The German Pain Society (DGS) has designated the Kiel Pain Clinic, headed by Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel, and the Institute for Neuroscience (IFNAP) in Nuremberg, headed by PD Dr. Michael A. Überall, as DGS Centers of Excellence. The reason for this designation is the centers' supraregional importance in pain management. The Kiel Pain Clinic is a leader in migraine and headache therapy and has therefore been designated a DGS Center of Excellence for Headache. The IFNAP in Nuremberg is a leader in research on the care of people with chronic pain and has thus been designated a DGS Center of Excellence for Health Services Research.

The German Pain Society (DGS) designation of Center of Excellence is awarded to centers of supraregional importance in pain management. A further requirement is the recognition of the center's director as a thought leader in the scientific discussion of a specific pain topic. This standing is demonstrated, among other things, by the publication of high-quality scientific papers and contributions to clinical practice guidelines. Both the Kiel Pain Clinic and the IFNAP in Nuremberg meet the criteria for a Center of Excellence.

Kiel Pain Clinic: DGS Excellence Center for Headache.
Prof. Dr. Harmut Göbel founded the Kiel Pain Clinic in 1997, initially as a scientific model project. The clinic has since become a leading center in Germany for headache and migraine therapy. The clinic operates according to the latest scientific findings and employs an integrated care approach. The goal of the treatment concept is to provide lasting pain relief so that patients can resume social and professional activities. To this end, Prof. Göbel also initiated the nationwide migraine and headache treatment network, which enables comprehensive, coordinated care. Furthermore, Prof. Göbel is actively involved in clinical research, training and continuing education, and the publication of standard textbooks, digital healthcare resources, and scientific articles.

IFNAP Nuremberg: DGS Excellence Center for Health Services Research.
PD Dr. Michael A. Überall has been Vice President of the German Pain Society (DGS) since 2003 and President of the German Pain League (DSL) since 2012. In 2003, he founded the private Institute for Neuroscience, Algesiology, and Pediatrics (IFNAP) in Nuremberg, where he and his team developed the conceptual foundations for the web application iDocLive®. iDocLive® is an internet-based network structure for the standardized documentation of pain-related data using standardized pain questionnaires established in Germany, as well as other internationally recognized and scientifically validated instruments. iDocLive® connects affected individuals with healthcare providers across different sectors and ensures patient-centered, needs-oriented, and individualized progress evaluation in accordance with the legal requirements of the quality assurance agreement. It is the world's largest database with information on the causes, triggers, symptoms, and treatment options for people with chronic pain. The platform is free for members of the DGS and all insured persons in Germany – regardless of their respective insurance status.

Scientific contact:
Society
for Pain Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schmerzmedizin e.V.),
Lennéstraße 9,
10785 Berlin, Germany,
Tel. +49 30 85 62 188 0,
Fax +49 30 221 85 342,
info@dgschmerzmedizin.de
, www.dgschmerzmedizin.de