Cite as: Blessing M. Interview with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Dr. Asokumar Buvanendran. ASRA Pain Medicine News 2025;50. https://doi.org/10.52211/asra050125.016.

Former American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) President Asokumar Buvanendran, MD, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional anesthesiology and pain medicine.

Dr. Buvanendran is the William Gottschalk Endowed Chair, a professor, and the chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Rush University in Chicago, IL. He served as president of ASRA Pain Medicine from 2017 to 2019 and as associate editor and executive editor on the Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine board.

A key advisor on opioid policies, Dr. Buvanendran has reviewed and commented on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and federal pain management initiatives. He is also a prolific researcher and educator and is actively involved with the American Society of Anesthesiologists, currently serving on its board of directors.

A national leader in pain management, he has played a pivotal role in advancing multimodal analgesia protocols (opioid sparing), particularly in orthopedic surgery. His current research, funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Defense grants, explores pain mechanisms, alternatives to opioids, and the transition from acute to chronic pain. A key focus is preventing chronic pain after surgery, which helps reduce opioid use in patients.

The DSA celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to regional anesthesiology and/or pain medicine through scholarly activities, clinical teaching, and service to ASRA Pain Medicine or the scientific and medical specialties practiced by ASRA Pain Medicine members. Dr. Buvanendran will be presented with the award at the 50th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting, held May 1-3, in Orlando, FL.

Marcelle Blessing: Allow me to congratulate you on winning the 2025 Distinguished Service Award. You are recognized as an exceptional leader and researcher in regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Can you outline your journey in the profession?

Asokumar Buvanendran: Thank you for this incredible honor. I am truly humbled to be recognized alongside many exceptional regional anesthesia and pain medicine colleagues. The guidance, support, and inspiration of many individuals have shaped my journey.

Growing up, my father, a professor in veterinary science and genetics, significantly influenced me. He dedicated his life to research and often shared his work and findings at the dinner table, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge to drive progress. Those conversations left a lasting impression on me and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of science and the value of working together.

Before starting my anesthesiology residency, I had the privilege of working on several research projects under the mentorship of Drs. Davy Cheng and Vincent Chan at the University of Toronto. Their guidance helped me develop a strong foundation in research and understand how curiosity and collaboration can shape clinical practice. I still remember Dr. Cheng instilling in me the importance of outcome-based research. Later, during my residency and fellowship in pain medicine, I continued to pursue research with a focus on both clinical and basic science, always keeping in mind ways to improve patient clinical outcomes.

In terms of leadership, I have always approached it with a focus on listening and learning from others. As a young ASRA board member, I spent a great deal of time listening to and understanding the history and culture. At ASRA Pain Medicine, I prioritized connecting with members and attendees to understand their needs and goals for the society. Their feedback inspired me to help expand the society’s reach, fostering a welcoming environment for members and non-members. My vision has always been to create a "big family" where ideas can be freely exchanged, clinical challenges can be discussed, and science can be advanced for the benefit of our patients. I would frequently mention to all those who knew me at ASRA Pain Medicine that “we are doing great—and how can we do better”? Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute and the many people who have supported and inspired me throughout my journey.

MB: What personal qualities or characteristics have been most important along the way, and how did you decide to focus on pain medicine?

AB: I've always had a curious mind and been driven to understand and solve problems. With its complexity and constant evolution, pain medicine has intrigued me from the start. I’ve often found myself wondering why patients experience pain and what might lie at its core, which shaped my approach to treatment. As the field has advanced, particularly with the introduction of new technologies and insights into genetics, I have endeavored to learn and adapt, with the goal of enhancing the care we provide. Staying open to new developments and seeking ways to help patients better has been a key part of my approach to this work.

MB: Please tell us about the role of mentors in your career path. How have they influenced your career?

AB: I’ve been fortunate to have had several mentors throughout my career, particularly at RUSH University Medical Center, where I’ve trained and worked for more than 30 years. Over the years, I have built meaningful relationships that are essential to my growth. Dr. Kenneth Tuman played a crucial role in guiding me through research, helping me navigate the complex academic path, and providing an environment that fostered my growth and allowed me to pursue my vision. Dr. Timothy Lubenow, on the other hand, mentored me in the clinical practice of pain medicine, offering invaluable insights into patient care and always being available to address challenging patient matters. Both have shaped my understanding and approach in different yet equally important ways, and I am genuinely grateful for their guidance. Although not a mentor, my wife has been a lifelong sounding board for advice, for which I am eternally grateful.

In terms of leadership, I have always approached it with a focus on listening and learning from others. As a young ASRA board member, I spent a great deal of time listening to and understanding the history and culture.

MB: Please describe a personal challenge and how you overcame it.

AB: Balancing academic, clinical, and family life has constantly challenged me. Early on, I realized that achieving success in all three areas would require significant sacrifice. I knew I needed to put in the extra effort, so I began working very early in the morning—sometimes as early as 3:30 a.m.—before my kids and wife woke up. This allowed me to achieve many of my professional goals while still being able to return home in the evenings to spend time with them. I spent time with my children, supporting their competitive tennis matches on weekends, and traveling nationwide. Looking back, it’s funny how hard work can sometimes lead to what feels like luck—when you put in the hours and effort, opportunities seem to open in ways you didn’t expect. It wasn’t easy, but making those sacrifices was key to dealing with personal challenges.

