An IPPS Pelvic Pain Specialist is an individual with extensive experience in the field of pelvic pain, recognized by peers for their knowledge and achievements, distinct from public recognition. Objective achievements include national/international invited lectures, academic appointments, peer-reviewed publications, and contributions to medical education. Specialists must demonstrate collaboration within IPPS and a commitment to compassionate patient care.

Who Can Apply?

• Physicians and non-physician healthcare professionals with at least 5 years of clinical, research, or educational experience in pelvic pain. Students, fellows, or trainees are ineligible.

Eligibility

1. Active IPPS membership
2. Have attended the IPPS Annual Scientific Meeting and Pelvic Pain Clinical Foundations course within the last 3 years at the time of application (The Convergence PP Annual Congress may serve as an alternate meeting to meet this requirement).

Step 1: Complete Application (requiring the following): 

1. Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date CV/Resume: Upload
2. Current license in designated field, if applicable: Upload
3. A 500-word statement detailing qualifications and contributions to the field
4. Continuing Medical Education/Certificate of Attendance documenting 50 hours of education on pelvic pain-related topics over the last 3 years. (This must include IPPS meeting and/or Convergences PP meeting and may include additional meetings, such as PainWeek, ISSWSH, or equivalent pelvic pain education across healthcare disciplines): Upload(s)
5. Letters of Support: Two letters evaluating accomplishments, reputation, clinical competence, and ethical values. One letter must be from an IPPS member, and another from a community colleague, academic, or institutional leader (Letters can be uploaded or sent directly by the individual making the recommendation via an email invite within the application)
6. Acknowledgment of having reviewed the IPPS Ethics, Professionalism and Equality Policy
7. Acknowledgement that to complete the application you will be sent the PPSD Test by the IPPS Office upon submission of your application. 
8. Acknowledge that the information you have provided is true and accurate

*You will be prompted to create an account. This will allow you to log-in and log-out of the application until your application is complete and submitted.

Step 2: Study Guide and Testing

• Use  the IPPS PPSD Reading Guide as a study tool for taking the PPSD Test
• Upon receipt of the PPSD Test link, Take the test. You must pass the PPSD Test with a score of ≥ 85% (If you do not pass, you may take the test up to three times. Be aware that questions are randomized and there are different versions of the test, so you will not be taking the same test again) 

*Studying for the test using the PPSD Reading Guide is highly recommended.

Step 3: IPPS Application Review of PPSD Application

• Application and Test Score will be verified and sent to the Membership Committee and the Executive Board for final review
• A recommendation will be made to the Board of Directors, who will make the final determination of whether applicant is approved for the PPSD
• The IPPS office will notify applicants via email of their status

Step 4: Payment

• $300 non-refundable fee to be paid upon approval of PPSD. (To make this payment, please call the IPPS Executive Office at 612-474-4140)
• The IPPS PPSD is valid for 5 years
• All specialists are eligible to renew the PPSD by submitting Continuing Medical Education/Certificate of Attendance documenting 50 hours of education on pelvic pain-related topics and meeting the membership and annual scientific meeting requirements. The renewal fee is $200.

Benefits for IPPS Pelvic Pain Specialists

• Certificate of designation (denoting years of designation)
• IPPS pelvic pain specialist pin
• Recognition on IPPS platforms (website, find a healthcare professional, social media, spotlight)
• Proposal submission for IPPS Annual Scientific Meeting presentations (subject to committee approval)
• Recognition logo for use on personal marketing materials

*The IPPS Pelvic Pain Specialist Designation (PPSD) is a benefit of IPPS membership. Not a member? Join today!