Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care
University of Chicago Chicago, IL NANS member since 2018
Dr. Tariq M. Malik, Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago, is a recognized expert in anesthesia and chronic pain management. His clinical and research interests span advanced pain therapies, including intrathecal pumps, spinal cord stimulation, and neurolytic blocks, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with cancer-related and neuropathic pain. Dr. Malik finds the greatest reward in educating patients and guiding them through treatment as a shared journey. As editor of the PULSE newsletter, he aims to create a collaborative space for the neuromodulation community—sharing insights, learning from challenges, and advancing best practices together. Areas of expertise: Intrathecal pump and spinal cord stimulation (i.e., cancer and neuropathic pain). What do you find most rewarding about your role in advancing neuromodulation? The opportunity to provide patient education and spend meaningful time helping patients understand what’s happening and how we can help—turning the experience into a shared journey. What do you hope readers take away from each issue of PULSE? In the tight-knit neuromodulation community, I hope to foster a space where we can openly discuss successes, learn how to avoid failures or harm, and share experiences that help all of us do a better job.
What area of neuromodulation do you find most exciting or promising right now, and why? I’m particularly excited about advancements in brain-targeted neuromodulation and the integration of AI with neural interfaces. These innovations hold tremendous potential for treating conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other complex neurological disorders.
The best thing about NANS: NANS is a lively and interactive community that is ready to help and educate one another. Words to live by: "To criticize someone is the worst form of self-flattery."
