Maxime G. Gedeon, MD

About

Dr. Maxime Gilles Gedeon knows that chronic pain presents challenges for patients. They witness a deterioration in their quality of life, level of function, sleep pattern, and mood.

“I listen to their stories with compassion,” he said. “What I enjoy the most is after I treat them, a high percentage reports returning close to their normal life by experiencing less pain.”

He first became passionate about pain medicine through his grandmother who had a deep connection with nature from which she drew a tremendous knowledge about homemade herbal medicine. “I grew up in a small city and I used to observe my grandmother prepare and administer topical ointments free of charge to patients in the community who chose to consult with her for pain and skin conditions before heading to the dispensary for treatments, if necessary,” he said. “The level of appreciation on the faces of the treated people was so profound that it convinced me to consider a career as a medical doctor treating patients in pain. …I am sure that my grandmother would have been proud of me to follow in her footsteps and improve the lives of many in my local community.”

Dr. Maxime Gedeon brings more than two decades of experience to his role at the National Spine and Pain Centers. He previously worked as a physician as well as a medical director and owner at a pain practice in Pennsylvania. He had also worked part time at a private pain practice in Florida. He earned his medical degree at State University of New York Health Science Center. He completed an internship in internal medicine at New York Downtown Hospital, an anesthesiology residency at New York Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center and a pain management fellowship at the Harvard combined Pain Management Program.

With advances in pain management constantly happening, Dr. Maxime Gedeon is excited about the increased use of ultrasound guidance when performing certain interventional diagnostic and therapeutic pain management procedures.

“Fluoroscopic guidance provides great anatomical landmarks and bone visualization. With adherence to radiation safety protocols and careful procedural techniques, radiation exposure is monitored to stay within acceptable parameters; however, it is still a concern. In addition, fluoroscopic guidance does not offer any view of soft tissue and the needle used during the procedure can potentially puncture a nerve or a blood vessel. Ultrasound guidance eliminates radiation exposure and minimizes the risk of penetrating a nerve, a blood vessel, or a tendon with the needle because of the direct visualization of those structures.”

When working alongside patients to develop an individualized treatment plan, Dr. Maxime Gedeon initiates medication management when conservative treatments such as physical therapy fail to produce adequate results. He thoroughly reviews the patient's past medical history, past surgical history, diagnostic studies, the list of current medications and previously tried medications, and the list of medication allergies following which he performs a pertinent physical examination.

“Once I arrive at a diagnosis, I consider medication management in a stepped care approach as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy,” he said. “All treatment options are discussed with the patient. I have a clear communication with the patient about medication benefits, risks, and probable length of therapy. I educate the patient on the goals of the therapy which include pain control, increased function, and improved quality of life. The dosage of the medication is carefully titrated as tolerated towards our set goals. If the patient reports adverse effects, the therapy will be weaned off for patient safety.”

Dr. Maxime Gedeon believes that the patient-doctor relationship should be built on mutual respect and trust where open communication, confidentiality, and personal boundaries are maintained.

“The doctor should explain medical conditions to the patient in clear terms that the patient can understand,” he said. “The doctor should listen attentively to the patient without judgement and they should both respect each other's time. The doctor should encourage the patient to play an active role in their care and they should collaborate on arriving at decision making with regard to treatment options. I support patient-centered care where the preferences and the needs of the patient are taken into consideration in all healthcare decisions and each treatment plan individualized. This healthy partnership between the doctor and the patient increases patient satisfaction and results in better treatment outcomes.”

Away from the office, Dr. Maxime Gedeon enjoys hiking on a trail to be close to nature, playing pickleball, reading spirituality books, and spending quality time with his wife and children.