LAPS Scientific Committees
Our committees are responsible for the evaluation,
review, and advancement of scientific research and
knowledge within a specific field or discipline.
LAPS Scientific Committees
Our committees are responsible for the evaluation,
review, and advancement of scientific research and
knowledge within a specific field or discipline.
Chair of the Committees
Carlos De Barros MD, PhD
EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE
Curriculum Development: Designing and updating educational programs, courses, workshops, and training materials to ensure they are up-to-date, relevant, and aligned with the organization’s goals.
Members
Carlos Guerrero Nope, MD. FIPP (Chair)
Rodrigo Díez Tafur, MD. MSc. FIPP. CIPS
Breno Jardim Grossi, MD. FIPP
Francisco Morato Abreu, MD. FIPP
Thais Khouri Vanetti, MD. FIPP
Dra. Sara Gabriela Gonzalez Sanchez
Needs Assessment: Identifying the educational needs and gaps within the target audience and developing strategies to address these gaps effectively.
Program Evaluation: Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs through feedback, assessment, and outcome measures.
Content Creation: Developing educational content such as presentations, online modules, handouts, and other resources that facilitate learning.
Speaker Selection: Identifying and inviting knowledgeable and experienced speakers, presenters, or trainers to deliver educational sessions.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring that the educational content and delivery methods meet quality standards and adhere to best practices in teaching and learning.
Technology Integration: Exploring and utilizing innovative educational technologies and platforms to enhance the learning experience and reach a wider audience.
Educational Events Planning: Organizing and coordinating educational events, conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops.
Certification and Accreditation: Collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure that educational programs meet certification or accreditation requirements.
Professional Development: Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development for members or participants, including continuing education credits.
Promotion and Marketing: Developing strategies to promote educational programs and events to the target audience.
Collaboration: Working with other committees, departments, or organizations to ensure a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education.
Liaison with Experts: Establishing connections with subject matter experts, practitioners, and researchers to ensure the educational content is well-informed and relevant.
Feedback Collection: Gathering feedback from learners to continuously improve the educational offerings and tailor them to the needs of the audience.
Budget Management: Managing the financial aspects of educational initiatives, including budgeting for materials, resources, speakers, and events.
Research and Innovation: Exploring and implementing innovative teaching methods, educational theories, and approaches to enhance the learning experience.
BIOETHICS COMMITTEE
Ethical Consultation: Providing guidance and support to healthcare providers, researchers, patients, and families when faced with ethical dilemmas or complex decision-making situations.
Members
Cesar Carcamo, MD, FIPP (Chair)
Ricardo Plancarte Sanchez, MD. PhD. FIPP
Sudhir Diwan, MD. ABIPP. FIPP
Fabricio Dias Assis, MD. FIPP
Rafaela Siqueira de Lucena, MD
Policy Development: Developing and reviewing ethical policies, guidelines, and standards that guide clinical practice, research, and other activities within the organization.
Informed Consent Review: Ensuring that informed consent processes for medical procedures, research participation, and treatments meet ethical standards and provide adequate information to patients.
Clinical Case Review: Analyzing and discussing specific patient cases that raise ethical concerns, helping to determine the best course of action that respects patient autonomy and well-being.
End-of-Life Care: Assisting with end-of-life decision-making, including issues related to advance directives, palliative care, withholding or withdrawing treatment, and organ donation.
Research Ethics: Reviewing research protocols to ensure they adhere to ethical principles, respect participants’ rights, and minimize potential harm.
Conflicts of Interest: Addressing and managing conflicts of interest that might arise among healthcare providers, researchers, or administrators to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of patients.
Resource Allocation: Ethical considerations in allocating limited resources, such as organ transplants, medications, and healthcare services, to ensure fairness and equity.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: Providing guidance on ethical issues that involve cultural beliefs, religious practices, and diverse perspectives.
Education and Training: Developing and delivering educational programs to raise awareness about bioethical principles, dilemmas, and best practices among healthcare professionals, researchers, and staff.
Patient and Family Advocacy: Advocating for the rights and well-being of patients and their families, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Community Engagement: Engaging with the community to understand local values and concerns related to bioethical issues and incorporating community perspectives into decision-making.
Evaluating Emerging Technologies: Assessing the ethical implications of new medical technologies, treatments, and interventions before they are implemented in clinical practice.
Public Policy Engagement: Contributing to discussions and policy development at local, regional, or national levels on bioethical issues, advocating for ethical approaches in healthcare and research.
