Centralized Pain Program

Location

Ward 7A, Providence Building, St. Paul's Hospital

If you need help locating us, please ask one of our hospital volunteers to direct you.

About this program

The Department of Medicine at Providence Health Care is the only place in Canada that offers cutting-edge treatments for chronic pain in a hospital setting, where patients can be closely monitored to create personalized care plans.

Led by Dr. May C. Ong, the Providence Health Care Chair in the Neurobiology and Neuropharmacology of Pain, the Centralized Pain Program focuses on diagnosing and treating severe, hard-to-manage pain. Since it started in 1986, the program has helped thousands of patients suffering from long-term pain. It remains the only specialized centre in British Columbia for diagnosing and treating complex pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments.

Advances in treatments for chronic pain are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field. Please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about chronic pain. You can also help us find better ways to help people like you live and thrive. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation can help care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information. You can also contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.

This program is available by referral only. During a patient's initial appointment, Dr. Ong and her team will screen and triage the patient for eligibility for the program.

Physicians should inquire about referrals to Dr. May C. Ong.

Address: 503 - 1160 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2E8