2023 Faculty

2023 Conference Chairs

Chairman

Robert Frykberg, DPM, MPH

Medical Director
DM Prevent Clinics Dubai
Phoenix, AZ

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH is a graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1976. Dr Frykberg went on to complete his residency training at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He served as the President of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society and a Member of the Board of Registration in Podiatry. From 1992 to 1994, he attended the Harvard School of Public Health and graduated with a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in quantitative methods. After 21 years of private practice, Dr Frykberg accepted the position as Clinical Dean of the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery prior to moving to Phoenix. After 15 years of dedicated service to our Veterans, Dr Frykberg has decided to retire from his role as Chief of Podiatry at the Phoenix VA Medical Center and as Director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center Podiatric Residency Program. He continues to hold the academic rank of Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and Adjunct Professor, Midwestern University Program in Podiatric Medicine. His research and writing interests have included all facets of lower extremity disorders, but are specifically focused on diabetic foot ulcers, infections, Charcot foot, and wound care. The author of nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications, he has also been the Editor of two textbooks: The High-Risk Foot in Diabetes Mellitus (1991) and the Diabetic Charcot Foot (2010). His expertise in the Diabetic Foot translated into hundreds of speaking invitations nationally and internationally with numerous lecture engagements in China, India, Russia, South America, the UK, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, and across Europe.

Co-Chair

Charles Andersen, MD, FACS, MAPWCA

Chief of the Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Service (Emeritus)
Chief of the Wound Care Service
Clinical Professor of Surgery UW, USUHS
Madigan Army Medical Center
Tacoma, WA

After graduating from Utah State University, Charles Andersen, MD earned his medical degree at the University of Utah where he also completed an internship and a one year of Surgical Training. He then entered the military where he completed his surgical residency at Madigan Army Medical Center and a Vascular Surgery fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He remained in the military where his positions included program director in General Surgery and Chief of the Department of Surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center for 20 years. After retirement from the Army, he remained at Madigan Army Medical Center as a Civilian Physician. He has spoken nationally and internationally on Vascular Surgery, Limb Preservation, and Wound Care. He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Currently, he is Chief of the Vascular/Endovascular/Limb Preservation Service and Medical Director of the Wound Care Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma Washington. He is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

Co-Chair

Matthew G Garoufalis, DPM, FASPS, FACPM, CWS, FFPM, RCPS Glasg, FRSM

Professional Foot Care Specialists, PC
Chicago, IL

Matthew G Garoufalis, DPM, FASPS, FACPM, CWS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), FRSM, graduated from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio with degrees in Biology and Economics and went on to graduate from the Dr Wm M Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Garoufalis is a past president of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, a Past President of the American Podiatric Medical Association, and is the Immediate Past President of the International Federation of Podiatrists. Dr Garoufalis is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and American Board of Podiatric Medicine with Added Qualification in Wound Care and Limb Preservation. He is a Founding Fellow of American Society of Podiatric Surgeons and a Fellow of American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. He is also a Certified Wound Specialist by the American Board of Wound Management. Dr Garoufalis is a Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is a noted authored of many articles and, as an invited speaker, has accepted speaking engagements for educational lectures, seminars, and workshops, both nationally and internationally, on a variety of topics pertinent to wound care, podiatric medicine and surgery, and practice management. He is considered a Key Opinion Leader in many areas.

Co-Chair

Thomas Serena, MD, FACS, FACHM, MAPWCA

CEO and Medical Director of the SerenaGroup
Cambridge, MA

Thomas E Serena, MD, FACS, FACHM, MAPWCA, CEO and Medical Director of The SerenaGroup, a family of the wound, hyperbaric and research companies, is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The College of William and Mary and Penn State Medical School. He completed his residency in Surgery at The Milton S Hershey Medical Center with an additional year of training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Southern Illinois University. To date, he has opened and operates wound care centers across the United States and globally. Dr Serena has been the lead or Principal investigator in over 100 clinical trials, including gene therapy for critical limb ischemia, antimicrobial dressings, growth factors, topical and parenteral antibiotics, and CTP therapy. He founded the first wound healing cooperative research group that produced more than 12 manuscripts in 2016 alone. In 2011 he developed a diagnostic technique that now bears his name (The Serena Technique). He holds numerous patents on wound care devices and dressings. He is recognized internationally as an expert in the field of wound healing: He has more than 200 published papers and has given more than 1000 invited lectures throughout the world. He has published three medical textbooks and authored numerous book chapters. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Wound Healing Society and served two terms on the board of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and is now the President. He has also been Vice-President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and President of the American Professional Wound Care Association.

2023 Faculty

Mike Allen, BA, BS, RPh

President, ND Labs, Inc.
Long Term Care Geriatric Consultant
CEO, NY Distance Dietetic Internship Program
Lynbrook, NY

Mike Allen, BA, BS, RPh, is a registered pharmacist that has been working for 35 years as a consultant in long term care facilities. His background includes selling and managing different classes of medications for multiple pharmaceutical companies. He saw a tremendous number of laxatives that were being used in nursing homes, and he realized there had to be a better remedy for chronic constipation that millions suffer from. Using his pharmacy background, along with a team of nutritionists, they created a bowel management program, and thus ND Labs/Nutritional Designs Inc. was created. Throughout the last 35+ years, Nutritional Designs has continued to develop new and unique formulations and medical programs to help with diarrhea, chronic UTIs, incontinence, and liquid protein supplements for malnutrition and wound healing. Our nutritional supplements are geared for the young and old alike. As we are all aware, providing solutions for chronic and complex wounds is extremely difficult. Looking at all the different modalities, he realized a key ingredient (nutrition) was missing. This ingredient is the “glue” that “fills the hole and feeds the wound” to provide collagen from within to heal wounds. Nutritional Designs was able to create our most advanced and complete wound healing product called DPP, Dipeptide Power. DPP contains patented dipeptides that stimulate fibroblasts at a rate that produces 30X more collagen than standard liquid proteins. Desert Foot will allow Mike to share with you the importance of nutrition when it comes to wound healing. Sharing the most up to date principles of nutrition mixed in with fun, simple, easy, and interactive tools, will help you learn and retain the fundamentals of nutrition for wound healing. Additionally, DPP provides an excellent profit center for your practice which will make this a win-win situation for both you and your patients.

Jaminelli Banks, DPM

Faculty, Podiatric Residency Program, Director of Research
White Memorial Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA

Jaminelli Banks, DPM is faculty at White Memorial Medical Center. In 2004, she received a summa cum laude BS biology and Chemistry degree from the University of New Mexico. From 2005-2007, she then spent two years at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health completing her post graduate medical education and research studying signaling pathways in lung cancer. Dr Banks received her medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2011 and completed a dual surgical residency program and limb salvage research fellowship at Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center in 2019. Later, Dr Banks completed a second fellowship in Diabetic Limb Salvage Surgical Fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital in Dallas Texas where she performed limb salvage and advanced surgical reconstruction on over 1,000 patients in one year. In 2020, Dr Banks joined White Memorial Medical Center (WMMC) and serves as faculty to foot and ankle surgical residents. While at WMMC, she has been instrumental in the development of a research and clinical residency program for diabetic limb salvage, sports injuries, arthroscopy, and traumatic and post-traumatic conditions of the foot and ankle. Dr Banks has made significant contributions to scientific literature in the fields of diabetic foot management and reconstruction.

Desmond Bell, DPM, CWS

Founder and President Emeritas
The Save A Leg, Save a Life Foundation
Chief Medical Officer
Omeza

Desmond Bell, DPM, CWS is the Founder and President Emeritus of “The Save A Leg, Save A Life” Foundation, a multi-disciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction in lower extremity amputations and improving wound healing outcomes through education, evidence-based methodology and community outreach. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer of Omeza, an evidence-based medical technology company and consumer healthcare products company initially focused on healing chronic wounds and preventing their recurrence. In 2020, he joined MD Coaches as an Executive Physician Coach, serving as a peer-to-peer mentor. Dr Bell was awarded the Frist Humanitarian Award by Specialty Hospital Jacksonville for 2009 and Memorial Hospital Jacksonville in 2018. He is a Board Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) having served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Wound Management for 6 years and presently serving on the Board of the American Board of Wound Management Foundation. He has also been elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and is a member of the CLI Global Society. Dr Bell has published numerous articles primarily pertaining to wound management and lower extremity amputation prevention and has served as an Editorial Board Member for the publication “Today’s Wound Clinic” since its inception. He is a nationally recognized speaker, with regular faculty roles at medical conferences, including Modern Wound Care Management. He is a graduate of Tulane University and the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Devin Bland, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM

Prestige Medical Care
Phoenix, AZ

Devin Bland, DPM, AACFAS, DABPM graduated from Midwestern University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2013. After graduation, he completed his surgical residency in 2016 at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He furthered his surgical training by completing one of the premier surgical reconstructive fellowship programs specializing in Diabetic patients, Charcot, Revisional Surgery, and Pediatric Care with the American Foundation of Lower Extremity Surgery and Research in Alamogordo New Mexico. Dr Bland is board qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He practices in the private sector centrally located in Phoenix Arizona at Prestige Medical Care, a multispecialty group. Dr Bland has received many awards and special recognition for his surgical ability in treating advanced foot and ankle pathology. He has authored textbook chapters relating to bone grafting, served as a residency director, and continues to teach at Midwestern University in Glendale Arizona.

Christopher K Bromley, DPM, FACFAS

Delray Beach, Florida

Christopher Bromley, DPM, FACFAS currently practices foot and ankle surgery in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr Bromley's specialty within the group is Surgery, Sports Medicine, and Homeopathy. Dr Bromley has been passionate about nutrition and complementary medicine since entering private practice. He completed his surgical residency in 1992 in Baltimore, MD. His training included such prestigious hospitals as the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins. An international and national lecturer of foot and ankle surgery, wound care, and regenerative medicine. When not in the office and on the podium, Dr Bromley is an on-track performance driving instructor and motorcycle track day instructor. Dr Bromley is very proud of his three children Sarah, Kent, and Alexander.

Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP

Director of Wound Care Research
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
Kent, OH

Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP is a native Ohioan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati where she graduated summa cum laude. She is also an honor graduate from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Cole has practiced in Northeast Ohio for over 22 years. She is an adjunct professor and Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. She is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Wound Management. She has been a dedicated wound care advocate for two decades with interests focused on medical education, diabetic foot care, wound care, limb salvage, & clinical research. Her passion to help others has led her participate in humanitarian efforts including a medical mission to Jordan in 2018 to aid the large Syrian refugee population seeking asylum from civil war. Dr. Cole has published numerous peer-reviewed and industry articles on these topics and is a sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally. She is a feature writer for Podiatry Management and Today’s Wound Clinic as well as a contributing writer for Podiatry Today. She is an Editorial Board member of Wound Management and Prevention, Podiatry Today, The Foot Journal, Wound Masterclass, Podiatry Management and Lower Extremity Review. She is also the Podiatry Section Editor for the ePlasty Journal and a Guest Editor for Foot and Ankle Quarterly. She is a wound care advocate on the forefront of wound research and was the 2020 World Union of Wound Healing Silver Medal Award recipient for her work in Technology-driven Research and the 2022 recipient of the Kaplan-Kanat Memorial Lecture Award. Dr. Cole is a member of the ACCWS BOD. Additionally, she sits on the advisory board of multiple emerging biotech companies and has been integral in collaborating on innovative research protocols in the space.

Yvette Conyers, DNP, MS, RN, FNP-C, CTN-B, CFCN, CFCS

Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland, School of Nursing
Baltimore, MD

Yvette Conyers, DNP, MS, RN, FNP-C, CTN-B, CFCN, CFCS is the associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion and assistant professor, teaching excellence tenure track, in the Department of Family and Community Health at the University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON). In this role, Dr Conyers serves as the primary advisor to UMSON’s dean, senior academic leadership team, senior administrative team, and Diversity and Inclusion Council on operational and strategic goals related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Yvette is a certified foot care nurse through the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board, and foot care specialist through the American Foot Care Nurses Association. She is currently enrolled in a wound care program to sit for her certification as an Advance Practice certified wound care nurse. Dr Conyers earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Family Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate from St. John Fisher College; a master’s in nursing education from Roberts Wesleyan College in New York; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester; and an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing from Monroe Community College in New York.

Don Curtis, DPM, FACFAS

Assistant Professor
Midwestern University
Glendale, AZ
Associate Professor
Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine
Glendale, AZ

Donald Curtis, DPM , FACFAS is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah and received his undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science & Health at the University of Utah. He went on to complete his medical training at the William M Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr Curtis then continued his training at the Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, in Phoenix, Arizona, completing a three-year surgical residency program. Dr Curtis joined Midwestern University in March of 2012, after eight years of private practice. He is course director for Advanced Pathomechanics, Podiatric Medicine II and Podiatric Emergency Medicine and Trauma. Dr Curtis is board certified in Foot Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He also remains an attending at the Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, working with and helping train the podiatric surgical residents. Dr Curtis is involved with a variety of research activities here on campus ranging from tendon function, wound care and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In the past, he has been involved with research in infectious disease and inter-professional education as well as being a contributing author to a textbook on Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Foot and Ankle.

Huy Dang, DPM

Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates
Centralia, WA

Huy Dang, DPM is a podiatric physician hailing from Chicago, Illinois. He attended the Dr. Scholl Podiatric Medical School at Finch University/Chicago Medical School graduating in 2004. He decided to come out to the northwest to complete a three-year foot and ankle reconstructive surgical residency in which he served as chief resident for two years. He has been practicing medicine in the northwest ever since, and joined the Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates in 2018, specializing in wound care, pediatrics, and foot and ankle reconstruction. Dr Dang also enjoys outdoor activities and sports. He has special interests in sports medicine as well as community service. He is happy to be able to serve the community in both podiatric services as well as humanitarian efforts.

