Pain medicine pioneer assumes leadership as the 2026 World Congress on Pain concludes in Bangkok, Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand, October 30, 2026 — Mary Suma Cardosa of Malaysia has become the first president from Asia in the more than 50-year history of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the leading international organization dedicated to advancing pain research, education, and care.
Cardosa assumed the presidency today during the closing of the 2026 World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand, succeeding Andrew Rice of the United Kingdom. Her two-year term runs through 2028.
An anaesthesiologist and internationally recognized leader in pain medicine, Cardosa has spent more than three decades advancing pain management in Malaysia and strengthening pain education and clinical services across Southeast Asia. She previously made history in 2011 as the first woman to serve as president of the Malaysian Medical Association. Her leadership has helped expand access to multidisciplinary pain care and promoted the integration of pain management into health systems.
Among her contributions, Cardosa helped establish Malaysia’s first Ministry of Health acute pain service in 1993 and its first multidisciplinary pain clinic in 2000. She also spearheaded the country’s Pain Free Hospital initiative, launched in 2011 to improve pain recognition and management in healthcare settings.
“Pain affects people in every country, but access to effective pain care remains profoundly unequal,” said Cardosa. “Throughout my career, I have seen what is possible when we invest in education, strengthen clinical services, and bring people from different disciplines together. As IASP president, I look forward to working with our global community to advance pain science and help ensure that its benefits reach more people, wherever they live.”
Cardosa’s presidency begins at a significant moment for the association. The 2026 World Congress on Pain marks IASP’s return to Asia for the first time since 2016, and its first World Congress held in Southeast Asia. The Congress brings together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and other experts from around the world to exchange scientific discoveries and advance understanding and treatment of pain.
Beyond her work in Malaysia, Cardosa has contributed to regional and international initiatives to build pain-care capacity, including training healthcare professionals and supporting the development of multidisciplinary pain services in resource-limited countries. Her experience reflects the growing importance of international collaboration in addressing disparities in pain research, education, and treatment.
“IASP’s strength lies in bringing together researchers and clinicians from around the world to advance our understanding of pain,” said outgoing IASP President Andrew Rice. “Mary brings extensive clinical experience and a valuable international perspective to this role. I look forward to seeing her build on IASP’s scientific strengths and global partnerships to advance pain research and improve the lives of people affected by pain.”
As president, Cardosa will lead IASP’s international efforts to advance the study of pain and translate scientific knowledge into improved pain care worldwide. Her term coincides with the implementation of the association’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes scientific excellence, knowledge exchange, global partnerships, and strengthening IASP’s voice in advancing pain care.
The leadership transition also includes Michele Sterling, PhD, of Australia, who will begin her term as IASP president-elect. Sterling, a professor at the University of Queensland, has held numerous leadership positions within IASP, including secretary, Council member, and chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the 2024 World Congress on Pain. She is expected to succeed Cardosa as president in 2028.
The leadership transition follows IASP’s 2026 membership elections. The complete election results, including newly elected Council members, are available on the IASP website.
About the International Association for the Study of Pain
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is the leading international organization dedicated to the study of pain and the translation of scientific knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide. IASP brings together scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advance pain research, education, and care. Learn more at www.iasp-pain.org.
CONTACT: Lauren Hochman
COMPANY: International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
PHONE: +1.202.856.7431
EMAIL: Media@IASP-pain.org
WEB: https://www.iasp-pain.org/