Algesiologe/Algesiologin

This advanced training (Weiterbildung) takes place at recognized training facilities such as pain hospitals, pain departments of clinics, pain outpatient clinics, or pain practices. Learning locations include examination and treatment rooms, and training rooms. In the case of course-based advanced training in digital learning formats, it may also take place at home.

Job Type: Academic profession (Studienberuf) (plus advanced training (Weiterbildung)). Type of Advanced Training: Advanced training according to the guidelines of the German Society for Pain Medicine (DGS) or the regulations of the state medical associations (Landesärztekammern). Duration of Advanced Training: 280 teaching hours (part-time) or 1 year (full-time). Tasks and Activities: Algesiologists first conduct a detailed pain analysis, usually with the help of a standardized pain questionnaire. Based on their findings, they make a diagnosis and inform about possible therapy procedures. They define therapy goals together with patients and create therapy plans. In addition to medicinal pain therapy, algesiologists apply treatment methods such as shockwave therapy or acupuncture. They document the course of treatments, prepare expert opinions, and monitor service billing. At university hospitals, they may also participate in research projects.

During the “Special Pain Therapy” additional advanced training (Zusatzweiterbildung), specialist doctors work in medical facilities recognized for this training and receive appropriate remuneration. For employment within the scope of the collective agreement for doctors at university hospitals (TV-Ärzte), for example, the remuneration ranges from 7,427 € to 9,302 € (monthly gross). These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them.

280 teaching hours (part-time) for association-internal advanced training (verbandsinterne Weiterbildung). For the “Special Pain Therapy” additional advanced training (Zusatzweiterbildung), it is 12 months (full-time) and 80 hours of course-based advanced training.

Structure of the association-internal advanced training (verbandsinterne Weiterbildung) for Algesiologists: Practical events on special examination techniques and therapy procedures for various pain conditions: 200 teaching hours. Course on theoretical foundations of pain and pain therapy: 80 hours. Structure of the “Special Pain Therapy” additional advanced training (Zusatzweiterbildung) according to the model advanced training regulations of the Federal Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer): Advanced training in Special Pain Therapy: 12 months. Course-based advanced training: 80 hours.

Course fees must be paid for attending the advanced training courses. Additionally, registration and examination fees may apply. Further costs may arise, for example, for work materials or specialized literature.

Contents of the association-internal advanced training (verbandsinterne Weiterbildung) “Algesiologist (DGS)”, e.g.: Fundamentals of pain medicine (e.g., causes, epidemiology, and prevention of chronic pain). Painful diseases of the peripheral and central nervous system, psychological co-morbidities (e.g., neuropathic pain). Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., joint diseases). Various pain syndromes (e.g., pain of the vascular system). Contents of the “Special Pain Therapy” additional advanced training (Zusatzweiterbildung), e.g.: Overarching contents (e.g., neurophysiological foundations of pain development and pain processing, including pain chronification). Diagnosis of pain (e.g., taking a bio-psycho-social pain history). Specific pain therapy (e.g., special pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of neuropathic pain, head and facial pain, back pain, joint pain, and muscle pain).

Good prerequisites for successful advanced training (Weiterbildung) are, above all, in-depth prior knowledge in the field of pain therapy. During their university studies (Studium), students can take relevant elective courses or complete parts of their practical training (Famulatur) in pain therapy. Relevant practical experience after graduation is also beneficial. The following experiences and knowledge can be helpful: Pharmacology: e.g., to assess possible drug interactions. Elective course: e.g., Pharmacology. Psychology: e.g., to discuss medical diagnoses with patients and their relatives. Elective courses: e.g., Medical Communication or Intercultural Competence.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Practical work (under the guidance of doctors authorized to provide advanced training): Typically, performing prescribed practical activities during professional practice (e.g., conducting examinations and treatments). Instructions: Participating in theoretical and practical instructions. Environment: Working under special hygiene conditions to prevent infections. Clothing: Doctor's coat, gloves, and possibly a face mask. Working hours: Typically, shift, night, and on-call duties according to a fixed rotation (including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Requirements: Sense of responsibility (e.g., when deciding on medical measures). Concentration and diligence (e.g., when determining medicinal therapy). Teamwork (e.g., when creating therapy plans with doctors). Flexibility (e.g., quick reaction to changes in a patient's condition). Communication skills and empathy.

Depending on the advanced training (Weiterbildung): Algesiologist (DGS) (association-internal additional designation). Specialist doctor (Facharzt/Fachärztin) in the respective field with the additional designation “Special Pain Therapy” (an addition to a specialist qualification).

Becoming an Algologist (Algesiologe/Algesiologin) is a professional further training (Weiterbildung) for doctors. It follows the internal guidelines of the German Society for Pain Medicine e.V. (DGS). To be recognized in pain therapy further training, 280 teaching hours must be completed. This further training concludes with a final examination based on internal guidelines. Alternatively, doctors can complete an additional further training (Zusatzweiterbildung) called "Special Pain Therapy" in addition to their specialist medical qualification (Facharztkompetenz). This program lasts 12 months and includes an additional 80 hours. It is regulated by the State Medical Associations (Landesärztekammern) based on the German Medical Association's (Bundesärztekammer) model further training regulations (Muster-Weiterbildungsordnung).

After completing their further training (Weiterbildung), algologists work in clinics, specialist medical practices (Facharztpraxen), and health centers, as well as in medical research or teaching. They are involved, for example, in medication-based or computer tomography and image intensifier-guided interventional pain therapy. For algologists, further training for professional adaptation (Anpassungsweiterbildung) is legally required. Through this adaptive further training, one keeps their specialized knowledge current, updates it, and expands it. The range of topics extends from medical specialist training to health management. To advance professionally, a postgraduate master's degree (Masterstudium), for instance in health management or economics, can be helpful. The step into self-employment is also possible, for example, by opening one's own practice.

Association-Internal Further Training (Verbandsinterne Weiterbildung): This further training is regulated by the German Society for Pain Therapy e.V. Additional Further Training (Zusatzweiterbildung) "Special Pain Therapy": At the federal level (Bundesebene), the (Model) Further Training Regulations (Muster-Weiterbildungsordnung) of the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) from 2018, as amended on 03.07.2025, apply. Note: For acquiring the specialist or additional designation "Special Pain Therapy", the further training regulations (Weiterbildungsordnung) of the respective State Medical Association (Landesärztekammer) of which one is a member are legally binding. Chamber Level (Kammerebene): The responsible State Medical Associations issue their own further training regulations. Example for a Medical Association's regulation: Further Training Regulations (WBO) of the State Medical Association of Baden-Württemberg from 18.05.2020, amended by the Statute for the Amendment of the Further Training Regulations of the State Medical Association of Baden-Württemberg from 07.01.2025 (corr. 04/2025). Overview of the State Medical Associations.

Clinically active doctors have access to the association-internal further training (Verbandsinterne Weiterbildung). The prerequisite for acquiring the additional designation (Zusatzbezeichnung) "Special Pain Therapy" is specialist medical recognition (Facharztanerkennung).