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From Academia to Accessibility: Dr. Timothy R. Lubenow's Impact on Pain Management in Chicago

In a significant move that aims to transform patient care in Chicago, Dr. Timothy R. Lubenow, a distinguished figure in pain medicine, has joined MAPS Centers for Pain Control. Dr. Lubenow's commitment to the field dates back to the 1980s, when he was a pioneering anesthesiology resident at Rush University Medical Center. Back then, pain medicine was just emerging as a defined specialty, largely viewed as a mere symptom rather than a specialized field of study. Today, thanks to his considerable contributions, pain management has evolved significantly.

Dr. Lubenow reflects on his journey with a sense of purpose: "At this stage in my career, I want to focus on the one thing that started it all—helping people move beyond pain." His dedication is evident as he emphasizes the importance of tangible results, like a patient finding joy in standing, walking, or simply smiling again. This ethos has guided his professional life for over 40 years.

Having served as the Chair of Pain Medicine at Rush, Dr. Lubenow played a crucial role in establishing a highly regarded pain fellowship program. He contributed to creating board certification examinations for the American Board of Anesthesiology’s Pain Exam and has mentored countless pain physicians who are now impacting health care across the nation.

Known for advancing interventional techniques, he was among the first to employ Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation in the United States—a less invasive medical procedure that provides long-lasting relief for patients suffering from severe nerve pain. Dr. Lubenow has been instrumental in enhancing the stature of interventional pain management as a critical segment of modern health care, bridging surgery and rehabilitation, and focusing on genuine recovery instead of just symptom relief.

Why MAPS?

Founded by Dr. Darrel Saldanha and Dr. Thomas Pontinen, MAPS Centers for Pain Control have rapidly ascended to become one of the Midwest's leading pain management clinics. They are known for their ability to provide advanced treatment options without the bureaucratic delays often found in traditional hospital settings. For Dr. Lubenow, this commitment to innovative and accessible care is what drew him to this new role. "Our healthcare system is changing," he states. "Patients want options that are advanced, evidence-based, and delivered in an environment built entirely around their recovery. That's what MAPS represents."

Dr. Saldanha acknowledges the transformative potential Dr. Lubenow brings to the clinic: "He brings world-class expertise and the heart of a teacher. Our entire team and every patient we serve will benefit from that," he notes.

With the rising demand for interventional pain care across the Midwest, Dr. Pontinen adds that Dr. Lubenow's presence at MAPS positions the clinic to meet this growing need effectively. "Few physicians have shaped this field as deeply as he has, and even fewer remain as patient-centered after 40 years,” he asserts.

At MAPS, Dr. Lubenow will address conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), spinal disorders, neuropathic pain, and degenerative joint disease. He will continue utilizing his fusion of evidence-based practices and empathy to foster patient recovery, emphasizing that effective pain treatment is about restoring lives rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

"Pain isolates people," he observes. "Our job is to give them their world back." This philosophy underscores Dr. Lubenow's commitment to advancing patient care as he embarks on this new chapter at MAPS Centers for Pain Control.

About MAPS Centers for Pain Control

MAPS, led by experienced board-certified specialists, prides itself on being a premier network for advanced pain management services across the Midwest. With clinics throughout the Chicago area and Indiana, MAPS focuses on merging state-of-the-art procedures with personalized, compassionate care, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life. To learn more, visit www.mwpain.com.

About Dr. Timothy R. Lubenow

Dr. Timothy Lubenow is a nationally recognized leader in pain medicine. As the former Chair of Pain Medicine at Rush University Medical Center and co-author of the Budapest Criteria for CRPS diagnosis, he has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from Rush and the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). He remains active in education, lecturing, and advancing research in the areas of neuromodulation and interventional pain therapy.