About Dr. Dombrowski

Dr. John F. Dombrowski, M.D., FASA is a highly respected, board-certified anesthesiologist with more than 25 years of experience in interventional pain management and addiction medicine. A native Washingtonian, Dr. Dombrowski began his academic journey at the University of Richmond, graduating with honors with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He then earned a Master’s degree in physiology from Georgetown University before completing his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1989. He went on to complete his residency in anesthesiology at Yale University.

Dr. Dombrowski initially practiced traditional operating room anesthesiology but soon followed his enduring interest in the management of acute and chronic pain by establishing a private practice in Northwest Washington, D.C. His clinic serves patients who have not found relief through conventional therapies and emphasizes a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to care. His clinical focus includes minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that reduce pain, restore function, and minimize dependence on long-term opioid therapy.

His medical expertise encompasses a broad range of conditions, including spinal disorders, neuropathic pain, and musculoskeletal injuries. In addition to his interventional pain work, Dr. Dombrowski is deeply committed to the ethical and evidence-based treatment of substance use disorders. He serves as the medical director of three methadone treatment programs and a detoxification facility, where he provides integrated care combining medical therapy, behavioral support, and patient education. His approach reflects a strong understanding of the complex emotional and psychological dimensions of chronic pain and addiction.

Dr. Dombrowski has also served in numerous leadership positions within organized medicine. He is a longtime member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), where he served as Secretary and helped guide the society’s 53,000-member body. In that role, he acted as a frequent liaison to the media, advocating for physician education and public awareness. His expertise has been featured on national platforms such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, One America News, and RT.

He is the past President of the Maryland/DC Chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and remains a trusted referral source for physicians across medical specialties. Through his work in both pain management and addiction treatment, Dr. Dombrowski continues to improve the lives of individuals coping with chronic pain and substance use disorders—bringing compassion, innovation, and clinical excellence to every patient encounter.

The Washington Pain Center is designed specifically for the care of patients in pain. We understand the physical and emotional toll pain can cause in both the patient as well as the patient’s family. With this in mind, we will always schedule appointments within 24 to 48 hours of phone calls. We also pride ourselves on our “personal touch”. Our telephones are always answered by our professional office staff; answering machines are only used during the lunch break.

In keeping with the personal touch and the aspect of concierge medicine, patients at the Washington Pain Center never see a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. They are only seen by a physician, Dr. John Dombrowski. At the end of a consultation and/or procedure, every patient is given Dr. Dombrowski’s cell phone number should there be any questions or concerns. This personal touch adds to the success of the Washington Pain Center.

The Washington Pain Center also provides care in a multidisciplinary manner. Appropriate patients are referred to physical medicine rehabilitation, neurologist, physical therapist or internist for appropriate medical management. This team approach is individually tailored so that the patient has access to the best possible care for his specific needs. The Washington Pain Center does not have any financial interest in referrals.

Who benefits from Pain Management Services?

Whether long-lasting or recently developed, pain can interfere with the quality of your life — restricting activity and even causing you to become depressed. Some people come to us seeking relief from short-term or acute pain usually caused by an injury or surgery. Most people who use our services suffer from long-term or chronic pain, which doesn’t always have an easily identifiable cure.

Our goal at The Washington Pain Center is to identify the source of your pain, alleviate or ease the pain and teach you to manage it so you can return to a normal, productive lifestyle as soon as medically possible.

If you are experiencing pain and would like to visit the Center, please talk with your family physician and ask to be referred to us. The Washington Pain Center offers an excellent opportunity for lasting pain relief while teaching you how to manage pain in a way that permits you to lead a productive life.

We understand how pain can affect every part of your life, every hour of your day. At The Washington Pain Center, our goal is to help you manage your pain and resume a more normal, productive life by stopping the pain from managing you.

We believe that when you understand the nature of your pain, you are better prepared to manage it. That is why we devote ourselves to:

• Determining the cause of your pain through advanced diagnostic tests.

• Easing or eliminating pain using state-of-the-art medical and interventional treatments.

• Improving functional capabilities through aggressive, personalized physical therapy programs.

• Teaching skills that will make coping with pain easier and will help you regain control of your body and your life.
  
  

Our Philosophy

We are dedicated to serving the rehabilitation and intervention needs of people with acute or chronic long-term pain. Dr. Dombrowski helps people manage their pain and resume more normal, productive lives.

Appointments are carefully scheduled so that patients and doctor alike are not rushed or kept waiting. We “inform before we perform,” to ensure that patients know their options. The practice was awarded the “On-Time Physicians Award” in 2009 from the Patients Choice. He continues to be awarded Top Physician in Washingtonian Magazine and Checkbook Magazine.

Patient Care

We strive to make every visit to our office relaxing and comfortable for you. To facilitate this goal, we offer a variety of anesthetics and pain management techniques selected according to the procedure and your needs. We choose from the most modern materials and techniques available to provide you with the highest quality care and results based on your individual situation.

The Washington Pain Center provides comprehensive, specialized care in a compassionate setting. With its interdisciplinary team approach to pain management, our physician helps people with chronic pain exceed their perceived limitations as well as eliminate harmful behaviors and replace them with healthy living.

Dr. Dombrowski, A Top Doctor For Patient Care.

Major Insurances Accepted

Aetna
Alliance
Anthem
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
CareFirst
Cigna
GEHA
Great West
Health Net
Humana
Lumenos
MAMSI
Medicare
Medicare DME
Multi-Plan
NCPPO
Occunet
Prime Health Services
Tricare North
Unicare
United Healthcare Choice Plus & PPO
US Department of Labor

Hospital Affiliations

Providence Hospital

Our Services