An Interview With Dr. Jonathann Kuo

Dr. Jonathann Kuo, a double Board-Certified Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist, is the founder of Hudson Health. This innovative health group comprises four integrated practices: Hudson Medical (interventional and regenerative pain management), Hudson Wellness (preventative wellness), Hudson Mind (interventional mental health), and Hudson Life (functional and longevity medicine). With 15 years of experience, Dr. Kuo has performed over 30,000 x-ray and ultrasound-guided spinal and joint procedures, establishing himself as a leader in interventional orthopedics. His dedication to patient care is matched by contributions to global clinical research, making him a thought leader in interventional pain management and orthobiologics. Driven by innovation, he is also active in advancing anti-aging, regenerative medicine, and interventional mental health fields.

What inspired you to pursue pain management as a specialty?

Interventional pain management is a captivating field that piqued my interest after completing my residency in anesthesiology. Subsequently, I pursued a one-year fellowship in pain management, solidifying my expertise. Today, I am a double board-certified specialist in both anesthesiology and pain management. My initial draw to pain management was its potential for significant impact, offering, as I like to say, a substantial "bang for the buck." Additionally, my aptitude for using my hands, a skill honed through my experience as a semi-professional video gamer before medical school, was a perfect match for this field. This combination of skills and interests led me to pain management, where I can profoundly impact patients' lives with relatively simple procedures.

What constitutes a multidisciplinary approach to pain management at your practice, specifically how alternative or integrative modalities can be used in a care plan?

At Hudson Health, our 15-year journey has been dedicated to discovering the most effective and efficient methods for treating and managing chronic pain. We firmly believe in a multidisciplinary approach that harmoniously blends elements of Eastern and Western medicine, combining holistic and traditional techniques. This approach includes the use of interventional injections and encompasses both the mental and physical aspects of health, creating an integrated system that effectively addresses the biology, psychology, and physiology of pain management.

Our practice is structured into four divisions, each integrating these crucial pillars. Over the years, we have developed sophisticated algorithms to successfully treat various conditions, reflecting our commitment to a comprehensive, integrative approach to pain management. This multidisciplinary strategy ensures that our patients receive a well-rounded and effective treatment plan, tailored to their unique needs.

What role does ketamine therapy play in addressing pain and associated mental health concerns?

Ketamine therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for both chronic pain and associated mood disorders, particularly depression. Recognized as a safe, dissociative anesthetic, ketamine creates a unique out-of-body experience akin to a psychedelic-like state. This effect has the potential to restructure existing thought patterns, enhance neuroplasticity, and promote neuronal growth. By doing so, it addresses not just the physical aspects of chronic pain, but also its mental manifestations, including commonly associated mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.

Ketamine has a long-standing medical history, but its application in pain and mood disorder management has gained significant momentum recently. Its safety profile is well-established, and our practice has observed notably positive outcomes when ketamine is integrated with other treatment modalities. This synergy enhances the overall efficacy of our approach to managing the complex interplay of physical pain and mental health concerns.

What advancements or research within the field of pain management are you currently most excited about?

I am enthusiastic about several recent advancements in pain management research— particularly in the areas of regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, and advanced, minimally-invasive techniques for chronic pain relief. In regenerative medicine there have been rapid and significant developments in biologics and orthobiologics, aimed at enhancing the body's natural healing processes by activating intrinsic pathways. We've achieved notable success with a combination of treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow stem cells, placental matrix, exosomes, Wharton's Jelly, and other sophisticated biologics, as well as peptides.

Another intriguing area is neuromodulation, which involves increasingly advanced neuro-stimulation devices. These devices can modify the mechanism and perception of pain by precisely targeting spinal nerves and delivering specific electrical impulses to alter pain perception.

I’m also excited about the use of various minimally-invasive procedures to treat chronic pain, including lumbar decompression (the MILD procedure), Intracept or basivertebral nerve ablation, and spinous process spacers for spinal stenosis treatment.

The field of pain management is rapidly evolving with technological advancements, and it's thrilling to be at the forefront of discovering new methods for pain treatment.

At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?

At Hudson Health, our care philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment experience. We understand that chronic pain is a multifaceted issue, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, and our approach is tailored to address these diverse needs.

Our commitment to hospitality is evident in several key aspects of our approach:

1. Customized Treatment Plans: We recognize that each patient's journey with chronic pain is unique. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves to creating individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs.

2. Holistic Care: We take a comprehensive view of pain management, considering both the physical and psychological components of chronic pain. This holistic perspective is crucial in providing effective and empathetic care.

3. Soothing Environment: We believe that the ambiance of our office plays a significant role in the healing process, and we have meticulously crafted a calming environment that supports this belief.

4. Attentive Staff: Our staff are not only well-trained in their respective fields, but are also deeply committed to providing compassionate care. Their expertise and empathy are integral to our hospitality-first approach.

5. Attention to Detail: We pay close attention to the small details that can make a significant difference in a patient's experience. From the moment a patient steps into our office we strive to make them feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey with us.

6. Integrated Modalities:  By combining various treatment modalities under one roof, we offer a convenient and comprehensive solution to pain management. This integration allows patients to access all the care they need in one place.

At Hudson Health, we are proud of the systems we have developed and the care approach we have cultivated, which places hospitality at the forefront of patient treatment and experience.