Fran Derk, DPM, DABPM, FACPM

Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder
MDM Wound Ventures
United States Navy
CAPT -Medical Officer

Francis Derk, DPM, DABPM, FACPM earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Pre-Medicine from the Pennsylvania State University with honors and graduated as an academic member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Delta Epsilon. He received his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University where he was also awarded the Dr. Gilbert Masters scholarship for academic achievement and the Dr. Helen Dynoskie award. He completed his externship, internship, and residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, before continuing his surgical residency training at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System where he became an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Shortly afterwards he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics, a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine, and a Diplomate and Fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine. He served 28 years as a physician and limb salvage surgeon for the Veterans Health Care System and as Chief of the Department of Podiatric Surgery for 10 years before retiring. Throughout his career, Dr Derk served as an Associate and Assistant Clinical Professor in surgical residency training programs and an affiliate and consultant with several medical schools and military institutions throughout the United States. For over 20 years, he provided post graduate education and training in surgery for over 70 residents at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and the University Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Derk continues to practice as a part-time attending and consultant for a group practice in San Antonio, Texas, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for MDM Wound Ventures, and continues his academic compassion as a national lecturer and author. Dr Derk has had a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Navy. He served 6 years with the United States Marine Corps as an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in multiple areas of operations, command staff director, and a Joint Task Force Surgeon. He has designed, implemented, executed, and commanded several joint service operations as a plans, operations, medical, and intelligence officer. He is a veteran of foreign wars, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and OCONUS joint military operations and exercises. While serving with the United States Marine Corps, he was awarded the rank of O6 / CAPT and has worn the rank proudly for the last 8 years of his military career. He currently serves as a medical officer, medical provider, and an OIC for the Funeral Honors Detail team. He is an active-duty selective reservist at the San Antonio Navy Reserve Center at BAMC, Texas. His military accolades include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (7 total), Navy Achievement Medal (5 total), Army Achievement Medal, OEF and OIF Mobilization Medals, Navy Volunteer Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal (Expert), and the Navy Rifle Marksmanship Medal (Sharpshooter). His call sign is “Ghost Runner” and it’s no coincidence since he is an avid fitness instructor, competitor, and a gold medalist in several track and field events on the National Seniors tour where he has proudly represented the state of Texas.

Ryan Dirks, MS, PA, CWS

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
United Wound Healing
Puyallup, WA

Ryan became interested in caring for patients as a Physician Assistant with the goal of extending the hands of physicians and providing care in underserved areas. His passion for sports as an NCAA athlete and Olympic hopeful made sports medicine a natural fit. In 2011, he was introduced to skilled nursing wound care and felt a unique calling to provide specialty care in an often underserved area. The love for this work and increasing demand sparked the idea of starting United Wound Healing, and eventually his role as CEO led to full-time leadership and administration. He still volunteers at several local high schools providing sports medicine coverage. Ryan’s interests include spending time with his wife and their twin sons, physical fitness, and exercise. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, hiking, and fly fishing.

Daniel Ferreras, DPM, FACFAS, AAWC

Chief Podiatrist ? PAVE Coordinator
Carl Vinson, VA Medical Center

Hi !... my name is Daniel Ferreras and I’m the Chief Podiatrist at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA. I grew up in the Bronx, New York, having had the benefits of both a parochial and public education to ground me. I am extremely proud of my Latin heritage and am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made on my behalf to help me along the way. Being a physician, surgeon, and certified wound specialist in a rural VA, I help deliver excellence in healthcare by providing the latest in advanced technologies in wound healing and Podiatry to our military veterans. As a former airman in the U.S. Air Force, I served honorably for 10 years with combat duty in the 1st Persian Guld War (1990-1991). My love for medicine and my commitment to my fellow veterans helps me to make a difference in their lives. The creation of a Wound Healing Center of Excellence at the Alexandria VA Healthcare System (2013-2016) was a milestone in my VA career. My present efforts focus on establishing that same level of and access to advanced Podiatric care and wound healing technologies in a rural setting. My career successes would not have been possible without the love and support of my wife Roselyn and our children Alex, her husband Jon and our 4 grandchildren Freya, Skyler, Haven and Riker. I love, music, history, old leather bond books and a special affinity for cooking. I hope to meet and speak with you during one of our lectures or seminars!

Lewis Freed, DPM

OrthoArizona
Phoenix, AZ

Lewis Freed, DPM specializes in ankle arthroscopy and minimal invasive tendon repair and practices in Mesa, Arizona. He received his doctorate in podiatric medicine from Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Freed did his residency in Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery, Foot & Ankle Trauma, Diabetic and Insensitive Limbs and Pediatric Foot Disorders. Dr Freed is a board-certified Foot and Ankle Surgery Diplomate by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Jason R. Hanft, DPM, FACFAS

CEO/Founder
Defender
Miami, FL

Cathy Harmon, DNP, MSN Nrg Ed, FNP-BC, CWOCN

Wound and Ostomy Outpatient Clinic Provider
Lake City VA Medical Center
Lake City, FL

Cathy Harmon, DNP, MSN, FNP Nrg Ed, FNP-BC, CWOCN is the Wound and Ostomy Outpatient Clinic Provider for the Veteran population at the Lake City VA Medical Center in Lake City, FL. The Clinic also provides telehealth services to the Veteran population in outlying rural clinics in South Georgia and North Florida. She serves the Veteran population as a memorial to her dad, a combat wounded WWII Veteran. Dr Harmon earned her nursing degrees - BSN, MSN in Nursing Education and DNP - from Florida State University. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AANC). Dr Harmon received her wound care education from The Medical University of South Carolina, her Foot Care education from WebWOC and her Ostomy education from Emory University. She is certified in all 3 specialties through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certifying Board (WOCNCB) where she also serves as a board member. Dr. Harmon is a member of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC). She also serves as a reviewer for the WOCN and has published articles in the peer-reviewed journals Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) and Ostomy Wound Management as well as several WoundSource blogs. Prior to coming to the VA, Dr Harmon’s nursing career included Acute Care, Pediatrics, Long-Term Care, Home Health Care and as Associate Professor in Nursing. Dr Harmon resides in North Florida with her husband, John, and dog, Vader. She enjoys running, martial arts, gardening, going to the beach and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey.

