An Interview with Dr. George Arcos on His Approach to Treating Chronic Pain

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. George Arcos about how he brings new ideas to life and what the future holds for pain management.

Dr. Arcos shared his journey into medicine, his professional philosophy, and the principles that guide his approach to patient care. As a respected leader in his field, Dr. Arcos’s blend of clinical expertise and compassionate care has earned him recognition both locally and nationally.

In this interview, we explore his thoughts on his role as a leading figure in the field of pain management and gain insights into the values that drive his patient-centered approach.

A Leading Expert in Pain Management

George Arcos is the Medical Director  and lead specialist at the Charlotte Pain Institute, where he focuses on caring for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Arcos is recognized as one of the region’s most skilled interventional pain physicians, creating personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management, and minimally invasive procedures to restore patients’ quality of life.

Dr. George Arcos holds board certifications in anesthesiology and pain medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology. He completed a two-year military training program in pain medicine, during which he was awarded the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for his contributions to pain management. 

His extensive experience includes serving as Chief of Anesthesiology at two institutions and coordinating anesthesia resident training at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Known for his compassionate care, Dr. Arcos has received several prestigious patient-focused awards, including the Compassionate Physician Award and the Patient’s Choice Award. He is also listed among the Leading Physicians of the World, reserved for the top 1-2% of doctors worldwide.

An active leader in the medical community, Dr. Arcos serves on the editorial board of the internationally recognized journal Pain Physician and has held leadership roles in state pain societies. Dr. Arcos’s commitment to advancing pain medicine extends beyond his practice, as he is a sought-after lecturer and contributor to professional journals.

Besides his professional achievements, George Arcos is happily married to Kim and remains dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to the greater Charlotte area. He is currently accepting new patients at the Charlotte Pain Institute, where his blend of clinical expertise and holistic patient care has earned him the respect of both his peers and patients.

Establishing Professional Identity and Values

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

My family physician as a child, Eli H. Stark, D.O. He treated patients of all ages, assisted in my appendectomy at age seven, made hospital rounds, and maintained a busy office practice. He was kind, caring, compassionate, and knowledgeable.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

As a medical student on scholarship with the USAF, I was on rotation at Andrews AFB Hospital. I encountered many active-duty soldiers and veterans with painful, undiagnosed maladies, later found to be Agent Orange exposure in many cases. The suffering was extreme, with few answers. This motivated me to do better for them.

How would you describe your personal and professional values?

I believe in strong Judeo-Christian values, such as accountability, honesty, humility, integrity, and compassion.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would ask my younger self to love more and realize that you can only control your responses and reactions to life’s events. I would encourage him to perpetuate a spirit of daily gratitude and to forgive himself for failures or falling short of unrealistic expectations.

What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?

First, my former practice, The Pain Institute of North Florida, started with my wife in a hospital basement and grew into an industry leader with 24,000 patients. Secondly, my nomination by the American Osteopathic Association to The President’s Council on Bioethics. Lastly, being the first Osteopathic Physician granted a full-time academic faculty appointment in any surgical specialty at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?

Daily prayer and worship, meditation on God’s word, and making time for family.

How do you define success?

Fulfilling God’s purpose for my life, improving the lives of my community, and living a life of integrity, compassion, and devotion to a strong marriage.

Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your greatest example and inspiration? Why?

1. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, followed his intuition against the popular franchises of the day (1946). He lived his faith by closing all company locations on Sundays to allow employees to attend church and spend time with their families, despite critics telling him it was detrimental to his business.

Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?

I support organizations like Tunnel To Towers Foundation, Food Pantry, and Salvation Army, and Samaritan’s Purse.

Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.

Although many patients have been impacted, I often think of a medical student I mentored. She was interested in OB/GYN but developed a passion for pain management during her rotation with me. After graduation, she decided to pursue a fellowship in pain management to address the underserved needs of women in this field. Knowing that my guidance helped shape her career is truly rewarding.

Looking to the Future

Dr. George Arcos continues to push the boundaries in pain management, helping patients live better, pain-free lives. His dedication to advancing medicine and compassionate care for his patients remains at the forefront of his work at the Charlotte Pain Institute. We look forward to seeing how Dr. Arcos’s innovative approaches will shape the future of pain management.

We would like to thank Dr. Arcos for sharing his insights and experience with our readers.

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