Dr. Thomas Pontinen, MD

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Double-board certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist, Dr. Pontinen is one of the co-founders of MAPS – Midwest Anesthesia Pain Specialists in Chicago, Des Plaines, Franklin Park, Hazel Crest, and Woodridge, Illinois. Furthermore, he is on staff at both Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, IL and AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

After the completion of his medical degree at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in 2008, Dr. Pontinen completed a general surgery internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center (2008 – 2010), followed by a residency in anesthesiology (2010 – 2013) and pain management fellowship (2013 – 2014) conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to medical school, Dr. Pontinen completed a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Advertising at the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, MN (2003).

Subsequent to his education, the doctor attained board certifications in both anesthesiology and in interventional pain medicine through the American Board of Anesthesiology. The American Board of Anesthesiology sets standards and exams for the accreditation of Board certified anesthesiologists coming to the end of their residency. It is one of the 24 medical specialty boards that constitutes the American Board of Medical Specialties.

A published author of journal articles and textbook chapters, Dr. Pontinen  has been a prolific presenter at international conferences on topics ranging from surgery to anesthesiology and pain medicine. He is also a principal investigator in multiple FDA trial medications and treatments, continuously advancing the field of pain medicine, ensuring his patients are given the most up to date care.  Furthermore, his research on chronic wound pain was featured in Pain Medicine News, which is the top source of information in the field of pain medicine for healthcare professionals.

“Aside from his research, he is a compassionate physician who works daily to help his patients regain their lives and get back to doing the activities they love. He is passionate about treating the most complex pain cases in a comprehensive, integrative and holistic approach, combining multiple treatment modalities with the most innovative, minimally invasive procedures”, states the official website of Accident Treatment Centers.

Outside his clinical, academic, and research commitments, Dr. Pontinen is a keen volunteer. He works with several international organizations, including Doctors Without Borders. As such, he has travelled to some of the most unstable parts of the globe providing medical care to those who need it most. Dr. Pontinen also enjoys snowboarding, mountain climbing, and is an avid drummer.

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