Evelyn Heigh-Rosen, DPM

Clinical Faculty & Assistant Professor
Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University
Phoenix, AZ
Associate, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Medicine Diplomate, American Board of Wound Management

Evelyn Heigh-Rosen, DPM is an Arizona native and received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Arizona State University. She received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University. Dr Heigh-Rosen completed a comprehensive foot/ankle medical and surgical residency at the Northwell Health Hospital System in Long Island, NY, and went on to continue her training with a fellowship at the UCLA-affiliated podiatry program in Los Angeles. Dr Heigh-Rosen is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine as well as the American Board of Wound Management. She is board-qualified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr Heigh-Rosen joined the Midwestern University faculty in March of 2022, after 3.5 years of practicing with a large multispecialty group in Phoenix, AZ. Dr Heigh-Rosen has a special interest in both treating and researching dermatologic conditions of the lower extremity. Dr Heigh-Rosen has contributed to the medical literature to improve the care of patients with lower extremity disorders and has presented at national podiatric medical meetings in the wound care arena.

Adam Johnson, DPM

Warren S Joseph, DPM, FIDSA

Adjunct Clinical Professor
Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University
Glendale, AZ Editor - Journal of the APMA

Warren S Joseph, DPM, FIDSA is a specialist in the treatment of lower extremity infectious diseases. He received his podiatric degree, magna cum laude, from W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr Joseph completed his postgraduate training in podiatric medicine/surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Hahnemann University School of Medicine, both in Philadelphia. He is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. Dr Joseph is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and sits on the IDSA Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines Committee. He is also certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, and currently serves as Editor of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr Joseph lectures extensively and his presentations have focused on the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the lower extremity. He has authored close to 100 publications in the field of lower extremity infections and is the author of the Handbook of Lower Extremity Infections, now in its third edition.

Annika Kariniemi, MSN, RN, APRN, CNP, CWCN

Family Nurse Practitioner
Avella Wound Care
Flagstaff, AZ

Avella Wound Care is led by Annika Kariniemi FNP, a Board-Certified Wound Specialist. She is a nationally recognized wound care expert, having lectured at prestigious conferences such as the American Vein and Lymphatic Society and the T3 Seminar (Treatments, Techniques, and Technologies of the Lower Extremity). The team at Avella understand that chronic wounds occur for a variety of reasons, often requiring a team of medical professionals to create a full care plan. Annika collaborates and holds close relationships with local vascular surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, podiatrists, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies to optimize each patient’s care.

Robert J Klein, DPM, FACFAS, CWS

Chair, Division of Wound Care
Prisma Health Systems - Upstate
Greenville, SC

Originally from Caldwell, New Jersey, Dr Robert Klein, completed podiatric and surgical training in Chicago at Dr William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. He holds an undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University in Chemistry. Dr Klein continued his education as the Chief Resident at Michigan Health Center in Detroit. He sustained lifelong learning taking post graduate courses at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and is currently completing a Strategic Healthcare Leadership program at Cornell. Dr Klein is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and American Board of Wound Management. Dr Klein practices wound care and limb preservation full time. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USCSOM) – Greenville, and serves as the Chair, Division of Wound Care for Prisma Health Systems - Upstate. He has over 27 years of experience treating difficult to heal wounds. Dr Klein demonstrates a strong passion and commitment to wound care, hard to heal wounds of the foot and ankle, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Dr. Klein has presented multiple scientific abstracts and posters and serves as a peer Reviewer on the Editorial Staff of Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice, as well as appearing on national television more than once. In his spare time, he volunteers for the United State Naval Academy counseling and mentoring USNA Candidates while educating academic advisors in USNA career opportunities.

