Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool, a distinguished pain management expert from the British Virgin Islands, has unveiled her latest project—a documentary aimed at reshaping how we approach chronic pain. The film, Targeted Pain Treatment – Hope for Patients with Pain, premiered on East Tennessee PBS on January 8, 2025. As executive producer, Dr. Vanterpool is featured prominently alongside patients whose lives have been dramatically transformed by targeted pain treatments.

The documentary delves into groundbreaking, patient-centered pain management techniques that are offering real hope to individuals battling chronic pain. By focusing on the root causes of pain rather than merely alleviating symptoms, the film presents a fresh perspective on a condition that affects millions. Personal stories from patients who have undergone these innovative treatments provide a deeply human element, illustrating the profound impact on quality of life.

Dr. Vanterpool, who serves as the medical director of the University Center for Pain Management in Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, expressed her enthusiasm for sharing this film with a wider audience. “As a proud native of the British Virgin Islands, I hope this documentary resonates with people locally, as well as those around the world, who may benefit from these transformative pain treatments,” she said.

The full documentary is now available for on-demand streaming, allowing viewers to explore the cutting-edge techniques showcased at their convenience.

https://www.pbs.org/video/targeted-pain-treatment-hope-for-patients-with-pain-pdtmd6/

For further details or media inquiries, Dr. Vanterpool is available for interviews. Journalists can reach out to Mrs. Angela Williams, Clinic Manager at the Bougainvillea Clinic, for scheduling.

About Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool Dr. Vanterpool is an esteemed pain management consultant at the Bougainvillea Clinic in Tortola, BVI, and the medical director at the University Center for Pain Management in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, specializing in targeted treatments for chronic pain. As executive producer of Targeted Pain Treatment – Hope for Patients with Pain, she continues to be a leading voice in advancing the future of pain care.

About Bougainvillea Clinic The Bougainvillea Clinic is a multispecialty outpatient clinic and surgery center in the British Virgin Islands, offering advanced medical services with a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care. The clinic is a recognised leader in pain management treatments throughout the Caribbean region. For more information, visit www.bougainvilleaclinic.com.

The British Virgin Islands Red Cross, in partnership with Harneys, will host its Biennial Men’s Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening, aiming to provide essential health services and promote early detection of prostate cancer.

The free initiative will take place on Virgin Gorda on February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Catholic Community Centre. On Tortola, the event will span two days, February 7 and 8, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men worldwide, with early detection playing a critical role in improving treatment outcomes. Recognising this, the BVI Red Cross, supported by Harneys, seeks to ensure men across the territory have access to free screenings and health information.

“This initiative emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care,” said the Director of BVI Red Cross, Stacy Lloyd. “We are committed to creating opportunities for men to prioritise their health and access vital resources.”

In addition to prostate cancer screenings, the event will include a variety of health services and educational sessions on topics such as nutrition, mental health, and preventative care strategies. Local health professionals will be present to provide guidance and answer questions.

Organisers encourage men of all ages to attend the health fair and take advantage of the free screenings and consultations.

A group of concerned Virgin Gorda residents, represented by the Ad Hoc Committee for the Urgent Enhancement of Virgin Gorda Health Care, has taken their healthcare grievances directly to His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce, seeking intervention and remedies for what they describe as a crisis in the island’s medical services.

Earlier today, the committee presented a petition signed by over 800 individuals, calling for immediate action to address the ongoing healthcare challenges on Virgin Gorda. Among the key issues discussed with Governor Pruce were the potential for UK grants, visiting medical staff from the UK, increased funding in the 2025 budget for healthcare on the sister islands, and the critical shortages of medical supplies. They also raised concerns over the incomplete construction of healthcare facilities, a leaking roof, and an aging generator, as well as the operational status of the North Sound Clinic and medivac options for emergencies.

While the petition garnered significant support both in-person and online, there were reports that others who share the same concerns refrained from signing due to fears of victimization.

In a statement, the committee highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the petition outlines several critical healthcare issues affecting Virgin Gorda. “The community hopes Governor Pruce will facilitate swift and meaningful dialogue with the Government of the Virgin Islands to address these urgent shortcomings,” the statement read. “The interaction was constructive, with a great exchange of ideas.”

The Ad Hoc Committee reaffirmed its commitment, along with the broader Virgin Gorda community, to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors, and looks forward to collaborating with the relevant authorities for long-term improvements.

Religious Leaders Rally Behind Healthcare Petition

The petition was bolstered by the support of Virgin Gorda’s religious leaders, who offered their prayers and full backing. In a joint statement, the island’s pastors expressed their solidarity with the committee. “We, the pastors of Virgin Gorda, stand in unwavering support of the healthcare proposal on behalf of the residents of the sister islands.”

The clergy emphasised that healthcare is not just a basic human right but a key factor in ensuring a stable economy and a healthy society. “For too long, the healthcare needs of the sister islands have been treated as secondary, leaving our communities with inadequate services that have dire consequences for our well-being,” they said.

Calling the situation urgent, the pastors urged the Deputy Governor and all relevant authorities to recognise the severity of the crisis. “We hope for swift and decisive action to ensure that the residents of Virgin Gorda and the sister islands receive the healthcare services they deserve,” they added, pledging their continued support and prayers for a prompt resolution to the healthcare challenges.