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August 14, 2025 11 mins

In this episode, Steven is joined by Dr. Zameer Pirani, an interventional pain specialist and co-founder of the Afiya Spine and Pain Institute in Canada. Dr. Pirani shares his path to pain medicine, from early training in Ireland to his experiences with anesthesia and chronic pain fellowships. He discusses how the opioid crisis, gaps in the health care system, and the stigma surrounding pain patients shaped his career and passion for multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. Dr. Pirani also shares his insights on the challenges of treating invisible illnesses, building trust with patients, and why true healing requires listening, empathy, and a team-based approach.

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