Basem Hamid
Pain Medicine and Neurology in Houston, Texas
Basem Hamid, an accomplished medical doctor specializing in neurology and pain medicine, initiated his medical journey at Damascus University, Syria, where he earned his M.D. His early academic excellence was marked by his graduation as high school valedictorian in 1989. His university studies followed, culminating in an M.D. degree in 1995.
Following his graduation, Basem Hamid MD sought further training in the United States, beginning with an internship at Mount Sinai University Services in New York City in 1996. He then completed an internal medicine and neurology residency at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, from 1997 to 2001. His leadership skills and dedication to medicine led to his appointment as Chief Resident in the Department of Neurology at West Virginia University Hospitals in 2001.
Intrigued by the complexities of pain management, Dr. Hamid pursued a fellowship in pain medicine at the University of Iowa's Department of Anesthesia in 2002, which he completed in 2003. This fellowship provided him with extensive experience in managing various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions and cancer-related pain.
Dr. Hamid's professional path has seen him working in multiple settings, blending private practice with academic responsibilities. From 2003 to 2006, he significantly contributed to pain management programs as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 2006, he relocated to Houston, Texas, and joined the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pain Medicine.
He founded Innova Pain Center in Houston in 2008 and continues to serve as its Director. The center is renowned for its innovative approaches to pain management, helping patients cope with chronic pain through advanced treatment methods.
Dr. Hamid's research efforts have been robust, particularly in studies targeting cancer pain management, such as the multicenter study on Nasalfent for breakthrough cancer pain and exploring the role of pregabalin in preemptive analgesia for acute herpes zoster.
Throughout his career, Basem Hamid has been honored with several awards for his medical and community service contributions, including the Kennedy Center Award for Volunteers and the Research Appreciation Award from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.