Research and Scholarship: Engaging in bioethics research, publishing articles, and contributing to the academic field of bioethics to advance ethical understanding and practices.
Conflict Resolution: Mediating conflicts and disagreements among healthcare professionals, patients, and families by providing an ethical perspective.
RESEARCH AND BASIC SCIENCE COMMITTEE
Research Proposal Review: Evaluating research proposals submitted by researchers, students, or faculty members to assess their scientific merit, ethical considerations, and feasibility.
Members
Carlos Restrepo Garces, MD. FIPP (Chair)
Juan Miguel Jimenez Andrade, MD
Pedro Hilton de Andrade Filho, MD. PhD
Luis Josino Brasil, MD. PhD
Advisors:
Christopher Robinson, MD, PhD
Michael Schatman, PhD
Research Funding Allocation: Managing and allocating research funding, grants, and resources to support ongoing and new research projects.
Ethics Oversight: Ensuring that research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and standards, including human and animal research protocols.
Research Strategy Development: Contributing to the development of the organization’s research strategy, including identifying research priorities and areas of focus.
Collaboration Promotion: Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, facilitating partnerships, and fostering a culture of teamwork.
Scientific Review Panels: Organizing scientific review panels or peer-review processes for evaluating the quality and significance of research findings.
Quality Control: Implementing mechanisms for quality control and ensuring the validity and reliability of research results.
Research Education: Providing educational programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance researchers’ knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Research Publication Oversight: Overseeing the publication process of research findings in scientific journals, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to ethical publishing practices.
Data Management: Establishing guidelines for proper data collection, storage, and management, including considerations for data sharing and open access.
Research Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and guidelines related to research, such as IRB (Institutional Review Board) approvals.
Intellectual Property: Advising researchers on intellectual property rights, patenting, and commercialization opportunities for their discoveries.
Scientific Events: Organizing and participating in scientific conferences, symposia, and seminars to promote the dissemination of research findings.
Collaboration with External Partners: Engaging with industry partners, governmental agencies, and other research organizations to facilitate collaborative research initiatives.
Research Mentorship: Providing mentorship and guidance to junior researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to support their career development.
Research Communication: Developing strategies for effectively communicating research outcomes to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Research Assessment: Periodically evaluating the impact and outcomes of research activities, contributing to the organization’s strategic planning and decision-making.
Promotion of Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of novel research ideas, methodologies, and technologies to drive innovation.
Research Resources: Identifying and securing access to necessary research facilities, equipment, and technologies to facilitate high-quality research.
Data Ethics and Security: Addressing data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in research involving sensitive information.
Education and Training: Promote local research using the LAPS support to answer Latin American problems in pain management.
Patient Advocacy and Awareness: Research and training with the highest ethical standard to maintain patient autonomy and respect.
Collaboration and Networking: Facilitate databases and multidisciplinary and multi-site research opportunities for LAPS members.
Professional Development: Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development for members or participants, including continuing education credits through research tools offered by LAPS
Liaison with Experts: Establishing connections with educational and research experts, to ensure a proper ground for research directions and educational priorities.
MUSCULOSKELETAL & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE COMMITTEE
Research and Development: The committee may be involved in promoting and supporting
research efforts related to musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, and regenerative medicine
approaches. This could include funding research projects, reviewing grant proposals, and
collaborating with researchers in the field.
Members
Jesus Medina, MD (Chair)
Victor Pacheco, MD. FIPP
Camila Lobo Ferreira, MD. CIPS
Sudhir Diwan, MD, ABIPP, FIPP
Olympio de Hollanda Chacon Neto MD, FIPP, CIPS
Clinical Guidelines and Standards: Developing and updating clinical guidelines and standards for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions. This could involve reviewing current medical practices, evaluating emerging treatments, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are following evidence-based approaches.
Education and Training: Organizing educational events, workshops, and conferences to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in the field of musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine. This might also involve creating educational resources and materials for both professionals and patients.
Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support musculoskeletal health and regenerative medicine research and treatment. This could include engaging with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to influence healthcare policy decisions.
Patient Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness about musculoskeletal health issues, promoting preventive measures, and supporting patient advocacy efforts. This could involve collaborating with patient advocacy groups and developing public awareness campaigns.
Collaboration and Networking: Facilitating collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and organizations involved in musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine. This might include fostering partnerships, sharing best practices, and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches.
Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues related to musculoskeletal treatments, regenerative medicine techniques, and emerging technologies. Ensuring that patient safety, privacy, and ethical concerns are adequately addressed.
Technology and Innovation: Keeping up with advancements in technology and innovation within the field, including new diagnostic tools, treatment methods, and regenerative therapies. Evaluating the potential benefits and risks of incorporating these innovations into clinical practice.
Quality Improvement: Monitoring and evaluating the quality of care provided for musculoskeletal conditions and regenerative treatments. Developing strategies to improve patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data related to musculoskeletal health and regenerative medicine outcomes. Using data to identify trends, evaluate treatment efficacy, and make informed decisions.
RADIOFREQUENCY & CRIOTHERAPY COMMITEE
Research and Development: The committee may be involved in promoting and supporting
research efforts related to the medical uses of radiofrequency and cryotherapy. This could include
funding research projects, reviewing scientific studies, and collaborating with researchers to
advance these technologies.
Members
Juan Pineda, MD. FIPP (Chair)
Victor Silva Ortiz, MD. FIPP. CIPS
Charles Amaral de Oliveira, MD. FIPP. CIPS
Paulo Renato Fonseca, MD. FIPP
Alexandra Raffaini Luba, MD. FIPP. CIPS
Clinical Guidelines and Standards: Developing and updating clinical guidelines and standards for
the safe and effective use of radiofrequency and cryotherapy in medical practice. This could
involve creating protocols, reviewing best practices, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are
following evidence-based approaches.
Education and Training: Organizing educational initiatives to train healthcare professionals on the
proper use of radiofrequency and cryotherapy techniques. This might involve workshops, webinars,
conferences, and the development of educational resources.
Technology Assessment: Evaluating new RF and cryotherapy technologies, devices, and
equipment for their safety, efficacy, and potential benefits. Providing recommendations to
healthcare facilities and professionals on adopting these technologies.
Patient Safety and Advocacy: Ensuring patient safety is a top priority by addressing safety
concerns, adverse events, and best practices for minimizing risks during radiofrequency and
cryotherapy procedures. Advocating for patient rights and safety in the use of these treatments.
Regulation and Compliance: Monitoring regulatory developments and compliance requirements
related to the use of radiofrequency and cryotherapy in healthcare settings. Collaborating with
regulatory agencies to ensure proper oversight and adherence to regulations.
Networking and Collaboration: Facilitating networking and collaboration among healthcare
professionals, researchers, and manufacturers involved in radiofrequency and cryotherapy. This
could include fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue.
Quality Control and Assurance: Establishing quality control measures and quality assurance
protocols for the implementation of radiofrequency and cryotherapy procedures. Ensuring
consistent and reliable outcomes for patients.
Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical and moral considerations associated with the use of
radiofrequency and cryotherapy, including informed consent, patient autonomy, and equitable
access to these treatments.
Public Awareness and Education: Engaging in public awareness campaigns to inform the general
public about the benefits, risks, and appropriate uses of radiofrequency and cryotherapy. Dispelling
myths and providing accurate information.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data on treatment outcomes, patient
experiences, and safety profiles of radiofrequency and cryotherapy procedures. Using data to drive
continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
CANCER PAIN COMMITTEE
Pain Management Guidelines: Develop and update evidence-based guidelines for the assessment
and management of pain in cancer patients. These guidelines may cover a range of topics, including
pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological approaches, and procedures such as nerve
blocks or palliative interventions.
Members
Bilena Molina, MD, FIPP (Chair)
Ricardo Plancarte MD.PhD.FIPP
Carolina Hernandez Porras, MD. FIPP. CIPS
Diana Perez Moreno, MD. MSc. MEd. FIPP
Carlos Marcelo de Barros, MD. PhD. FIPP
Education and Training: Organize educational programs, workshops, and seminars for healthcare
professionals involved in cancer care. These programs may focus on improving their understanding
of cancer pain assessment, treatment options, and the use of opioids or other pain medications.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among various healthcare disciplines,
including oncologists, pain specialists, nurses, social workers, and psychologists. The committee
may work to establish effective communication and cooperation to provide comprehensive pain
management for cancer patients.
Research and Innovation: Promote and support research initiatives aimed at advancing the
understanding of cancer pain mechanisms, improving pain assessment tools, and developing
innovative pain management strategies tailored to cancer patients’ unique needs.
Patient Advocacy and Support: Advocate for cancer patients’ pain management needs by raising
awareness of the importance of adequate pain control, addressing barriers to accessing pain
medications, and ensuring that patient preferences and concerns are considered in treatment
decisions.
