Joel Saper, M.D., Ann Arbor-based national expert on headache, awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from American Headache Society

Ann Arbor, Mich. (June 28, 2013)…Joel R. Saper, M.D., founder and director of the Michigan Head-Pain & Neurological Institute (MHNI), was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award today from the American Headache Society in conjunction with the International Headache Society meeting in Boston.  The award honors Dr. Saper’s 35-plus years as a leader and pioneer in research, medical education and comprehensive treatment for patients with head and neck pain.

Head pain effects close to 50 percent of adults globally, and approximately 37 million Americans suffer from migraine, now considered a brain disorder. 

“I’m thrilled, but this award would not be possible without the excellent team of professionals and staff at MHNI,” said Dr. Saper.  “Head and neck pain are complex conditions, and often patients cannot function during an intense pain episode.  My colleagues at MHNI are striving to advance clinical research and treatment innovations to relieve and even prevent pain and improve function.”

In 1978, Dr. Saper developed MHNI, the world’s first comprehensive head pain treatment program, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Also in 1978 he launched the first hospital specialty unit to treat the most severe head pain patients, at Chelsea Community Hospital.  Patients from across the nation and beyond travel to Ann Arbor to receive what can be life-changing care from Dr. Saper and the MHNI staff.

Migraine and other head pain disorders cost the U.S. approximately $31 billion a year due to lost productivity, medical costs and other factors.  Dr. Saper, along with congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI), wrote the initial draft of what has become the National Pain Care Policy Law, passed into law in 2010.  This legislation has given rise to the Veterans Pain Act and the Military Pain Act, and support for greater NIH research, education and other provisions on behalf of headache and pain patients in the United States.

Dr. Saper’s extensive leadership to advance research and treatment of head and neck pain includes positions as president of the American Association of Headache; chairman of the American Council for Headache Education; and board member of the American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine.  Dr. Saper was the founding member and twice chairman of the Pain Care Coalition, a legislative organization comprised of the American Headache Society, American Pain Society, American Academy of Pain Medicine and the American Society of Anesthesiology.  In 2012, Dr. Saper received the Professional Service Award from the Head Injury Alliance of Michigan and has received many other rewards and service honors.

During his career, Dr. Saper has authored eight medical books, nearly 50 medical textbook chapters, and close to 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and abstracts.  He has lectured around the world, and has been featured in national media including the “New York Times”, “Wall Street Journal”, “Life Magazine”, “Good Morning America”, “The Today Show”, “Nightline” and “20/20”. 

Dr. Saper is triple board certified in the specialties of Headache Medicine, Neurology and Pain Medicine.

To learn more about MHNI and Dr. Saper, go to www.mhni.com or call 734.677.6000.