Neal M Lonky, MD, MPH

Founder and CEO
Histologics
Anaheim, CA

Neal Lonky MD, MPH is the founder and CEO of Histologics LLC, a medical device company that is dedicated to the diagnosis and effective treatment of tissue-based disease with a “compassionate” approach. He is Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at University of California, Irvine and still practices Gynecology part-time. Dr. Lonky received his BA from SUNY Buffalo, MD from SUNY Stony Brook, Internship and Residency from Harbor UCLA in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management from UCLA. He is a former elected Director of the Southern California (Kaiser) Permanente Medical Group, multi-awarded Researcher, and recipient of Exceptional Contribution Alumni awards from both SUNY Stony Brook and the UCLA School of Public Health. As the multi-patented inventor of Histologics’ core platform technology, the Kylon® medical fabric, Dr. Lonky has envisioned and Histologics accomplished the transformation of cervical/vaginal biopsy becoming a 21st century minimally invasive brush biopsy/tissue trap gentle experience vs the feared metal cutting tool biopsy of the early 20th century.; known as high quality “Compassionate Colposcopy®” (histologics.com). The award-winning Kylon® device technology has moved into the wound care field not only evidence-based for wound biopsy (histology and biofilm diagnosis), but also as a compassionate versatile wound debridement practice technology that wound care providers across the spectrum of expertise, from non-debridement trained caregivers providing “wound hygiene” to advanced wound care “surgical” providers in podiatry, nursing, and medicine will find of value. This is “Compassionate Debridement at your Fingertips®” (histologicswc.com).

Eric Jay Lullove, DPM, CWSP, FACCWS

Chief Medical Officer
West Boca Center for Healing
Coconut Creek, FL

Eric J Lullove, DPM, CWSP, FABWH(c) DABLES, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), is in private practice in Coconut Creek, FL. Dr Lullove currently serves as Medical Director for the West Boca Center for Wound Healing. His focus is on advanced wound healing and limb preservation with research and clinical interests in wound proteases, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and peripheral arterial disease. He has specific experience in reconstructive lower extremity surgery, collagen replacement wound therapy and regenerative cell therapies. Dr Lullove’s most recent research was a lead principal investigator for multiple RCTs, and Cost-Analysis studies performed on wound graft device product. Dr Lullove serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Today’s Wound Clinic and Wounds. He currently serves the Wound Healing Society as part of its Government Affairs Liaison to the Alliance of Woundcare Stakeholders and has been recognized as an expert in the clinical medicine regulatory aspect of wound care since 2015. Dr Lullove serves as adjunct clinical faculty at Northwest Medical Center and has received certifications from the American Board of Wound Management and the American Professional Wound Care Association with Added-Qualification in Physician Wound Management. After receiving his degree in Psychology from Wayne State University, Dr Lullove earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in 2002. Dr Lullove was awarded the position of Fellow in Podiatric Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland in 2023. Dr Lullove has authored and co-authored over 90 articles and presentations regarding acellular dermal tissues, venous compression, wound Healing, advanced joint implant surgery and practice management. He has lectured nationally and internationally on wound management topics.

Jose Luis Lázaro-Martínez, DPM, MSc, PhD, FFPM RCPS , (Glasg)

Tenured Professor
Clinical Director
Head of Diabetic Foot Unit
Director of the Diabetic Foot Research Group at Complutense University and Health Research Insititute at San Carlos Teaching Hospital (Madrid) Spain

Prof. Lázaro-Martínez is Full Time Professor at the University of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). He got his PhD degree at the same university doing his doctoral thesis on biomechanics of the diabetic foot. He is an expert in Podiatric Surgery certified by a Fellowship Board of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He holds a Master of Science Degree on Health’s Research (MSc) by UCM. He is the Head of the Diabetic Foot Unit at UCM. He is Director of both Research Groups in diabetic foot at UCM and at the Research Institute of Health of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid. He was the Coordinator of the Diabetic Foot Working Group of the Spanish Diabetes Society. He was the Scientific Secretary of the Diabetic Foot Study Group (DFSG) belonging to the European Association of the Study of Diabetes. He is Honorary President of Diabetic Foot International (International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot Implementation). He is a member of the Editorial Committee of the Journal Diabetic Foot & Ankle, Journal Clinical Medicine and Frontiers Endocrinology. He has numerous publications in international journals indexed in the journal citation report (JCR- more than 140). He has conducted 20 doctoral theses (PhD) in the field of diabetic foot at the Complutense University of Madrid. He has participated in more than 350 conferences at the national and international level.

Patrick McEneaney, DPM

Founder and CEO
Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
Crystal Lake, IL

Patrick McEneaney, DPM is board-certified and completed his medical school training at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. His residency training was at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Administration. He then moved back to Chicago where he finished his residency at Thorek Memorial Hospital and Weiss Memorial Hospital. He is the founder and CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, with several locations around the Chicagoland area. McEneaney is double board-certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery in both foot & reconstructive rearfoot/ankle. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and Diplomate, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery®. Dr. McEneaney is a past President of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and Co-Director of Northwest Illinois Foot & Ankle Foundation Fellowship. He lectures throughout the country on foot and ankle topics and he has been Scientific Co-chair for several years for the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference. He also trains podiatric surgery residents from Rush Hospital in Chicago. He is Medical Director & Principal Investigator of the Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists’ Center for Research & Clinical Trials. Dr. McEneaney also has numerous literature publications present in several journals. He is a consultant for several medical device companies with responsibilities including surgical implant and instrument design, medical education, lab proctoring, and publishing. His professional interests involve advanced reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. His specialties involve flatfoot reconstruction, post-traumatic injury management, deformity correction and wound care/limb salvage. Dr McEneaney was a Division I college wrestler at Northern Illinois University. He currently resides in Crystal Lake where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Jeffrey Page, DPM

Jeffrey Page, DPM is a Founding Dean of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University. He is a Senior VP and Executive Dean at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. Dr Page is also a Visiting Professor at the Nankai University School of Medicine in Tianjin, China. Dr Page received his podiatry degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and did his residency in foot and ankle surgery at Waldo General Hospital in Seattle. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery and wound care.