Quality Improvement: Develop strategies to monitor and enhance the quality of pain management
in cancer care settings. This may involve assessing pain assessment practices, tracking patient
outcomes, and implementing continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Policy Development: Collaborate with regulatory agencies, professional organizations, and
healthcare institutions to influence policies related to pain management in cancer care. This may
include advocating for policies that promote access to appropriate pain medications and therapies.
Pain Assessment Tools: Evaluate and recommend pain assessment tools and scales that are suitable
for cancer patients, taking into consideration their unique experiences and challenges.
Opioid Stewardship: Address concerns related to opioid use in cancer pain management, including
appropriate prescribing practices, monitoring for opioid misuse, and patient education about opioid
therapy.
End-of-Life Care: Provide guidance on pain management for cancer patients in palliative and end-of-
life care, ensuring that patients’ comfort and dignity are prioritized.
Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about cancer pain, its impact on patients’ quality of life,
and the importance of effective pain management. This may involve educational campaigns and
outreach efforts.
Ethical Considerations: Address ethical dilemmas that may arise in cancer pain management, such
as balancing pain relief with potential side effects, respecting patient autonomy, and ensuring
culturally sensitive care
NEUROMODULATION & MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
Guidelines and Best Practices: Develop and update guidelines, protocols, and best practices for
the use of neuromodulation techniques (such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and
peripheral nerve stimulation) and minimally invasive procedures (such as image-guided
interventions and endoscopic procedures). These guidelines may cover patient selection, procedural
techniques, post-procedure care, and safety considerations.
Members
Ignacio Reyes Torres, MD (Chair)
Carlos Guerrero MD.FIPP
Juan Felipe Vargas Silva MD.FIPP
Rodrigo Díez Tafur, MD. MSc. FIPP. CIPS
Fabricio Dias Assis, MD. FIPP
Tiago Freitas, MD, FIPP
Education and Training: Organize educational programs, workshops, and training sessions for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. This could involve collaborating with experts in the field to provide comprehensive training.
Patient Selection and Assessment: Provide recommendations for patient selection and assessment criteria for neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. Consider factors such as patient medical history, diagnostic criteria, and expected outcomes.
Research and Innovation: Promote and support research initiatives focused on advancing the field of neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. This may include funding research projects, facilitating collaborations between researchers and clinicians, and evaluating emerging technologies.
Quality Assurance and Safety: Establish quality assurance measures to ensure safe and effective implementation of neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. This may involve reviewing adverse event reports, conducting audits, and recommending strategies to mitigate risks.
Technology Assessment: Evaluate new neuromodulation devices, technologies, and minimally invasive techniques for their safety, efficacy, and potential benefits. Provide recommendations to healthcare facilities and professionals on adopting these innovations.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among different healthcare specialties involved in neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures, such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, pain specialists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists. Promote interdisciplinary communication and teamwork.
Ethical Considerations: Address ethical considerations related to neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures, including patient consent, patient autonomy, privacy, and equitable access to these treatments.
Public Awareness and Education: Raise public awareness about the benefits and risks of neuromodulation techniques and minimally invasive procedures. Provide accurate and accessible information to patients and their families.
Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. Collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure proper oversight and adherence to regulations.
Outcome Monitoring and Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data on patient outcomes, procedural success rates, and long-term effects of neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures. Use data to inform clinical decision-making and drive improvements in patient care.
Continuing Professional Development: Support ongoing professional development for healthcare professionals by offering resources, webinars, and educational materials related to neuromodulation and minimally invasive procedures.
NEWSLETTER & PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Content Creation: Develop high-quality content for newsletters and publications. This content could include articles, research summaries, interviews, opinion pieces, event updates, member spotlights, and other relevant information.
Members
Juan Felipe Vargas Silva, MD, FIPP (Chair)
Sudhir Diwan MD, ABIPP, FIPP
Gabriela Lauretti, MD, PhD.,FIPP
Thalita Marqueze, MD
Wendy Rojas, MD, FIPP, CIPS
Advisors:
Christopher Robinson, MD, PhD
Michael Schatman, PhD
Editorial Review: Review and edit submitted content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to the organization’s style guidelines. Provide constructive feedback to authors and contributors.
Layout and Design: Work on the visual design and layout of the newsletters and publications to make them visually appealing and easy to read. Incorporate branding elements and graphics as needed.
