Nashville, Tennessee, USA: Sanjay Gupta’s keynote presentation will highlight evidence-driven methods of pain care designed to curb opioid reliance amid the continuing addiction emergency in the United States.
Indian American neurosurgeon, physician, journalist, and author Sanjay Gupta has been selected as the keynote speaker for HMP Global’s 2026 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, set to take place from April 6 to 9 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Gupta, who is CNN’s chief medical correspondent, will present a keynote focused on scientifically supported strategies for managing pain without dependency, as chronic pain and substance addiction continue to pose serious public health concerns across the country.
According to the organisers, the Rx Summit is recognised as the nation’s leading multidisciplinary conference addressing the opioid and addiction crisis. It convenes healthcare providers, scientists, government leaders, law enforcement officials, and recovery specialists.
In his keynote, Gupta will explore how progress in neuroscience and an expanded understanding of the brain and body relationship are transforming pain treatment and addiction therapy.
“Pain remains one of the least understood issues in modern medicine,” Gupta said in a statement. “Research now confirms how closely the brain and body interact, and effective care must consider both. Science proves it is possible to ease suffering without causing additional harm.”
Gupta’s remarks will incorporate insights from his 2025 book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life, which emphasises integrated, research-backed approaches to pain relief while minimising opioid use.
The four-day conference will be hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. HMP Global noted that the program will also include sessions focused on prevention, treatment, and sustained recovery, highlighting the changing national response to the opioid epidemic.
