A unique
perspective
on pain and
treatment
N
Dr. Jeff Ennis
one of Dr. Jeff Ennis’ patients have ever
turned to him and asked, “How would
you know what it feels like?”
They know that he well understands
the extraordinary toll that pain can take. And that’s
not just because he studied pain – he also lives with it
every single day.
Dr. Ennis is a psychiatrist, with a practice that also
involves physical medicine and rehabilitation. His own
pain experience and his desire to help other sufferers
is what forms the basis of his multi-disciplinary pain
program in Hamilton. He also lectures at medical
conferences on chronic pain management across North
American, England and Europe and has recently writ-
ten a book on the topic.
He is also a College assessor and, as such, has had
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DIALOGUE ISSUE 1, 2018
the opportunity to speak directly to a number of phy-
sicians about their care of patients who suffer pain.
Recently, we spoke to Dr. Ennis about chronic pain
and his unique perspective as a patient, physician, pain
expert and College assessor.
You suffer severe chronic pain and you have had
a long struggle to find relief. Can you elaborate
on your own experience?
I have pain as a result of two uncommon diseases,
resulting in 18 surgeries to date, and more to come.
What I learned very early is that being impaired not
only reduces your capacity to engage in normal life
events, but you slowly become invisible, if you allow
it. People stop asking you to do things. Expectations
that you can help someone or go out and have a good
Dr. Jeff Ennis has suffered
excruciating pain for all of
his adult life. He brings his
insight and empathy to bear
in caring for others who
share that same torment.