Dr. Jennifer Waljee is an Associate Professor in the Section of Plastic Surgery. She has a B.S. and master’s degrees in public health at the University of Michigan and M.D. from Emory University. She completed General Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on patient-centered outcomes following surgery, including the efficacy of patient-reported outcomes, and she currently serves as a Co-Director of the Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, or
Michigan-OPEN, an initiative that seeks to transform pain management and curb opioid abuse in the state of Michigan.

Opioid-related morbidity and mortality has reached epidemic
proportions in United States. Although much attention is focused on the role of opioid
prescribing for chronic pain, the role of opioid analgesics for acute pain and procedural care is less understood. In this discussion we will examine the role of procedural care in the opioid epidemic and statewide efforts in Michigan to develop best practices to curb over prescribing and enhance opioid disposal in our communities.

This is the second of a six-lecture series. The subject is Faces of Addiction. The next lecture will be May 3. The title is Managing Chronic Pain Without Opioids.