowledge of pain by the highest available interventional pain examination in the World. The first two days the facility radiated happiness while in the cadaver lab with 6 teaching stations, attendees were learning, sharing ideas and being taught the correct way of doing any of the many interventional procedures by recognized experts in the field.
The day of the exam the candidate was given one hour to complete 4 procedures successfully and safely, the grades would reflect not just the ability but safety as well. For example, one examination where I was involved as an examiner, the candidate had to complete a caudal Neuroplasty, thoracic spinal cord stimulator, hypogastric plexus block and a thoracic T2 sympathetic block.
I am impressed with the process as once you decide to take the exam, one thing is absolutely certain, that eventually you will pass and you will become a safer and better doctor. So far there are 1274 FIPP’s in 63 countries and 193 CIPS in 32 countries.
Organizationally it is ahead of all the other pain groups covering bigger and bigger areas in the World, having the right curriculum and organization is the way to go. It has taken time to build such a complex and resilient organization that has maintained its quality and growth. Looking forward to the XI World Congress in Budapest, Hungary this August 25-27th 2022, immediately followed by the next FIPP/CIPS examination. There is no better way than to just make the decision to join the WIP by taking the examination in Budapest and become a FIPP.
Gabor B. Racz, M.D., FIPP #5, ABIPP
Grover Murray Professor
Professor and Chair Emeritus TTUHSC
Executive Board Member
Past President WIP
Founder WIP