About

About Basem Hamid

Basem Hamid is a medical doctor specializing in neurology and pain medicine. He earned his MD from Damascus University and completed postgraduate training in the U.S., including a fellowship in Pain Medicine. Currently, he is the Director of Innova Pain Center, focusing on innovative treatments for chronic pain. He is also a researcher, contributing to numerous studies on pain management and cancer-related pain therapies.

Laying the Groundwork

Dr. Basem Hamid was born in Damascus, Syria. In 1989, he graduated as valedictorian from high school and was admitted to Damascus University School of Medicine, one of the leading medical institutions in Syria. He graduated with his MD in 1995, marking the beginning of his journey as a medical doctor.

Postgraduate Medical Pursuits

After earning his medical degree, Dr. Hamid pursued further training in the United States. In 1996, he began his internship at Mount Sinai University Services in New York City. Following the internship, he pursued internal medicine and neurology residency training at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, from 1997 to 2001.

In 2001, Dr.Hamid was appointed the Chief Resident in the Department of Neurology at West Virginia University Hospitals. This role allowed him to take on additional responsibilities, including overseeing the training of new residents and contributing to the department’s success.

Specialization in Pain Medicine

After completing his residency, Dr. Hamid decided to focus on pain medicine, a field he found both challenging and rewarding. In 2002, he was accepted into a fellowship program in pain medicine at the University of Iowa, Department of Anesthesia, in Iowa City, IA. During this fellowship, he gained experience in managing various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions, cancer-related pain, and neuropathic pain. He completed his fellowship in 2003.

Milestones in the Medical Journey

Dr. Hamid has worked in various medical settings, combining private practice and academic appointments to provide care and educate the next generation of medical professionals. After completing his fellowship in Pain Medicine, he took on the role of Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Neurology at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He worked in Iowa City from 2003 to 2006, significantly contributing to the university’s pain management program.

In 2006, Dr. Hamid relocated to Houston, Texas, where he became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at The University of Texas, MD. Anderson Cancer Center. His work at the institution helped improve the quality of life for countless patients, many of whom were suffering from severe pain due to their cancer treatments.

Dr. Hamid also served in administrative roles at M.D Anderson. He was the Chair of the Department of Pain Medicine’s Committee from 2007 to 2009. He also directed the Pain Medicine Fellowship Program, where he mentored young doctors in this field.

Private Practice at Innova Pain Center

In 2008, Basem Hamid, MD, founded the Innova Pain Center, a private practice based in Houston, Texas. As the clinic’s director, he has focused on providing pain management solutions for patients with chronic pain conditions. The Innova Pain Center offers a variety of treatment options, including advanced techniques for managing pain related to cancer, nerve damage, and other medical conditions.

Key Research Contributions

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hamid has contributed to medical research. His research focuses on finding new ways to manage pain, especially in patients with cancer and other severe conditions. Over the years, he has served as a principal investigator and co-investigator on several research projects and clinical trials.

One of his notable research projects was a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of Nasalfent (fentanyl citrate nasal spray) for treating breakthrough cancer pain. This study helped advance pain management for cancer patients, providing new options for controlling severe pain.

He has also worked on studies exploring the role of pregabalin in preemptive analgesia for acute herpes zoster and the effectiveness of intrathecal ziconotide in treating chronic severe pain. His research has been recognized with grants and funding from various organizations, including the Mike Hogg Fund, Medtronic, and Kyphon Inc.

Honoring Excellence

Dr. Hamid has received several honors and awards for his dedication to medicine and research. 1989, he was awarded the School Union International Award for Outstanding Scientific Articles. He was also recognized as the valedictorian of his high school.

In 2000, he received the Kennedy Center Award for Volunteers in recognition of his work in community service at the Kennedy Federal Correctional Facility. Dr. Hamid was also honored with the Above and Beyond Award from The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 2006 and a Research Appreciation Award from MD. Anderson Cancer Center in 2009.

Service at Heart

Beyond his clinical and academic work, Basem Hamid, MD, has been involved in community service and mentoring. He served as an interviewer for prospective medical students at the Carver College of Medicine from 2005 to 2006, helping to select the next generation of doctors.