West Virginia Executive Winter 2019 | Page 59

“We have a unique culture here, which allows us to do many firsts in the world . . ., but it’s not just about being the first. It’s about accelerating the path for discovery and innovation and deploying technologies together to help tackle some of the big problems.” Sciatica, which is leg and back pain caused by irritation of the spinal nerves due to aging, sports, job-related activities or traumatic events, is a condition affecting millions of Amer- icans each year. When other forms of treatment like physical therapy, home remedies and other prescriptions don’t work, opioids may be prescribed to manage the pain. In fact, accord- ing to Rezai, studies have shown that 60 percent of patients with back pain are treated with opioids. While opioids are effective for pain control, they are also highly addictive. This is because the brain changes funda- mentally with opioid use. If a patient takes opioids after a procedure or surgery for pain, after just one day of use the chances of that patient continuing to take them one year later is 6 percent. If that patient takes them for a month, that percentage increases to 30. Vaglienti is optimistic about the studies and trials taking place at WVU and RNI, and he hopes these will open the door to studies for other types of disease like diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and other instances in which, prior to their work, opioids were the only source of relief. He wants West Virginians to know there are a lot of people working on their behalf to address a lot of different medical problems, and it’s his team’s goal to provide the highest quality research and care possible. As for Rezai, he is excited about the future of medicine in Morgantown and West Virginia as a whole. “From my perspective, it’s an exciting time to be in West Virginia,” says Rezai. “There are a lot of opportunities for technology development and innovation and ways we can find solutions for people with chronic diseases. West Virginia, in my opinion, is where the future of medicine is going to take place. We need to continue to deploy resources, explore and bring new jobs and technologies to the area. The future is definitely bright for West Virginia, and what we’re doing here is going to help people in the state, the surrounding states and the country.”  Intrinsic Beauty. Log Home Packages Precut or Linear Foot Log Home Materials Borate Pressure Treatment Log Siding & Corners Log Railing & Posts Log Home Hardware Timber Frame Materials Wood Care Products 25 Year Warranty PRESERVING Call today for more information or tour our model log home off I-77, Exit 132 in Ripley, WV. 1·866·LOG·HOME (1-866-564-4663) AMERICA’S LOG HOME HERITAGE [email protected] WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM WINTER 2019 57