Member Spotlight

November 2025

Salim Michel Hayek, MD, PhD

Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Department of Anesthesiology

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center & Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio
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​NANS member since 2004
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NANS members can find me on LinkedIn​

Dr. Salim Michel Hayek, NANS President from 2022–2023, is a leading pain medicine specialist with expertise in intrathecal drug delivery, neurostimulation, and craniofacial neuropathic pain. Introduced to neuromodulation by his mentors during fellowship, he recognized the field as a vital tool for managing refractory chronic pain. Passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives, Dr. Hayek advanced NANS as the premier organization in the field, strengthening its financial and educational foundations, securing a seat at the American Medical Association, and elevating its Annual Meeting as the foremost event in neuromodulation. His leadership reflects a commitment to advocacy and innovation in a rapidly evolving specialty.
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Areas of Interest:
Intrathecal Drug Delivery, Neurostimulation, Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain
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Why I enjoy what I do: Making a difference in patients’ lives has always been at the heart of my work. As a pain specialist, helping patients with acute and chronic pain is both demanding and very rewarding. Serving on the NANS Board and later as President deepened that purpose in ways I hadn’t anticipated, given the society’s reach in advocacy and service that make a tangible difference at the population level. A highlight of my presidency was guiding NANS into a stronger position as the leading voice in neuromodulation. We worked diligently to reinforce the society’s financial health, streamline operations, and expand educational initiatives—laying a foundation that ensures NANS continues to grow and lead with confidence.

Neuromodulation is advancing at an incredible pace, and I take pride in NANS being a driving force behind that progress. From securing representation at the AMA to hosting an Annual Meeting that sets the standard for the field, our efforts keep NANS at the cutting edge, shaping the future of patient care and innovation.
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How I became interested in neuromodulation:
My mentor, Michael Stanton-Hicks (the first NANS President) along with Dr. Nagy Mekhail, ignited my interest during fellowship training. It was obvious to me early on that neuromodulation is the best tool in our armamentarium to manage refractory chronic pain in many patients.
 
The best thing about NANS:
The opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues.
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​My favorite book:
L'Étranger by Albert Camus
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Words to live by:
“Education is the path from cocky ignorance to miserable uncertainty”

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