Annina Schmid
Professor of Pain Neurosciences
University of Oxford
My mission is to deepen the understanding of pain neuroscience and translate research into effective treatments for people with nerve-related symptoms.
Background
Professor Annina Schmid is a Wellcome Clinical Research Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford and a renowned expert in pain neuroscience. She leads the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab, which is part of the Neural Injury Group. Combining her clinical background with advanced research to improve the management of neuropathic pain and entrapment neuropathies.
Research
At the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab, Professor Schmid and her team use a translational and interdisciplinary approach to study the pathophysiology of neuromusculoskeletal conditions with the ultimate goal to improve management for patients.
Publications
Please explore the breadth of Annina Schmid's contributions to the field of pain neuroscience via a comprehensive list of academic publications available on PubMed.
I aim to transfer my knowledge and latest insights in pain neuroscience through courses, bridging research and practice to improve patient care.
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The true measure of these courses lies in the impact they have on participants.
I understand you may have questions about me and the courses.
Here are answers to some of the most common queries to help you prepare.
Who is Professor Annina Schmid?
Professor Annina Schmid is a Wellcome Clinical Career Development Fellow and Professor of Pain Neurosciences at the University of Oxford. She is a leading authority in pain neuroscience, specialising in nerve regeneration, neuropathic pain, and entrapment neuropathies.
What is the focus of Professor Schmid's research?
Professor Schmid’s research centres on deep clinical phenotyping and a bench-to-bedside approach. Her team combines clinical assessments, advanced neuroimaging, and molecular analyses to better understand nerve injuries and neuropathic pain, while also developing innovative physiotherapeutic strategies.
What is the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab?
The Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab, led by Professor Schmid at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, employs a translational and interdisciplinary approach to study neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with the goal of improving patient management and treatment outcomes.
Science LabWhat are entrapment neuropathies?
Entrapment neuropathies occur when nerves become compressed or irritated as they pass through narrow anatomical spaces, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Professor Schmid’s research aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
What is neuropathic pain?
Neuropathic pain is pain caused by lesions or diseases affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Professor Schmid investigates its underlying mechanisms and explores new treatment options to reduce its often debilitating impact.
What are some current research projects led by Professor Schmid?
Current projects include studying neuroinflammation in whiplash, exploring the mechanisms behind neurodynamic treatments (MONET), and identifying factors that predict chronic pain in sciatica through the FORECAST study. Her team also analyses patient bio-samples and conducts wet-lab experiments to advance pain research.
What is Professor Schmid's educational background?
Professor Schmid began her career as a physiotherapist in Switzerland, earned a Master of Manipulative Therapy from Curtin University in Australia, and completed her PhD at the University of Queensland, focusing on the implications of entrapment neuropathies.
Does Professor Schmid collaborate with other researchers?
Yes, Professor Schmid collaborates extensively with a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, pharmacologists, bioinformaticians, biomedical scientists, and medical professionals. She partners with both national and international experts to advance pain research and enhance patient outcomes.
Science LabAre the courses for beginners or specialists?
The courses are designed for clinicians at all postgraduate levels. Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced specialist, Professor Schmid’s courses provide practical insights and advanced strategies to enhance your clinical practice.
Are all courses taught in person?
Professor Schmid offers courses in various formats, including face-to-face, fully online, and hybrid models. Please consult the respective course organisers for details on each course’s format.
Does Professor Schmid teach in English only?
Professor Schmid teaches courses in both English and German. Additionally, she offers translated versions in French, Italian, and Spanish to ensure accessibility and quality for a diverse audience.
What are Professor Schmid’s teaching credentials?
Professor Schmid has been teaching pain neurosciences internationally since 2013. She co-leads the MSc in Pain Neurosciences program at Oxford University, has led modules in musculoskeletal medicine, and frequently guest lectures at renowned physiotherapy programs worldwide.
Can we organise a course with Professor Schmid in my country?
Professor Schmid primarily teaches in Germany, Switzerland, France, and Italy, though she occasionally conducts courses in other countries. If you are interested in organising a course with her, please contact her (see below), and plan well in advance as her schedule is typically booked 1-2 years ahead.
Does Professor Schmid still practice clinically?
Despite her full-time research role at Oxford University, Professor Schmid maintains a small clinical caseload at a private practice in Oxford. This practice helps her refine her skills and ensures her research remains closely connected to patient care.