The King of (Understanding) Pain: Q&A with Ronald Melzack

Ronald Melzack is an emeritus professor of psychology at McGill who revolutionized the study and treatment of pain. His historic partnership with Patrick Wall of MIT led to the 1965 publication of the Gate Control Theory of Pain, which overturned the then accepted view of pain as a primitive and static danger warning system. Instead, Melzack and Wall argued that psychological factors and environment play a large role, and that pain is subjective and ultimately at the mercy of the brain. Melzack has been honoured with a Killam Prize and is an Officer of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Quebec. On April 29, 2009, he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to medical science and the improved health and well-being of people everywhere.” From his office in the Stewart Biology Building, Melzack reflected on his career—and the future of pain relief.