W. Michael Hooten MD

Dr. W. Michael Hooten is a Professor of Anesthesiology and a nationally recognized expert in pain medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, he specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions, with a particular focus on evidence-based pain management, pain rehabilitation, opioid stewardship, and multidisciplinary approaches to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Hooten earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and completed residency training in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Anesthesiology, followed by fellowship training in Pain Medicine at Mayo Clinic. His unique multidisciplinary background has enabled him to integrate medical, psychological, and behavioral approaches into the treatment of complex pain disorders.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Hooten has held numerous leadership positions at Mayo Clinic, including Medical Director of the Pain Rehabilitation Center and Director of the Transitional Research Unit for Chronic and Acute Pain. He also serves as a Professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where he is actively involved in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing clinicians.

An internationally respected researcher, Dr. Hooten has authored hundreds of scientific publications, book chapters, and clinical guidelines addressing chronic pain, opioid use disorders, pain rehabilitation, tobacco use and pain outcomes, and evidence-based pain treatment strategies. His research has significantly influenced contemporary approaches to pain management and patient safety.