In this episode of Too Curious MDs, Dr. Phil Wolfson unpacks the mystery of phantom limb pain—a condition where the brain continues to project sensation, position, and intense discomfort from a body part that no longer exists. He explains how the brain can become 'stuck,' replaying the trauma as if it's still happening, creating a loop of pain that can last for years.
The conversation also introduces a new, free clinical trial for patients with phantom limbs nationwide, exploring ketamine as a potential way to interrupt this loop. By working at both the neurological and psychological level, ketamine may help the brain update its perception and release the signal of pain. For those living with phantom limb pain, this trial offers a rare opportunity to take part in a new approach that could change how this condition is treated.
- - - - -
About the Guest:
Dr. Phil Wolfson is a pioneering psychiatrist and psychotherapist, widely recognized as a leading voice in ketamine-assisted therapy. He is the co-founder of the Ketamine Research Foundation, where his work focuses on advancing clinical practice, education, and research in the therapeutic use of ketamine.
With decades of experience, Dr. Wolfson has helped shape modern understanding of ketamine as more than a pharmacological tool—positioning it as a catalyst for insight, healing, and transformation. His work spans clinical protocols, training programs, and innovative research, including current efforts to explore ketamine's potential in treating phantom limb pain.
----
Our team is now actively recruiting participants for our Phantom Limb Pain Research Protocol.
About the Study
Participants: ~25–30 adults with significant phantom limb pain (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Duration: 6 months
Treatment:
Intramuscular (IM) ketamine
Up to 16 sessions
Minimum 7 days between sessions
Dose: individualized escalation (max ~120 mg)
Sponsor: Ketamine Research Foundation
Principal Investigator: Dr. Philip Wolsfon
Participation is entirely voluntary—and there is no cost to patients or referring providers.
If you know someone who may qualify, we warmly invite you to help spread the word.
Referrals or Questions: ketamine.research@gmail.com
- - - - -
Social Handles:
Website: https://philwolfsonmd.com/
Website: https://ketamineresearchfoundation.org/
Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07276542
- - - - -
Dr. Alya Ahmad, MD, FAAP
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-ahmad-md-0601b190/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamynds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shamynds
Website: https://shamynds.com/
Dr. Suraiya Simi Rahman, MD, FAAP
Website: https://palamedicine.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraiya-rahman-palamedicine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.co
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Kingdom of Fraud
It’s the unlikeliest of criminal partnerships: a devout polygamist from an insular Utah sect joining forces with a shadowy Armenian tycoon from LA. The result - a billion dollar fraud conspiracy. In Kingdom of Fraud, investigative reporter Michele McPhee traces the origins of the extraordinary alliance between Jacob Kingston and Levon Termendzhyan. Together, the two men trigger the largest tax investigation in American history and weave around themselves a web of dirty cops, influential political relationships and transnational money laundering. All this is set against the backdrop of Jacob Kingston’s clan – The Order. A powerful and secretive polygamist organization in Salt Lake City. To whom Jacob is desperate to prove his worth. Kingdom of Fraud is produced by Novel for iHeart Podcasts. For more from Novel, visit https://novel.audio/. You can listen to new episodes of Kingdom of Fraud completely ad-free and 1 week early with an iHeart True Crime+ subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. Open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “iHeart True Crime+, and subscribe today!