For more than two decades, Dr. John Barsanti and Dr. Stephen P. Long have remained steadfast in their mission to provide compassionate, expert care in pain management. Their commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed; Richmond Magazine has once again named them among the 2025 Best Pain Doctors, reaffirming their legacy of trust, knowledge, and dedication to patients across Central Virginia.
Being recognized in Richmond Magazine’s “Top Docs” issue is not just about prestige. It reflects the opinions of fellow physicians who vote for colleagues they trust to treat their own families. For Drs. Long and Barsanti, this repeat recognition signals their consistent delivery of high-quality care and innovation in interventional pain management. It’s a celebration of patient-first care, rooted in deep medical knowledge and an unwavering commitment to improving quality of life for those suffering from chronic and acute pain.
This honor isn’t a first. It’s part of a long-standing tradition for both doctors, whose expertise continues to shape how pain care is practiced across the region.
A Career of Consistent Recognition
Recognition by peers year after year is rare, but both Dr. Barsanti and Dr. Long have achieved just that. Since 2000, they have been listed annually in Richmond Magazine’s Top Docs issue. This long streak of accolades reflects not only their clinical skills but also their integrity and compassion in patient care.
Dr. Barsanti has also received national acknowledgment as “America’s Top Physician” in Anesthesiology and Pain Management by the Consumer Research Council. His recognition extends beyond his clinical skills. He was awarded “Best Bedside Manner” in 2019 by OurHealth Magazine, reinforcing the value he places on meaningful doctor-patient relationships.
Expertise That Sets a Standard
Dr. Long’s expertise is grounded in rigorous training and decades of hands-on experience. He holds dual board certifications in Anesthesiology and Pain Management from the American Board of Anesthesiology. As an examiner for the board in Pain Medicine, Dr. Long plays a vital role in shaping the future of the specialty by helping certify the next generation of pain physicians.
His diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning have earned him spots in respected directories such as Who’s Who in Health Care and multiple “Top Physicians” awards from the Consumer Research Council of America. These honors are not just reflections of accolades; they speak to his ability to make a lasting difference in patients’ lives.
What Makes a Top Pain Doctor?
Being named a top pain specialist isn’t solely about credentials. It involves a comprehensive, empathetic approach to care. Drs. Long and Barsanti specialize in interventional pain management.
Their approach combines advanced technology with a deep understanding of how pain affects all aspects of life. They work closely with patients to design care plans tailored to each individual’s condition, goals, and lifestyle. This level of personalized care plays a large role in their continued recognition and patient loyalty.
The Importance of Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management offers relief for many patients who struggle with chronic pain that doesn’t respond to traditional methods. Treatments such as epidural injections, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation can reduce pain and improve daily functioning without the need for long-term medication use.
Drs. Long and Barsanti are known for their precision in these procedures and their ability to identify the most effective therapies based on each patient’s condition. Their practice provides access to these advanced treatments in a supportive and comfortable setting.
Compassionate Care Rooted in Patient Experience
Awards and certifications are important, but the most meaningful measure of a physician’s impact is patient experience. Drs. Long and Barsanti are consistently praised not just for their expertise but for their ability to listen and provide reassurance during what can be a frightening or frustrating time for patients.
Whether someone is facing nerve damage from an injury or has been dealing with persistent back pain for years, the care these doctors provide is focused on outcomes and on restoring confidence and comfort for their patients.
A Continued Legacy of Leadership
Receiving Richmond Magazine’s 2025 “Best Pain Doctor” honor once again underscores the long-standing leadership of Drs. Barsanti and Long in the field of pain management. Their unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, clinical innovation and physician education positions them as trusted experts in the region.
If you’re searching for trusted, compassionate pain specialists, Commonwealth Spine & Pain Specialists offers the skilled care of award-winning physicians dedicated to helping you live with less pain. Call today to schedule a consultation and experience care that consistently earns the respect of both patients and peers.