Publication Schedule: Establish a regular publication schedule, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or on another timeline. Coordinate with contributors, writers, and designers to ensure timely publication.
Content Coordination: Coordinate with various departments, committees, and individuals within the organization to gather content and updates for the newsletters and publications.
Member Engagement: Use newsletters and publications to engage and inform members about the organization’s activities, upcoming events, achievements, and opportunities for involvement.
Event Promotion: Promote upcoming events, conferences, workshops, and other activities organized by the organization. Provide event details, registration information, and highlights from past events.
Guest Contributions: Encourage guest contributions from experts, thought leaders, and members to bring diverse perspectives and insights to the publications.
Distribution: Manage the distribution of newsletters and publications through various channels, such as email, website, social media, and print copies. Ensure that members and stakeholders have easy access to the content.
Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from readers and members to assess the effectiveness of the publications and identify areas for improvement.
Archiving and Access: Maintain an archive of past newsletters and publications for easy reference and access. Ensure that the content remains accessible to members and the public.
Collaboration with Other Committees: Collaborate with other committees and departments within the organization to gather information and updates relevant to the publications. Ensure cross-promotion and alignment of messaging.
Branding and Consistency: Maintain consistency in branding, design, and messaging across all publications to reinforce the organization’s identity and image.
Technology and Platforms: Stay updated on technological advancements and platforms that can enhance the distribution and engagement with newsletters and publications, including digital publishing tools and analytics.
Copyright and Permissions: Ensure that all content published is properly attributed, and permissions are obtained for any third-party materials used.
Budget Management: Manage the budget allocated for design, printing, distribution, and other expenses related to the newsletters and publications
PEDIATRIC PAIN COMMITTEE
Research and Development: The Pediatric Pain Committee actively promotes and
supports research efforts related to the medical management of pediatric pain. This
involves funding research projects, reviewing scientific studies, and collaborating with
researchers to advance innovative and effective approaches for alleviating pain in
children.
Members
Georgina Velasco Pérez, MD (Chair)
Jenny Alexandra González Santander, MD
Luz Angélica Cortes Vasquez, MD
Angelica Duarte Castro, MD
Daniella Mazetto Cadide, MD
Clinical Guidelines and Standards: We are dedicated to developing and updating
clinical guidelines and standards for the safe and effective management of pediatric pain.
This includes creating protocols, reviewing best practices, and ensuring that healthcare
professionals follow evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique needs of children.
Education and Training: The committee organizes educational initiatives to train healthcare professionals in the proper management of pediatric pain. This may involve conducting workshops, webinars, and conferences, and developing educational resources to enhance the expertise of healthcare providers in pediatric pain care.
Technology Assessment: We evaluate new technologies, devices, and equipment for the management of pediatric pain, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and potential benefits. Our goal is to provide recommendations to healthcare facilities and professionals on adopting these technologies to enhance pediatric pain care.
Patient Safety and Advocacy: Ensuring the safety of pediatric patients is our top priority. The committee addresses safety concerns, adverse events, and advocates for best practices to minimize risks during pain management procedures for children.
Regulation and Compliance: We closely monitor regulatory developments and compliance requirements related to the management of pediatric pain. Collaborating with regulatory agencies, we ensure proper oversight and adherence to regulations to safeguard the well-being of pediatric patients.
Networking and Collaboration: Facilitating networking and collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and manufacturers involved in pediatric pain management. This includes fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and promoting
interdisciplinary dialogue to enhance the quality of care for pediatric pain.
Quality Control and Assurance: The committee establishes rigorous quality control measures and quality assurance protocols for the implementation of pediatric pain management procedures. Our focus is on ensuring consistent and reliable outcomes for pediatric patients experiencing pain.
Ethical Considerations: We address ethical and moral considerations associated with the management of pediatric pain, including informed consent, respecting the autonomy of pediatric patients, and advocating for equitable access to pain management treatments.
Public Awareness and Education: Engaging in public awareness campaigns to inform the general public about the benefits, risks, and appropriate approaches to pediatric pain management. Our aim is to dispel myths and provide accurate information to enhance public understanding of pediatric pain care.
Data Collection and Analysis: The committee actively collects and analyzes data on treatment outcomes, patient experiences, and safety profiles of pediatric pain management procedures. Using this data, we drive continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making to optimize pediatric pain care.
JOIN AS A COMMITTEE MEMBER!
Requirements for joining the Committees:
Members will be selected by the Executive BOARD with the support of the Advisory Council.