February 2022: Sudheer Potru
Sudheer Potru, DO, FASAM, is an assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine and the director of the Complex Pain and High-Risk Opioid Clinic at the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Potru received his medical degree from Michigan State University and completed an anesthesiology residency at the University of Miami-Jackson Health System, followed by an interventional pain medicine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center. He is board certified in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and addiction medicine, and was an instrumental part in the recently published buprenorphine guidelines in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
Nominator Lynn Kohan, MD, calls Dr. Potru “a leader in the field of co-morbid pain and substance use disorders.” As the founder and chair of the ASRA Pain Medicine Pain and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Special Interest Group, a member and regular writer of the ASRA Pain Medicine Newsletter Committee, and a co-investigator on the 2020 ASRA Pain Medicine Early-Stage Investigator Award, Dr. Potru definitely talks the talk and walks the walk.
He has tirelessly advocated for the education of trainees in medication management and opioid use disorder, raised continued awareness to addiction medicine certification and the x-waiver, and has given many talks on chronic pain, SUD, and buprenorphine around the country.
Can you think of an ASRA Pain Medicine colleague doing great things under the radar? Nominate them for the ASRA Pain Medicine Monday Member Spotlight. Through the member spotlight, ASRA Pain Medicine will highlight those members committed to high-quality health care, community support, and the future of regional anesthesia and pain medicine. This includes, but is not limited to, contributions through work, teaching, mentorship, research, community involvement, and or advocacy.
The professional and personal contributions of ASRA Pain Medicine members go beyond many of our expectations. Help us shine a light on the diverse and impactful work of our members.
Nominations will be accepted and highlighted throughout the year. Self-nominations are permitted. Specific attention will be given to those members who haven't been highlighted previously in ASRA Pain Medicine activities.