R. Scott Stayner, MD, Ph.D.

Education, Training, and Certifications
Board Certifications: Anesthesiology, Pain Management
Fellowships: Pain management – University of California, Davis, California
Residency: Anesthesiology – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Internships: Surgery – Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Medical Education: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate: University of Utah – Bioengineering (Ph.D.)
Undergraduate: University of Utah – Materials Science and Engineering (BS), Japanese (BA)
Languages: English, Japanese
Profile
Scott Stayner, MD, pursued a wide range of interests before joining the medical profession. The Bountiful, Utah, native spent two years volunteering in Japan, worked part-time as a string bassist, received bachelor’s degrees in materials science and engineering, and Japanese, and completed a doctorate in bioengineering. While working on a National Institutes of Health-sponsored study, he developed a passion for helping patients in a hands-on setting, rather than just through research. This led him to pursue his medical degree, which he received at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Stayner’s experience helping care for his grandmother, who suffered from debilitating back pain despite various surgeries and high doses of opioids, instilled in him an interest in pain management. During his pain rotation as an anesthesiology resident at the University of Minnesota – and later as a pain management fellow at the University of California in Davis – he learned that there are more effective ways to treat pain than simply increasing oral opioids. From 2012 – 2016, he established a pain management practice in Billings MT that focused on opioid-sparing treatments for chronic pain. He has since used a similar philosophy in his practice in other locations throughout the Midwest.
Hobbies/Special Interests
In his spare time, Dr. Stayner enjoys playing his string bass, studying Japanese, learning about other cultures, traveling, skiing and spending time with his wife and toddler twin boys. Before the arrival of their twins, he also volunteered with his wife at homeless shelters, especially during the holidays.
Professional Achievements
Dr. Stayner was selected to be a member of a Montana Medical Association committee to address the opioid crisis in the state. As such, he was asked to prepare a series of lectures to help educate primary care physicians on best practices for managing chronic pain, as well as the role of opioid medications. He has also published book chapters and journal articles on safe practices for opioid prescribing.
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Pain Medicine
International Association for the Study of Pain
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists
American Society of Anesthesiologists
North American Neuromodulation Society