READY TO
TALK ABOUT PAIN
LIVE?
THESE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ARE!
Talking about pain can be hard. Some fear judgement while others may have had their pain dismissed or needs ignored.
These issues often affect people of color more—especially in the Black community. But silence won’t change anything. That’s why Talk About Pain Live is bringing retired professional football players together with the community for an honest talk about acute pain. If you’ve ever hesitated to bring up pain with your doctor, hear what Hugh Douglas and Justin Tuck—2 of the toughest men in sports—have to say.
INEQUITIES IN PAIN TREATMENT
People of color are more likely to face barriers when it comes to getting their acute pain recognized and treated.
This is especially true for Black people, who are often less likely to receive pain management compared to non-Black people.
For example, from different studies:
Black people are 40% less likely than white people to receive medication for acute pain
Pain experienced by Black people is ~14% more likely to be underestimated by doctors compared to pain experienced by non-Black people
After traumatic injuries, Black people were about half as likely to receive pain medications than white people, even when reporting higher pain levels (7 out of 10 on a 0 to 10 pain scale)
WHEN PAIN IS PART OF THE JOB
RETIRED FOOTBALL STAR
HUGH DOUGLAS
Hugh Douglas is a former professional defensive end who played a standout 10-year career in New York, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville. During his career he earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1995 and secured 3 Pro Bowl selections during his time in Philadelphia. He amassed 80 career sacks, ranking among the top pass-rushers in Philadelphia history. In retirement, Douglas transitioned into media, working as an analyst on ESPN and hosting sports radio in Philadelphia and Atlanta. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he supports charitable efforts through the Hugh Thomas Douglas Memorial Fund, focused on investing in future generations.
RETIRED FOOTBALL STAR
JUSTIN TUCK
Justin Tuck is a former professional defensive end best known for his years playing in New York, where he won 2 Super Bowls and earned 2 Pro Bowl selections. A disruptive force on defense, he recorded 66.5 career sacks and served as a captain during the New York championship seasons. After retiring, Tuck earned his MBA from the Wharton School and pursued a career in finance. He also founded Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing children with books and educational resources to promote stronger academic and health outcomes.
MEDICAL EXPERT AND MODERATOR
DR JOSEPH E RAVENELL, MD
Dr Ravenell is a primary care physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine with over 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and equitable care, with acute pain management serving as a cornerstone of both his clinical work and the training of future healthcare providers. Similarly, his research focuses on community-based interventions to improve health outcomes and access to care, particularly among Black men in urban settings. Through partnerships with barbershops, churches, and mosques, he has built a trusted network of over 200 sites across New York City to address health disparities and promote preventive care.
TACKLE PAIN HEAD ON
Are you looking to start a conversation about acute pain with your doctor?
Our discussion guides can help.
