The American Academy of Pain Medicine

AAPM Remembers

In Memory of Samuel Hassenbusch, III, MD, PhD
A physician dedicated to the improvement of pain medicine in clinical practice.
 
Samuel Hassenbusch III, MD, PhD, past AAPM President & Neurosurgeon, died Feb. 25th from complications of a milgnant brain tumor. He was 54 years old. 
 
Dr. Hassenbusch was a tenured professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.  He was a well known, international expert in pain medicine, who was credited with developing novel techniques, therapies and methods for infusing drugs to block pain.
 
He received recognition for his contributions to pain medicine and research, including computer-guided stereotactic techniques for brain tumor biopsies, focused radiation therapy and direct injection of chemotherapy agents into brain tumors, defining the role of new non-opioid drug development for long-term spinal infusions, cingulotomy for severe cancer pain, and expanding the roles for long-term electrical stimulation, both at peripheral nerve and spinal levels.  He also created a set of treatment algorithms for the use of different agents in long-term spinal infusions.  And, he headed a consensus group to provide information and guidelines for the detection and treatment of possible granuloma formation at a spinal infusion catheter tip. The guidelines were then published in AAPM’s Pain Medicine journal.

In addition, Dr. Hassenbusch was one of 12 distinguished physicians on the American Medical Association’s CPT Editorial Panel for coding & reimbursements, where he was instrumental in implementing a number of new billing codes for pain medicine.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Hassenbusch authored more than 80 publications and 30 book chapters. 
 
In 2003, he received AAPM’s Distinguished Service Award, at which time he told AAPM members…
 “Through all of (my accomplishments), I am most proud of my work through AAPM, now as an officer, to help our society become maximally responsive to the needs of daily-practicing pain medicine physicians … to achieve the best results for all of us. It is truly an honor to receive the Distinguished Service Award, and I hope my future work within our society will result in even better improvements for daily clinical practice in pain medicine.”
 
Dr. Hassenbusch served as AAPM’s President in 2004 and used his office to continue to improve daily clinical practice of pain medicine.  He was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme in May 2005 and spent most of his remaining days using his unique situation to advocate and inspire others through the media and other public forums.

In 2006, he received AAPM’s Philipp M. Lippe, MD Award, of which he was particularly proud.

Dr. Hassenbusch was certified by the American Board of Pain Medicine and the American Board of Neurological Surgery. In addition to his leadership in the American Academy of Pain Medicine, he held offices in other societies, including American Neuromodulation Society (Past President), Texas Pain Society (Past President), and Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons (Board of Directors). 

AAPM Leaders' Comments:

"Dr. Hassenbusch was known and respected throughout the pain community. He had a special knack for reaching out to pain specialists regardless of parent medical specialty, with his catch-phrase being 'the sandbox is big enough for all of us to play in.' He worked tirelessly to improve the quality and safety of care we provide our patients. We will always be grateful for his contributions. We extend our condolences to his family and friends."
Kenneth A. Follett, MD, PhD
AAPM President

 "I will never forget how hard Sam worked to promote pain medicine and in helping us with our reimbursement issues despite his illness. Sam was not just a leader; he was a mentor who contributed much though his spirit and knowledge to mould many of our present and future leaders in Pain Medicine."
Eduardo M. Fraifeld, MD
AAPM Secretary

"I first met Sam over ten years ago, but got to know him better as he followed my steps at the AMA CPT Editorial Panel and then as he became active in American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) and American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM). I had the privilege and pleasure of working closely with him for many years and on many projects. In 2006 Sam was awarded the Philipp M Lippe, MD Award by the AAPM. It was a proud moment for me.
I know that Sam bravely endured the indignities of his brain tumor with grace, strength and dignity. It is not easy for a physician, especially a neurosurgeon, to accept the known prognosis of this disease and to give up control to others in whose hands we all must learn to place our trust and our lives.
Sam enjoyed life, his family and his profession. His many accomplishments in service to his patients, to neurosurgery, to pain medicine and to his colleagues will never be forgotten. Sam was loved by all and loved all in return. He has escaped the earthly bonds and now resides in a much happier and peaceful place. Sam may be gone but he will never be forgotten."
Philipp M Lippe, MD
Executive Medical Director