Phillip Worts joins the FSU Brain Science & Symptom Management Center (BSSMC) team as a community collaborator with FSU. As Clinical Research Director at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC), Phillip, along with TOC physicians, has helped develop a research line that examines innovative methods to treat orthopedic injuries and chronic pain and identify factors related to clinical outcomes. Our initial research has identified several potential psychological vulnerabilities that may impact the way patients respond to treatment. These factors, such as depression, anxiety, and resiliency, could affect the patient’s willingness for change and determine the extent of benefit they receive from treatment.

TOC has now partnered with researchers from FSU to: (1) investigate non-invasive interventions to treat chronic pain; (2) identify and treat psychological vulnerabilities to improve clinical outcomes; and (3) seek to prevent chronic pain in those undergoing major surgery when it can’t be avoided. As such, we believe the research goals of the FSU BSSMC closely align with TOC’s mission to improve patients’ lives through the delivery of the best orthopedic care with the aim on prevention, preservation, and wellness.