Italy Section
Chaired by Dr. Giuliano Lo Bianco, the Italy Section is advancing interventional pain management through education, clinical innovation, and international collaboration. Dr. Lo Bianco is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist, currently serving as Head of the Analgesia and Percutaneous Surgery Unit at Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio in Cefalù, Palermo, Italy. His clinical and academic focus includes fluoroscopy- and ultrasound-guided procedures, neuromodulation, regenerative medicine, mechanism-based diagnosis, and precision medicine.
The Italy Section is currently focused on high-quality education, image-guided interventional techniques, neuromodulation, and the integration of regenerative therapies such as PRP into clinical practice. The Section is also committed to structured training programs and hands-on educational opportunities for young pain physicians, helping bridge the gap between theory and real-world clinical practice.
A key upcoming initiative is the WIP Italy National Congress 2026, taking place in Como from June 11–13, 2026. The meeting will focus on innovation, integrated approaches, and interventional pain therapy, bringing together national and international experts for advanced scientific sessions and hands-on workshops in ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided procedures. The Section also continues to strengthen international collaborations, contribute to scientific research, and expand educational initiatives such as the Mediterranean Pain Forum.
India Section
With Dr. Anand Murugesan serving as Chair, the India Section is focused on strengthening WIP’s presence across the region and advancing structured, evidence-based interventional pain practice. Efforts to expand WIP membership in India have already resulted in a significant and encouraging increase in engagement.
The Section’s current priorities are closely aligned with WIP’s global mission, with a focus on advancing education, strengthening certification pathways, and fostering international collaboration. This momentum reflects the growing relevance of WIP as a leading body for interventional pain education and practice in the region.
Key upcoming initiatives include the development of a flagship annual WIP India International Congress, envisioned as a global platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and standardization of care. The Section is also working toward bringing the FIPP and CIPS examinations to India to support broader access to globally recognized credentialing. In December 2026, the India Section will host its first WIP-endorsed symposium, cadaver workshop, and FIPP/CIPS preparatory course in Bengaluru.
Mediterranean Section
Under the leadership of Dr. Eleni Episkopou, the Mediterranean Section is being developed with a strategic mission to connect East and West through a high-level collaborative network spanning Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Dr. Episkopou’s work focuses on advancing pain management through precision and personalized medicine, integrating technology, innovation, and expert-led clinical education to support quality and patient safety.
The Section’s current focus is on building an integrated platform for education, clinical excellence, and innovation. Outreach efforts have begun with colleagues in Cyprus, Israel, Spain, and Morocco, with collaboration positively received and formally accepted by Cyprus, Israel, and Morocco. Plans are also underway to include Egypt in the near future.
Current initiatives include the development of a two-year, university-affiliated educational program in interventional pain medicine; the establishment of a WIP-certified Mediterranean Training Hub connecting leading clinics across the region; and the organization of a multidisciplinary pain congress. The Section is also advancing digital clinical support systems and developing a patient-centered platform to guide access to validated centers based on expertise and outcomes.
Its broader vision is to build a forward-looking, evidence-driven framework that combines innovation, education, and clinical excellence while continuing the pioneering spirit of Dr. Gabor Racz.