Gina Painter, DPM

Collin E Pehde, DPM, FACFAS

Assistant Clinical Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Collin Pehde, DPM, FASPS is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Podiatry at UT Health San Antonio. He holds the Lee J. Sanders Professorship in Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention and serves as the Director of the Amputation Prevention and Research Fellowship. Dr Pehde focuses his practice on the treatment of the diabetic foot. This encompasses preventive high risk diabetic foot care, acute and chronic wound management and advanced foot and ankle orthoplastic reconstructive surgery to prevent major limb amputation. He is dedicated to training medical students, residents, and fellows on their journey to becoming the next generation of podiatric surgeons.

Mario Ponticello, DPM

Chief of the Limb Preservation Service
Director of the Complex Lower Extremity Surgery and Research Fellowship
Madigan Army Medical Center
Tacoma, WA

Mario Ponticello, DPM graduated from Inova Fairfax Hospital Podiatric Surgical Residency in 2008. He then began private practice in Milwaukee, WI for seven years. He has been involved in residency and student education for the last eight years as a prior teaching faculty member at Columbia St Mary's Podiatric Residency Program and Wheaton Franciscan Podiatric Residency Program. In 2015, Dr Ponticello transitioned to Tacoma Washington as the Chief of the Limb Preservation Service and Director of the Complex Lower Extremity Surgery and Research Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center.

Allison Ramey-Ward, PhD

Research and DeveleopmentManager
ProgenaCare Global, LLC
Marietta, GA

Allison Ramey-Ward, PhD is the research and development manager at ProgenaCare Global in Marietta, GA. She received her BS in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA and her doctorate in the same field from the joint program at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Her research focuses on how cells interact with their substrates and each other in order to develop more effective regenerative medicine strategies. She has authored multiple papers on biomaterials for tissue engineering, and placed in the Society for Biomaterials Rising Star young investigator competition in 2023 for her recent work with keratin-based materials for wound healing. When not in the lab, she enjoys gardening, gaming with her husband, and singing in a local band.

Matthew John Regulski, DPM, FFPM RCPS , ABMSP, FASPM

Medical Director
The Wound Care Institute of Ocean County, NJ
Senior Partner
Ocean County Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates
Toms River, NJ

Matthew Regulski, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), ABMSP, FASPM is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He performed his residency at the Main Line Health System in Philadelphia, PA, and is currently the Medical Director of the Wound Care Institute of Ocean County, LLC. Dr Regulski is also Co-Director of The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Community Medical Center and is involved at the Wound Care Center at the Kimball Institute. He has been the principal investigator for multiple clinical trials for wound healing, diabetic foot, and venous leg ulcers, and has authored several peer-reviewed articles for the treatment of chronic wound healing and limb-salvage surgery. Dr Regulski is currently on the Board of Directors of the Federation of International Podiatry and is the Scientific Chairman for the Federation of International Podiatry. He is also the Communications Director for the Foot Working Group of the American Diabetes Association. Dr Regulski is a wound care certified physician and fellow of both the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing and the American Professional Wound Care Association. He is also a National Delegate for the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care and is a member of the Wound Healing Society. An International and National lecturer of wound healing and limb-salvage surgery, Dr Regulski has multiple certifications in wound healing, diabetic wounds, and limb-salvage surgery. Dr Matthew Regulski is a fellow faculty member at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Scotland.

Johanna Richey, DPM, FACFAS, DABFAS

Assistant Professor
Midwestern University
Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine
Glendale, AZ

Johanna Richey, DPM, FACFAS, DABFAS grew up in the southwestern United States in both Texas and Arizona. She began her career as an art and education major in college. Life drawing sparked her curiosity into life sciences and ultimately medicine as a career. She graduated from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University and completed her surgical residency program with Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. She has been heavily involved in academics both as a residency program attending at the Kaiser SF Bay Area Program and now as Assistant Professor/Attending Faculty at Midwestern University. Dr Richey is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in both Rearfoot Reconstruction and Forefoot Surgery. She is currently the Co-Chair of the AO DPM North America Division and continues to be active in clinical research with multiple peer reviewed publications and continued medical education lecture events. She has served on hospital committees for Peer Review, OR/Surgical efficiency, and Trauma Response team efforts. She has been in clinical practice for over 10 yrs, but her passion is centered in academics. She has worked in several different practice environments, including private and large organizational settings, serving in both inpatient and outpatient care roles, including trauma and elective reconstructive surgery.

