Member Spotlight

February 2025

Stephanie G. Vanterpool, MD, MBA, FASA

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
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University of Tennessee Medical Center
Knoxville, TN
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​NANS member since 2013
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NANS members can find me on Linkedin 
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Dr. Stephanie G. Vanterpool is the Director of Comprehensive Pain Services at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville TN. She is a passionate proponent of championing access to effective pain management care so that people don’t have to suffer with pain. She is the founder and director of the annual Targeted Pain Treatment CME conference and executive producer of the recently released PBS documentary - Targeted Pain Treatment- Hope for Patients with Pain. 
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Areas of Expertise:
Targeted Pain Treatment - specifically, accurately diagnosing the cause(s) of pain and limited function and targeting the treatment to the cause(s) using a multimodal approach.  
Pain education - translating evidence-based principles into practical applications. 
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Why I enjoy what I do:
I’m driven by the opportunity to help patients reclaim function and enjoyment in their lives. Many patients come to me having lost hope that they can ever experience relief from chronic pain. Being able to change that narrative by providing them with an accurate diagnosis and a collaborative, targeted treatment plan is a privilege. I have the honor of teaming up with our excellent pharmacists, physical therapists, and psychologists while I provide advanced interventional therapies, including neuromodulation, to help our patients reclaim relief and restore their function. I also feel deeply called to advocacy and education, working to expand access to effective pain management not just in the U.S. but globally. 

How I became interested in neuromodulation:
During my fellowship, I was exposed to neuromodulation and saw firsthand how it could change lives. I followed the field closely as it advanced, and I’ve been inspired by the transformative potential of these therapies. Neuromodulation continues to expand, and I’m excited to be a part of that evolution. 
 
The best thing about NANS:
I value the sense of connection and shared purpose that NANS provides. It’s an organization that brings together professionals with a common goal: advancing the field of neuromodulation and improving access to these life-changing therapies. The relationships I’ve built through NANS have been incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful to be part of such a collaborative community. 
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​My favorite book:
At this moment, Who Not How by Dan Sullivan resonates with me as it focuses on the power of collaboration. 
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Advice to those new to the field:
Get involved with NANS! The relationships you will build and the experience you will gain from participating in the meetings and the committees will be game-changing. So many of my closest professional colleagues are individuals I met at or through NANS. The professional network for neuromodulation is unmatched. Make sure to reach out to [email protected] to learn more! 

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