About the STOMP Authors

Louise Berkowicz, M.D.

Education: Medical degree, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Board Certified: Family Practice; Hyperbaric Medicine; Certified Wound Specialist

Special Interests: Dr. Berkowicz has a special interest and practice in energy medicine. This unique therapy utilizes different forms of energy to bring about both individual self-awareness and healing. The result is changes in the body, mind and spirit of the patient. She assists the patient in dealing with everyday issues of life, pain and suffering to move toward living lives filled with more pleasure, joy and good health.

David A. Hanscom, M.D.

Education: Medical degree Loma Linda University, Orthopedic trauma fellowship UC Davis, spinal deformity fellowship Minneapolis

Board Certification: Orthopedic Spine Surgery

Special interests: Complex spine problems in all areas of the spine. He is the founder of the Puget Sound Spine Interest group. He developed the DOCC (Defined Organized Comprehensive Care) project to optimize spine care. He feels that many times further surgery can be avoided through a structured rehabilitation program. The program should involve improving sleep, managing stress, engaging in strength and endurance conditioning, obtaining adequate pain control, and educating the patient so as to regain control of their decision making.

Allen Hume, Ph.D.

Education: Dr. Hume is a Washington State licensed psychologist who earned his doctoral degree from Indiana State University. He completed his internship at the Seattle VA Medical Center.

Special Interests: Dr. Hume specializes in behavioral medicine, chronic pain management, co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, and assessment. He provides consultation and training for physicians, psychologists, allied health professionals and organizations related to his specialties.

Gordon Irving, M.D.

Education: Medical degree, University of Newcastle in England, Masters degree in Sports Science and Fellowship and Masters degree in Anesthesia, South Africa
Formally: Medical Director and associate professor at the University of Texas Pain Center, Houston. Currently: Medical Director of the Swedish Pain Center and clinical associate professor, University of Washington Medical School.

Board Certification: American Board of Anesthesiology with added certification in Pain Management, American Board of Pain Medicine

Special Interests: Dr. Irving specializes in acute and chronic pain management with pharmacological, non-pharmacological and interventional techniques. His interests include neuropathic, spinal and cancer pain. He publishes and lectures locally, nationally and internationally on pain related topics.

Hubert A. Leonard, M.D., Ph.D.

Education: The only physician in Oregon certified in Headache Medicine by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties. He received his M.D. and his Ph.D in Biochemistry from Oregon Health & Sciences University and completed a residency in internal medicine at University of California Hospital in Los Angeles. He completed his residency in Neurology at University of Oregon Health Sciences University, in Portland, and served as chief resident.

Board Certification: Neurology

Special Interests: He has been a neurologist and educator for more than 30 years and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches. He has been the principal investigator for dozens of clinical trials. Among other honors, he is listed by The Best Doctors in America®, which represents the top five percent of doctors in the U.S.

Carolyn McManus, PT, MS, MA

Education: Master of Science, Physical Therapy, Duke University. Master of Arts, Psychology, Antioch University

Special Interests: Chronic pain and stress management, relaxation training and mindfulness meditation. She developed the Swedish Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program. She is an author, national speaker and leader in mind-body treatment strategies for people with chronic pain conditions.

Maureen C. Pierce, Ph.D.

Education: Dr. Pierce is a Washington State licensed psychologist who earned her doctoral degree from Indiana State University. She completed her internship at the Central Arkansas VA Hospital.

Special Interests: Dr. Pierce specializes in the emotional and behavioral aspects of managing chronic pain related to a variety conditions. Her goal is to empower people with pain to take a more active role in their health care. She utilizes a number of treatments, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), clinical hypnosis, mindfulness meditation skills, and group therapy. 

Howard Schubiner, M.D.

Education: Medical degree from Wayne State University, Internal Medicine residency at Wayne State University, Pediatrics residency at Michigan State University. Clinical Professor at Wayne State University.

Board Certification: Board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

Special Interests: Founder and director of the Mind Body Medicine program at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. Senior teacher of mindfulness meditation. Conducts research in fibromyalgia and other chronic painful conditions.

Acknowledgements - Special Thanks to:

Swedish Continuing Medical Education
Danielle Westley

Swedish Neuroscience Institute Spine Program
Alexis Takasumi

Swedish Patient Education Committee
Jeanine Keefe, R.N., MSN, GCNS-BC
Kaetlin Miller, MPH, CHES

Art Design
Carole Miguel