Lee C Rogers, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glas

Associate Professor/Clinical, Podiatry Division Chief
UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Lee C Rogers, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glas) is on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He helped the ABPM found the Certificate of Added Qualification in Amputation Prevention and Wound Care in 2017. He is a Fellow Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Dr Rogers has authored over 150 peer reviewed manuscripts or book chapters and focuses on creating systems of excellence for diabetic foot care and limb salvage.

Michael Schubyn, DPM

Owner
IMS Medical Supply
Naples, FL

Michael Schubyn, DPM is a podiatrist by training and never thought about doing anything else until a colleague asked me to help him sell his older equipment so he could upgrade his back office. In that process, I recognized an unfulfilled need in the market, a need that I had felt and saw in the others I interacted with as part of that sales process. Dr Schubyn found joy in giving new life to older equipment and to pairing clients with the right equipment for their business, whether they were a new practice needing older equipment to start their practice or a thriving practice looking to upgrade their customer experience with newer equipment. I left my podiatry practice 12 years ago to start IMS Medical Equipment and haven’t looked back. My goal for this company remains the same as the day I started it- to be able to offer everything needed for the back office of a medical offices at affordable prices and quality you can count on.

Chia-Ding Shih, DPM, MPH, MA

Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC Adjunct Assistant Professor, California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University Chair, Public Health and Preventive Podiatric Medicine Committee of the American Public Health Association Los Angeles, CA

Chia-Ding (JD) Shih, DPM, MPH, MA, specializes in chronic wounds of the foot and ankle, lower extremity biomechanics, and foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. Dr Shih is board certified in Podiatric Medicine and holds a master’s in public health. His research interests include population studies in non-traumatic amputation prevention and health care disparities, along with biomechanics and foot and ankle reconstruction as part of wound management. He is widely published in peer-reviewed medical journals on topics such as diabetic foot epidemiology, diabetic foot ulcer and infection diagnostic imaging and diabetic foot prevention strategy and policy. Dr. Shih is active in the American and California Podiatric Medical Associations and the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, where he serves as a mentor. He received the Arthur E. Helfand Award for outstanding research and the John and Janet Carson Public Health Advocacy Award, both from the American Public Health Association. He completed the Lawrence B. Harkness Limb Salvage Fellowship at Keck Medicine in 2019. He received his doctorate in Podiatric Medicine with honors from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, then served his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery with the Department of Veteran Affairs and multiple hospitals across Los Angeles. Dr Shih’s interest in preventing amputations led him to get his Master of Public Health from The Dartmouth Institute at Giesel School of Medicine. His goal is to help patients across Southern California preserve their mobility and live in active, healthy lives. He grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and has lived in the United States for more than half his life, residing on both the east and west coasts.

Adriana Strimbu, DPM

Treasurer, FPMA
Past President, Miami Dade County Podiatry Association
Co-Chair, Public Affairs Committee FPMA
Hallandale Beach, FL

Adriana Strimbu, DPM did her undergraduate school at Florida International University in Miami, Florida and then went to podiatry school at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. She did her residency at Cedards Medical Center. She currently is in private practice at Hallandale Beach Podiatry Services in Hallandale, Florida. Dr Strimbu is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor for Barry University School of Podiatry. She is the Treasurer of FPMA and the Co-Chair of Public Affairs at FPMA. Dr Strimbu is also the Past President of Dade County Podiatric Medical Association.

Zwelithini Tunyiswa

Chief Executive Officer
Open Wound Research

Zweli, a proficient healthcare management professional and seasoned entrepreneur with expertise in quantitative marketing and data science, embarked on his journey in wound care back in 2011. At that time, he joined forces with Wound Healing Solutions, a prominent post-acute wound-care consultancy in the nation, where he played a pivotal role in its development and eventually became a partner. The consultancy was successfully acquired in late 2022, and today, Zweli is the CEO of Open Wound Research, a venture he co-founded in the same year.

Carolyn Twomey, BS, BSN

Global VP, Medical Affairs and Research
Irrimax Corporation
Richmond, VA

Carolyn L. Twomey currently serves as the Global Vice-President, Medical Affairs and Research for Irrimax Corporation. Before Irrimax, she held leadership positions for various medical device and healthcare companies in domestic and global divisions. She has held clinical positions, including interim perioperative director, director of critical care, and director of interventional cardiology. She has also served as assistant professor of surgery and director of the Advanced Life Support Center at the Medical College of Virginia and as regional faculty for the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Division. Nominated by her physician peers to the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), Carolyn has received numerous awards for clinical and educational excellence, including The Surgical Infection Society Presidential Citation, created to recognize those SIS members who have demonstrated meritorious service to advancing the mission of the society in surgical infections. Twomey is a published author with manuscripts in over a dozen journals and clinical publications. She is a member of AORN and formerly served as a trustee on the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Foundation Board. As a respected speaker and key thought leader, Carolyn has presented at over 40 clinical conferences across the globe.