QPRN presents:
The North American Pain School,
the official pain school of the Canadian Pain Society and the United States Association for the Study of Pain
An international educational initiative since 2016
Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Montebello, QC, Canada
Editor’s Note: We asked the NAPS Science Communicators to recap their experience at the meeting. Here’s what Batu Kaya from the University of Toronto had to say:
“Making friends with fellow trainees, wearing a tiara and a sash with the words “Principal Investigator” on it at a workshop, somehow managing to not fall off the “wild” white water raft, documenting the flurry of new ideas for studies – NAPS is the thread running across these thrilling experiences jammed into four unforgettable days in Montebello, Quebec.
I had heard positive accounts of past attendees, but nothing prepared me for the kind of fun and intellectual curiosity I got to experience. The scientific talks challenged us to think beyond established concepts in pain science. The workshops pushed us to practice key skills such as negotiating contracts, using artificial intelligence smartly, and planning budgets. I am leaving NAPS with greater confidence in my ability to succeed in academia. However, what I am the most grateful for are the new friendships I got to make with smart, passionate, and supportive peers who I know I will be in touch with for a lifetime. Case in point: I have already made plans to reunite with some of them at the IASP meeting in Bangkok in October.
When the next round of applications open, make sure to put your best self out there and experience NAPS for yourself! Bring your curiosity, dancing shoes, and a notebook to scribble down all your reflections!”
