Campbell University’s student doctors and residents brought new pain management research to PAINWeek 2026 in Las Vegas, joining national experts at one of the country’s largest interdisciplinary conferences.
Las Vegas saw a wave of new pain research this September. Student doctors and residents from Campbell University arrived for PAINWeek 2026, ready to share their work and learn from top names in pain medicine. The conference ran from September 8 to 11. It drew healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from all over the country. The focus: pain management, opioid stewardship, and new therapies. Campbell University News reported that the group presented original research posters and joined specialized training sessions in pain medicine.
For Campbell’s team, this was more than a classroom lesson. It was a chance to put their own research in front of a national audience and bring new ideas home to North Carolina. Dr. Robert Agnello, chair of Family Medicine, called PAINWeek one of the top interdisciplinary pain management conferences in the country. He stressed how important it is for students and residents to present their work alongside established experts. Campbell University confirmed at least seven presenters or projects from its group. Their topics ranged from complex regional pain syndrome to opioid policy review.
PAINWeek 2026 featured a retrospective presentation on suzetrigine after knee replacement, which found fewer opioid refills at 2 weeks and more opioid-free patients at 6 weeks compared to historical controls.
Las Vegas hosts national pain management conference
PAINWeek 2026 turned a Las Vegas venue into a center for medical innovation. Sessions covered opioid policy, new therapies, and more. Attendees included fourth-year student doctors, residents, and recent graduates. Each brought research that tackled tough pain conditions and the changing world of treatment. Campbell University News reported that the program included opioid stewardship, integrative therapies, and new research. The conference kept its interdisciplinary focus.
Dr. Mariah Helms presented on hormonal replacement therapy for complex regional pain syndrome. Dr. Kyle Agostini introduced a new way to understand chronic pain. Agostini also worked with Dr. Tyler Palfreeman to study patient-reported outcomes for low-dose naltrexone in fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long COVID, and general pain. These projects showed the range of research and the drive to push both clinical and theoretical knowledge forward.
Other Campbell presenters included Dr. William “Kyle” Sadler and Dr. Barkley Browder. They looked at opioid and nonopioid therapies using REMS Blueprint requirements. Dr. Roxton Edwards studied how opioid settlement spending connects to overdose outcomes in North Carolina counties. Dr. Terence Tsang, now a resident at Riverside Health in California, presented a case for prolotherapy in stubborn cervical pain. Dr. Daniel Vanrooyen added a scholarly poster. The group’s work showed just how broad Campbell’s research was at the event.
Independent coverage of Campbell’s PAINWeek 2026 presentations was limited, with most reporting coming from Campbell University’s own communications and pain-medicine specialty outlets. However, the conference continued to generate discussion in the field, as seen in post-conference specialty media coverage.
Research with local and national impact
Dr. Roxton Edwards grew up in rural North Carolina. The opioid crisis hit his hometown hard. That shaped his research. Edwards focused on how opioid settlement funds are used in North Carolina. He wanted to address the crisis at both state and local levels. He said PAINWeek gave him a place to share his findings and learn about new ideas to bring back to his team.
Dr. Kyle Agostini’s work highlighted how different pain can be for each patient. He called for more personalized care. One of his posters, based on a theoretical paper under review, offered a new way to link patient pain experiences to objective biomarkers. Another project showed a method for organizing patient stories from social media. This gave insight into how people see the benefits of low-dose naltrexone. Agostini said that talks at PAINWeek helped him sharpen his research and build connections with clinicians and industry experts.
Spotlight on Campbell University’s medical scholarship
Dr. Robert Agnello praised the students and residents for representing Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine with depth and curiosity. He said they showed a real drive to improve patient care. Their work at PAINWeek 2026 put their research in front of a national crowd and let them meet leaders in pain medicine.
Las Vegas keeps drawing big medical and scientific events. The city’s convention spaces bring in professionals from many fields. PAINWeek 2026 is just one example. Las Vegas’s ability to host large events fits with its entertainment and hospitality strengths. Other major gatherings, like those reported earlier this year, show the city’s reach.
Campbell University’s presence at PAINWeek 2026 shows how Las Vegas conventions help launch new medical voices and research. These events connect students and residents with national experts and real-world problems. They help shape the next wave of healthcare leaders. The city’s convention industry supports the visitor economy and helps drive the exchange of ideas that move medicine forward.
