Dr. Sean C. Mackey, MD, PhD

Sean C. Mackey, MD, PhD is an anesthesiologist based at Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care in Stanford and Redwood City, California, recognised internationally for work in pain medicine and pain neuroimaging. He holds the position of Redlich Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine.

The research and clinical emphasis of Dr. Sean Mackey falls on chronic pain mechanisms and brain imaging, functional MRI of pain perception and complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. He is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health Director’s Award, 2015.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who keep patients safe, comfortable and stable before, during and after surgery or another procedure. Within that specialty, Dr. Sean Mackey is best known for pain medicine and pain neuroimaging.

Dr. Sean Mackey Specialty And Affiliation Summary

• Full Name And Credentials: Sean C. Mackey, MD, PhD
• Specialty: Anesthesiology
• Subspecialty Focus: Pain medicine and pain neuroimaging
• Current Position: Redlich Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine
• Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care
• Location: Stanford and Redwood City, California

Dr. Sean Mackey Education History

The training record below is drawn from the institutional and society sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Undergraduate and Graduate: BSE and MSE in bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 1986
• Medical Degree: MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1994
• Doctorate: PhD in electrical and computer engineering, University of Arizona, 1994
• Internship: Tucson Medical Center, 1995
• Residency: Anesthesiology, Stanford University Medical Center, 1998
• Fellowship: Pain medicine, Stanford University, 1999
• Board Certification: American Board of Anesthesiology in Anesthesiology, 1999, and in Pain Medicine, 2000

Dr. Sean Mackey Scope Of Practice

Published professional sources describe the clinical and academic work of Dr. Sean Mackey as centred on:

• Chronic pain mechanisms and brain imaging
• Functional MRI of pain perception
• Complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Interdisciplinary chronic pain treatment
• Pain outcomes measurement and health policy

Professional Roles And Society Leadership Of Dr. Sean Mackey

• Redlich Professor and Chief, Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford University, chief since 2007
• Founder and Director, Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory, since 2002
• Professor by courtesy of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford
• Past President, American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2014 to 2015
• Co-author of the Institute of Medicine report Relieving Pain in America
• Co-Chair, Oversight Committee for the HHS and NIH National Pain Strategy
• Creator of CHOIR, an open source learning health system for pain care

Distinctions Held By Dr. Sean Mackey

• National Institutes of Health Director’s Award, 2015
• Stanford Pain Management Center twice designated a Center of Excellence by the American Pain Society under his leadership
• Author of more than 200 journal articles, book chapters and abstracts

Hospital And Institutional Affiliation Of Dr. Sean Mackey

Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care

Stanford and Redwood City, California. Clinical commitments at this institution are arranged through its departments and preoperative services. Confirm the current street address, department and telephone number with the institution before travelling, because academic appointments and clinic sites change.

Understanding Pain Medicine

Pain medicine is the branch of anesthesiology that treats pain lasting beyond normal healing, as well as severe pain after surgery or from cancer. Care is usually multidisciplinary, combining medication, interventional procedures, physical rehabilitation and psychological support. The aim is to restore function and quality of life rather than simply to raise drug doses.

Other Specialists In Pain Medicine

If you are comparing specialists, these anesthesiologists work in closely related areas:

• Dr. Chad Brummett, pain medicine at University of Michigan Medical School and Michigan Medicine
• Dr. Honorio Benzon, pain medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Ian Gilron, pain medicine at Queen’s University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre
• Dr. Edward Mariano, regional anesthesia at Stanford University School of Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Browse the full anesthesiologist directory for more specialists.

Arranging A Consultation With Dr. Sean Mackey

Anesthesiologists are usually brought into a patient’s care by a surgeon, a hospital preoperative clinic or a pain service rather than through direct booking. Insurance participation varies by hospital and by plan, and it changes over time. Check coverage with both the institution and your insurer before scheduling, and ask whether the named anesthesiologist will personally be involved in your care.

Your Questions About Dr. Sean Mackey

Where did Dr. Sean Mackey go to medical school?

MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 1994. Full training details appear in the education section above.

What are the qualifications of Dr. Sean Mackey?

Sean C. Mackey, MD, PhD. Specialist training in Anesthesiology, Stanford University Medical Center, 1998. American Board of Anesthesiology in Anesthesiology, 1999, and in Pain Medicine, 2000.

Is Dr. Sean Mackey board certified?

American Board of Anesthesiology in Anesthesiology, 1999, and in Pain Medicine, 2000. Patients and referring clinicians should confirm current licensure and certification status directly with the relevant medical board or hospital.

What position does Dr. Sean Mackey hold?

Dr. Sean Mackey is Redlich Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pain Medicine, based at Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

An anesthesiologist is a physician who plans and manages anaesthesia and pain control, and who monitors breathing, heart function, circulation and comfort during surgery and recovery. The role also covers preoperative assessment and critical care.

What is pain medicine?

Pain Medicine is the area of anesthesiology concerned with pain medicine and pain neuroimaging. Clinicians working in this area, including Dr. Sean Mackey, aim to make surgery and recovery safer and more comfortable.

Source List For Dr. Sean Mackey

• Stanford Medicine faculty profile
• Stanford Pain Management Center
• Stanford Systems Neuroscience and Pain Laboratory

Review Status Of This Dr. Sean Mackey Profile

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including institutional faculty pages, hospital provider directories and specialty society records. Credentials, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Medical Disclaimer For The Dr. Sean Mackey Profile

Information only, not medical advice. Location, specialty, insurance and availability change, so confirm details with Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care.