Since his back herniation, Jay has been a chronic pain sufferer and was prescribed opioid medication first hand. He has been on both sides of opioid epidemic and has an insightful story to share. The question he asks is that even though opioids are being less prescribed now, there is a higher rate of death than ever before, it begs to question that perhaps our approach to this epidemic may not be in the right direction. Jay Shah is currently a third year medical student at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Prior to his medical journey Jay was an aerospace engineer who served in the US Navy, but his time in service was cut short due to several disc herniations in his back. He has a unique perspective and wants to share his thoughts/concerns about the opioid epidemic. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx