At Pain Geeks, we’re passionate about creating a community that’s dedicated to evidence-based learning and critical engagement. We believe in equipping clinicians, therapists, and medics with the tools to understand pain better and, ultimately, improve patient care. But what truly sets us apart are the core values that guide how we approach learning and professional growth.
Each value listed comes with an action you can take and a recommendation on how you can integrate that action into your reading life.
Here are some of our core values when it comes to reading science & philosophy:
Value #1: Responsibility
Action: Read the Paper Yourself
We’re strong believers in going straight to the source. Reading a summary of someone else’s interpretation of a paper might save time, but it also limits your understanding. Scientific articles are rich with details that can influence how evidence is applied in practice. Learning to read and analyze these papers is a critical skill that no one else can do for you. At Pain Geeks, we’re here to help you build that skill.
Recommendation: Meet the paper where you're at and take your time, you don't have to understand everything you read.
Value #2: Engagement
Action: Read the Paper More than Once
To truly engage with scientific material, a single read-through is rarely enough. Each read offers new insights: the first for grasping the basics, the second for catching nuances, and the third for deeper reflection. By revisiting research, you’ll solidify your understanding and uncover layers you may have missed initially.
Recommendation: Make room in your schedule for multiple readings
Value #3: Exploration
Action: Expand Your Reading Horizons
Evidence comes in many forms, and sticking to just one type of study—like randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—provides an incomplete picture. That’s why we encourage members to read across the evidence landscape. Dive into seminal pieces, explore historical studies, engage with books, and reflect on real-world case studies. By broadening your reading scope, you’ll gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of pain science.
Recommendation: Read across the evidence landscape
Value #4: Understanding
Action: Clarify What You Don’t Understand
We want you to thrive with Pain Geeks. We don't want this experience to be just a quick read and then forget about it. With time your vocabulary, knowledge base and understanding of pain-related concepts will deepen and grow.
Pain science is a complex field, and part of becoming a skilled clinician is embracing curiosity and committing to lifelong learning. Seeking clarity helps deepen your expertise and ensures you’re applying evidence accurately.
Recommendation: When you encounter terms, concepts, or methods that are unfamiliar, take the time to look them up.
Value #5: Learning/Expansion
Action: Reflect on What You Read
Reflection is a crucial part of the learning process. Without it, ideas will slip away without fully forming and connections between previous and new knowledge won't get made.
Learning isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about critical thinking.
Recommendation: As you read, ask yourself:
What is the paper trying to convey?
Where does it fall on my own bias spectrum?
How does this fit into my current understanding of pain?
Reflection is key to integrating knowledge into your practice, and we’re here to help guide you through this process.
Value #6: Community
Action: Come Together and Talk About It
Loneliness for clinicians in the clinical setting is far too prevalent. Having a space to bring your questions, your ideas, your doubts and your support for others is one of the best ways to help you feel motivated to keep learning and to keep doing what isn't always easy to do in our busy and chaotic lives. As well, one of the most powerful ways to solidify your learning is to share and discuss it with others.
Recommendation: Join the community on Pain Geeks
That’s why Pain Geeks hosts bi-monthly discussions for members to engage in meaningful conversations about research and its clinical implications. These sessions are a chance to explore diverse perspectives, challenge your thinking, and grow as a clinician.
Are there any values you would like to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below👇🏽
At Pain Geeks, we’re not just about reading papers; we’re about fostering a culture of critical engagement, reflection, and collaboration.
By embracing these core values, you’ll not only grow as a professional but also contribute to advancing the field of pain science.
Ready to join a community that’s passionate about learning and making a difference?
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