Mini Blog: 2 minutes with...Dr Jim Bartley

The second of our series of 2 minute 'mini-blogs' with speakers from the upcoming #nzps2015 Annual Scientific Meeting Dr Jim Bartley is an Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon and also the author of two helpful books - 'Breathing Matters' and 'Healing Headaches' (both of which I have on my bookshelf).

What is your current role/job/position? Otolaryngologist, Counties Manukau DHB; Honorary Associate Professor in Surgery, The University of Auckland & Biotechnology, AUT University, Auckland, NZ

How did you get into working in Pain Management? I am an ear nose and throat surgeon who was one of the early pioneers of endoscopic sinus surgery in New Zealand.  I became interested in patients whom I was seeing with “sinus” pain and I could find nothing wrong with their sinuses.  I became interested in trying to work out what the problem was.  I also at the same time became interested in hyperventilation.  Because I was interested in this I was then asked to join the Pain Clinic at Auckland Hospital.  I thought that I would be seeing the facial pain patients only but I ended up seeing all types of pain patients there.

What do you hope people might take away from your presentation? My presentation is on Breathing and Pain.  I would hope that people will go away with a better appreciation of how good breathing patterns can help a large variety of pain conditions.