Eligibility
A nomination packet must be submitted electronically to the central office of the USASP (See Nomination/Submission Process below for details). The Fellow Review Panel, part of the USASP Awards Committee, will review all completed applications and make recommendations to the USASP Board of Directors for Fellow designation.
Fellows of USASP must remain active members of USASP (e.g., dues-paying, service commitments, etc.) for at least 5 years following this designation to maintain fellow status.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Nominations are to be submitted by Wednesday November 5th, 2025..
Eligibility Requirements
The minimum membership requirements for a Fellow shall be as follows:
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At the time of the application deadline, the applicant or nominee must have completed at least 2 years of active membership in USASP at the Regular membership levels (Membership minimum is based on total years as a regular member and is not required to be consecutive).
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A fellow must be nominated by a current or past USASP Board Officer or Member (click here to view the list), each of whom can nominate one individual per year. The application must include a letter on the nominator’s letterhead and signed by the nominator.
The minimum standards for a USASP Fellow shall be as follows:
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The nominee must have either an advanced degree beyond the baccalaureate conferred by a graduate school of recognized standing, or a professional degree from an accredited professional institution.
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The nominee must have been engaged in recognized work related to pain for at least 15 years after completing training prior to application in each of the following areas:
Current engagement in advancing the pain field at the time of nomination. Nominees can demonstrate such engagement in a variety of ways, including the following:
i. Research—such as receiving federal grant awards, conducting primary research, or promoting methodological or statistical improvements.
ii. Clinical or other practice—such as working with patients, caregivers, or pain services organizations in innovative ways, or having a major role in supervising students in pain practice.
iii. Education or training—such as teaching courses on pain or mentoring trainees.
iv. Administrative—such as chairing a department of pain sciences or a pain studies program or administrating a pain services or advocacy organization.
v. Public policy—such as advocating for the pain field at local, state, regional, or national levels.
Past scholarly achievements in the field of pain. Nominees must have been engaged in recognized work related to pain and must have demonstrated an active interest and commitment to pain. This interest can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, such as the following:
i. Recognition for research or teaching for pain
ii. Leader of nationally recognized pain-related programs
iii. Engagement in funded pain research projects
iv. Chair of symposia at national conferences
v. Development of innovative curricula for pain specialization tracks
vi. Involvement in USASP and IASP activities.
A history of Service Activities to the pain community. A minimum of three activities/roles in service to a organization or institution that promotes pain science and the mission of the USASP (e.g., NIH, VA, PCORI, IASP, APS, CPS) as evidence of a strong and sustained commitment to the field of pain.
Nominations Process
To nominate an individual for USASP Fellow Status, submit the following materials in a single PDF file:
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Nominee Information
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Full name, current affiliation, and contact information (email and phone number).
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Nomination Letter
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On official letterhead (if applicable), signed by a current or past USASP Board Officer or Board Member.
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The letter should:
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Describe the nominee’s qualifications and contributions to the field of pain.
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Outline the nominee’s Service Activities to the pain community that support USASP’s mission.
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Explain why the nominee deserves Fellow status.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Full CV including education, professional experience, scholarly achievements, and USASP involvement.
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Two Letters of Support
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Provided by individuals selected by the nominee.
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At least one supporter must have a minimum of 2 years of active USASP Regular membership.
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The membership directory can be accessed here (you will be prompted to login).
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Using your member credentials to log in --> "Find a Member" on the right hand side.
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Submission Instructions
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Combine all documents into one PDF file.
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Email the file to admin@usasp.org with the subject line: “USASP Fellow Nomination.”
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Deadline: November 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
Review & Notification
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The USASP Awards Committee will review all complete applications and forward recommendations to the Board of Directors.
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Applicants will be notified in December, 2025.
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Inducted Fellows will be recognized at the 2026 USASP Annual Scientific Meeting (March 23- 26, 2026, Philadelphia, PA).
Expectations of Fellows
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Attend the Annual Scientific Meeting President's Reception (March 23, 2026) in the year following election for formal recognition.
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Maintain active USASP membership for at least 5 years to retain Fellow status.
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