Dr. Ferdinand Salvacion is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain, American Pain Society, International Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists, and American Academy of Pain Medicine. He is a Veteran of the United States Navy, and served as Medical Officer for the USS Savannah and Combat Logistics Squadron FOUR, and was on active duty during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Dr. Salvacion began his medical career as Staff Anesthesiologist with Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Michigan followed by his position as Pain Medicine Consultant with the Burns Clinic Medical Center in Petoskey, Michigan. In 1998, he joined Associated Anesthesiologists of Springfield, Illinois continuing his path as a Pain Medicine Consultant. Nine years later, Dr. Salvacion became the Medical Director of Spineworks Pain Management Program with Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois, and treated patients for more than a decade before joining The Orthopaedic Institute of Western Kentucky Pain Center.
He starts accepting patients on July 1st. Let’s get to know the newest member of the Paducah and Western Kentucky community.
1. What do you specialize in?
I see patients with chronic pain.
2. What got you interested in the medical field, especially in pain management?
My uncle is a doctor and I wanted to help patients like he did. I started out in Anesthesiology but became interested in Pain Management during my training. I enjoyed the interaction with patients – it is rewarding to help people improve their quality of life and alleviate suffering.
3. What is your philosophy when it comes to pain management?
I use a multi-disciplinary approach. Patients will benefit from therapy to improve functional ability, strength, and range of motion. I perform a variety of therapeutic injections that can provide significant and prolonged relief of pain from certain conditions. Patients may benefit from counseling to help them cope with the challenges of dealing with chronic pain. Finally, there are medications that can provide relief from chronic pain that are useful.
4. What can a patient expect during their appointment with you?
An initial appointment will include an interview with nursing first. I will listen to the patient’s history of their pain issue. I will review medical records and imaging studies provided by the patient’s referring doctor. I will perform a focused physical exam specific to their pain symptoms. Finally, I will discuss with the patient their diagnosis and plan for treatment.
5. What type of ailments do you treat?
I see patients with chronic pain associated with spine-related causes, patients with various types of neuropathies, and cancer-related pain. This list is not all-inclusive.
6. What is one personality trait you have that helps you with treating patients?
I have great empathy for patients.
7. What keeps you passionate about your job?
I am blessed by improving my patient’s lives.
8. What was it about Paducah that helped you decide to move here?
I am excited about the practice opportunity I have here with OIWK. The physicians and staff here are warm, welcoming, and highly competent. It is a privilege to join them.
9. What do you like to do in your spare time?
My hobbies include woodworking, shooting sports, and traveling.
10. What is a fun fact about you?
I never graduated from high school. (I left for college early.)
Talk with your health care provider today to see if pain management is right for you.
