WIP Indonesia Section
Chaired by Dr. Said Shofwan, the WIP Indonesia Section is advancing interventional pain medicine through education, clinical excellence, and collaborative development across Indonesia. The Section supports physician education through teaching fellowships, expert consultation, hands-on workshops, symposiums, proctorship programs, and outreach to pain clinics in multiple cities.
The Section is currently focused on developing minimally invasive interventions and regenerative medicine while helping Indonesian physicians prepare for the evolving field of precision pain medicine. Through structured training programs and active research, the Indonesia Section is working to address competency gaps and strengthen pain management practice throughout the country.
A major achievement has been the development of a nationwide collaborative ecosystem that brings together specialists from different regions to share knowledge and promote more standardized patient care. Looking ahead, the Section is expanding its work into palliative care, with the goal of providing more holistic and compassionate support for patients facing chronic, life-limiting pain conditions.
Through continued investment in education, regional proctorship, and research, the WIP Indonesia Section remains committed to elevating the standard of pain medicine in Indonesia and contributing to WIP’s global mission.
WIP Mexico Section
Chaired by Dr. Ricardo Plancarte-Sanchez, the Mexico Section is dedicated to advancing interventional pain medicine through education, clinical excellence, and international collaboration. An internationally recognized leader in interventional pain medicine, Dr. Plancarte has long been committed to expanding knowledge, promoting innovation, and strengthening connections among physicians dedicated to improving the care of patients living with pain.
The Mexico Section continues to support WIP’s mission by encouraging professional development, fostering collaboration among pain specialists, and promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and best practices throughout the region. Through educational activities and engagement with the international pain community, the Section is helping strengthen the foundation for continued growth in interventional pain medicine across Mexico.
A major milestone for the Section, and for WIP, is the 13th World Congress of the World Institute of Pain, taking place September 19–21, 2026, in Mexico City. As Chair of the Mexico Section and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Plancarte is leading preparations to welcome physicians from around the world for WIP’s first-ever World Congress in Mexico. The meeting will feature an outstanding international faculty, cutting-edge scientific programming, and valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
The Mexico Section warmly invites colleagues from around the world to join us in Mexico City this September for an exceptional scientific and cultural experience. To learn more and register, visit www.wipcongress.com.
WIP Turkish Registered Section
Prof. Serdar Erdine, MD, FIPP, serves as Chair of the WIP Turkish Registered Section. He is one of the five founders of the World Institute of Pain, a past president of WIP, and a current member of the WIP Executive Board. A longstanding leader in international pain medicine, he has played an instrumental role in advancing WIP’s educational and certification programs worldwide.
In 2018, Turkey became WIP’s first official Registered Section, marking an important milestone in the continued development of WIP’s international Section network. Today, that network includes 27 Sections worldwide. The Turkish Registered Section focuses on physician education, hands-on training, certification, and international scientific exchange in interventional pain medicine.
The Section organizes the annual Interventional Pain Istanbul Congress, scientific symposia, and cadaver workshops. Istanbul has also become an important location for WIP’s FIPP and CIPS examinations, with approximately 100 physicians participating annually in recent years—among the highest examination volumes in WIP history.
A major recent achievement was the 12th WIP World Congress, held in Antalya in October 2023. The Congress welcomed more than 700 participants from 58 countries, along with 91 candidates for the FIPP and CIPS examinations.
The Turkish Section looks forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to the 9th Interventional Pain Istanbul Congress and Hands-On Cadaver Workshop, October 22–24, 2026, followed by the WIP FIPP and CIPS examinations on October 25. The program will offer three days of lectures, practical education, and hands-on cadaver workshops in Istanbul. Program details and registration are available at interventionalpainistanbul.org.