On 10 and 11 May , 2025, the historic city of Split became the focal point for leading experts and innovators in pain medicine as it hosted the third edition of One Man Show – an exclusive international symposium organized by the EuroPainClinics in collaboration with Interventional Pain Academy, Lumibird Medical, MaxMoreSpine by Hoogland Spine Products GmbH and World Institute of Pain Czech and Slovak section. This carefully curated event once again lived up to its promise as a Platform of Excellence, providing an unparalleled opportunity for professional exchange, innovative learning, and collaborative growth.
This year’s symposium reaffirmed its reputation as a Platform of Excellence in Pain Medicine, offering a dynamic space where clinical expertise, innovation, and global collaboration converged.
From Vision to Reality
The symposium centered on a vital mission: to explore and establish the role of regenerative medicine in pain management. Over four days of intensive sessions and workshops, specialists gathered not only to present the latest scientific findings but also to share clinical experiences and real-world applications. The emphasis on regenerative techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapies, and novel biologics highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of pain treatment, with direct implications for patient care.
Dr. Peter S. Staats: A Keynote That Bridged Science and Humanity
Dr. Peter S. Staats, MD, MBA, FIPP, ABIPP, delivered a keynote address that was not only scientifically compelling but also deeply personal and inspiring. As the distinguished guest of the symposium’s “One Man Show” finale, Dr. Staats brought a rare blend of clinical authority, visionary thinking, and heartfelt storytelling to the stage.
His lecture, titled “Changing Paradigms: From Behavioral to the Bioelectric Revolution,” traced the transformative journey of medicine—from the behavioral health models that shaped care in the 1980s and 1990s to the emerging era of bioelectricity. He explored how the application of electrical signals and neuromodulation technologies is reshaping diagnostics and treatment across a wide spectrum of conditions, particularly in pain management.
What set his presentation apart was the seamless interweaving of scientific insight with personal experience. Dr. Staats opened with a candid reflection on his own professional path, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped his approach to medicine. His honesty and depth resonated deeply with the audience, offering a rare glimpse into how personal growth, purpose, and professional excellence can—and should—intersect.
He went on to share forward-looking perspectives on the role of regenerative medicine and artificial intelligence in future medical practice. Dr. Staats emphasized that true progress requires not only innovation but also openness to new ideas, creativity, and a proactive mindset.
In concluding, he offered invaluable advice for both professional development and personal fulfillment. His reflections underscored a central theme of the symposium: that the future of medicine lies at the intersection of science, empathy, and imagination.
Spotlight on Innovation: Featured Lectures
“The diverse speaker lineup featured international experts who presented groundbreaking work across multiple facets of pain medicine, offering both practical insights and innovative perspectives.”
- Dr. Dzihan Abazovic (Montenegro), President of the Global Regenerative Academy and a pioneer in the clinical implementation of regenerative medicine in Serbia, presented “Cell Therapy in Osteoarthritis: From Basic Science to Clinical Application.” His comprehensive lecture reviewed the clinical applications of regenerative therapies, particularly stem cells and blood-derived products, and highlighted their potential in treating orthopedic conditions and pain syndromes. He emphasized the importance of translational medicine in bridging laboratory research and real-world clinical treatment.
- Dr. Sukdeb Datta (USA), founder and Medical Director of Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center in New York, and a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist, offered an in-depth analysis in his talk “Endoscopic Procedures in Pain Management.” He introduced several advanced minimally invasive techniques aimed at addressing complex chronic spinal pain conditions, showcasing how these approaches can lead to faster recovery and reduced complications.
- Dr. Sudhir Diwan (USA), a leading authority in interventional pain and regenerative medicine and director at Manhattan Spine & Pain Medicine, gave a detailed presentation on “Subchondral Application of Stem Cells.” He discussed the therapeutic potential of injecting stem cells into subchondral bone to treat advanced degenerative disc diseases, including discogenic pain.
- Dr. Ashish Shetty (UK), a senior clinician at the London Pain Forum and an esteemed member of the Royal Society of Medicine, spoke on “Restorative Neuromodulation.” He focused on the use of the ReActiv8 neurostimulator, a device designed to improve function in spinal-stabilizing muscles, thereby alleviating lower back pain through targeted electrical stimulation with restorative intent.
- Dr. Victor Fontes Pacheco (Brazil), professor of interventional and regenerative medicine, addressed “Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injuries.” He shared compelling clinical results from his team’s use of stem cell therapies in treating spinal cord injury patients, including case studies demonstrating significantly improved quality of life.
- Dr. Jose De Andres (Spain), professor of anesthesiology at the University of Valencia and past president of ESRA, delivered a presentation on “Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Systems.” He explored the use of feedback-controlled neurostimulation for chronic pain and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, underlining its dynamic adaptability to patient needs.
- Dr. Danielle Kohr (Germany), neurosurgeon and pain consultant at the Löwenstein Pain Clinic, presented “Extraforaminal Neurostimulation.” She discussed the XTRA4 technique for neuromodulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a method for which she was awarded the 2024 Science Award by the German Neuromodulation Society.
- Prof. dr. sc. Željana Bašić, PhD & Asst. prof. Ivan Jerković, PhD (Croatia) offered a thought-provoking interdisciplinary presentation, “Applied Imagination – AI in the Act of Scientific Discovery.” Their session explored the practical application of artificial intelligence in enhancing human creativity and problem-solving in scientific research, emphasizing its potential future use in clinical practice.
- Dr. Robert Rapcan (Slovakia) presented “The Role of PRP and Stem Cells in Treating Annulus Fibrosus Rupture After Endoscopic Discectomy.” He introduced a groundbreaking technique involving the extraction of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, followed by targeted application to the disc and annular tear, supporting structural regeneration and improved disc function. His lecture combined scientific rigor with practical clinical insights.
- Dr. Peter S. Staats (USA) a distinguished guest, concluded the symposium with a solo lecture titled “Changing Paradigms: From Behavioral to the Bioelectric Revolution.” He traced the evolution of medical thinking from the behavioral health model of the 1980s–90s to today’s bioelectrical era, which leverages electrical stimulation for diagnosis and therapy. He also emphasized the importance of creativity, openness to innovation, and personal growth in advancing patient care and medical practice.
Each lecture was followed by lively Q&A sessions that fostered critical dialogue, shedding light on both scientific advancements and ethical implications, while pointing toward future research and therapeutic directions.
A Community of Excellence
The event’s invitation-only format ensured a focused and intimate setting, where specialists could freely exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and inspire one another. Many participants reflected on the unique atmosphere, noting that One Man Show felt less like a conference and more like a collaborative think tank driven by mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving patient care worldwide.
Led by Robert Rapcan MD, FIPP, MBA, PhD. the event embodied his vision of ethical, innovative, and accessible medical education.
Practical Learning and Hands-On Innovation
Beyond lectures, participants benefitted from hands-on sessions featuring state-of-the-art equipment provided by our esteemed partners. These workshops were crucial in translating theoretical concepts into real-life clinical skill-building.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
We extend our deepest thanks to all participants for their enthusiastic engagement, and to our faculty for sharing their expertise with such generosity.
Special appreciation goes to our partners – EuroPainClinics, Lumibird – Interventional Imaging, MaxMoreSpine, and DMS – Dynamic Medical Solutions – whose support and advanced technologies made the practical training possible.
See you at the next edition of One Man Show – where innovation meets inspiration.