MB: As you look back, has your career had a defining moment? If so, can you describe it?

AB: Several moments shaped my career; much of that came from simply showing up and doing the work. One of the most significant was receiving my first NIH-funded grant. It was a goal I had worked toward for years alongside some of the most brilliant researchers, and the process was challenging—NIH grants are among the most competitive to obtain. I faced several setbacks before finally being awarded one, so when it happened, it felt especially rewarding. I feel fortunate to have several funded research projects, but I also know persistence and dedication played a key role in making those opportunities possible.

MB: What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

AB: One of my most rewarding accomplishments was being the ASRA Pain Medicine president from 2017 to 2019. During my term, I was proud to lead the planning and execution of the World Congress of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in 2018 in New York. The event was an immense undertaking involving ASRA Pain Medicine staff working collaboratively for over 18 months. We received thousands of submissions from more than 30 countries, ultimately narrowing them down to several hundred presentations, sessions, and panel discussions. The final selections included in the program reflected exceptional depth and innovation, providing critical insights into the evolving field of regional anesthesia. We ensured that healthcare providers who could not attend the meeting in person could hear the leaders present via a broadcast to several countries worldwide.

Once I realized that the congress was during my term as president, I convinced Dr. Vincent Chan to chair it, for which I am grateful. It was a pleasure to work with someone who had once mentored me. I immediately began immersing myself in the details. We conducted several site visits to gain an understanding of the experience from the perspectives of both first-time and experienced attendees. My goal was to create an environment that catered to everyone—from attendees traveling thousands of miles with their families to those living locally. I wanted to ensure that something meaningful would be learned and that the event would be enjoyable for everyone's families or partners to participate in.

Attention to detail was crucial. I oversaw lighting, sound, and layout to ensure a seamless and engaging experience. My vision was to foster collaboration, learning, and joy, leaving attendees with something impactful, fun, and unexpected. Seeing this vision come to life and receiving positive feedback from participants worldwide made the experience profoundly fulfilling, and it was one of the proudest moments of my career.

MB: What keeps you inspired?

AB: My patients and their stories inspire me as a pain physician. One of the unique aspects of our field is the sheer prevalence of pain and suffering in the lives of those who come to us for help. Every patient who seeks care from a pain physician does so because their life has been profoundly disrupted, whether by a debilitating injury, chronic pain, or struggles with opioid addiction. These intricate situations remind me of the multifaceted nature of pain and the importance of a holistic approach to care. Being a pain physician today is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, I am inspired by the incredible work of my colleagues and peers across the country, who tirelessly develop novel treatments to help patients lead better lives. The dedication of my peers fuels my optimism that we can transform pain management and improve countless lives. I aim to be at the forefront of advancements in pain medicine, enabling patients to benefit.

MB: What do you love most about your job?

AB: Taking care of patients. It is a privilege, in my opinion, to be part of someone else’s life as a physician. Patients feel helpless, and alleviating that feeling and providing care for them every day is a rewarding feeling that I cherish.

MB: How has involvement in ASRA Pain Medicine contributed to your success?

AB: I had to hone my leadership skills to excel at the opportunity I received, first as a board member and then as a president of ASRA Pain Medicine. I quickly learned how to listen, express opinions with consideration for how they would benefit the majority, and execute effectively as a president. I realized that the president-elect position was critical because of my involvement in the society's leadership. It was time that allowed an individual to develop strategies and formulate a plan that could be executed as president.

MB: What publication of yours makes you the most proud?

AB: One significant milestone was publishing a randomized controlled trial in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the preoperative use of COX-2 inhibitors. I further studied the biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid with surgery and COX-2 inhibitors to understand the mechanism and timing of therapy. That achievement reinforced my belief that the outcomes are dramatic when clinical research is conducted based on patients’ experiences. Now, seeing that this practice has become routine care for patients across the country, undergoing surgery is rewarding.

MB: Where do you see the most potential for future regional anesthesia and pain medicine research?

AB: Future research in regional anesthesia and pain medicine will focus on genetics, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). It will not be long before a patient’s genotype and phenotype predict the optimal treatment algorithm for patients undergoing regional anesthesia and experiencing chronic pain.

Looking ahead, I see great potential for advancements in regional anesthesia and pain medicine, particularly in integrating AI to assist anesthesiologists in making critical, real-time decisions. This could enhance patient safety and reduce the complexity of procedures, particularly in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. There is immense promise in developing transitional pain services in the perioperative setting. These programs aim to manage pain across the continuum—from preoperative to postoperative stages—ultimately reducing the risk of long-term opioid dependence and improving patient outcomes.

MB: Please tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

AB: Even though I spend a lot of time working, people may be surprised that I always put my family first, and work is a distant third or fourth. The things I did as a husband, father, son, brother, and son-in-law are more important than anything else I have accomplished in my career. To that end, it is up to everyone to figure out ways to balance their family life, friendships, health, mental well-being, and work.