Learning Objectives

1. Review advancements in NPWT, including novel peel-and-place dressings, and apply an algorithmic approach to selecting appropriate technologies
2. Analyze the clinical utility of an integrated peel-and-place NPWT dressing in promoting wound healing, reducing dressing changes, and enhancing patient comfort
3. Evaluate the importance of periwound skin protection and review the science and clinical application of polymer cyanoacrylate–based skin protectants for managing and protecting at-risk skin under NPWT
4. Examine case-based scenarios highlighting the components of the NPWT toolkit, and demonstrate the step-down therapies involved in progressing toward wound closure

This hands-on, experiential workshop delivers an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements in wound care—from hospital to clinic to home. Designed for the interdisciplinary wound care team, the session integrates the full spectrum of innovation in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), compression therapy, advanced dressings, and skin care. Through engaging case-based discussions, interactive polling, and immersive hands-on stations, participants will experience how technology and clinical expertise intersect to optimize outcomes across diverse care settings. Expert faculty will guide learners through each phase of the patient journey, emphasizing practical strategies for intervention, and continuity of care.

Supported by an educational grant from Solventum, Medical Surgical Business.

Biomaterials for Modeling and Therapeutic Delivery in Wound Healing and Repair

Jason A. Burdick, PhD

The Thomas K. Hunt Endowed Lecture, established in 2013, honors the legacy of Dr. Thomas K. Hunt, a pioneering leader in wound healing research and a founding member of the Wound Healing Society. This annual lecture aims to inspire and educate wound healing researchers by highlighting innovations in related fields. Each year, the Wound Healing Foundation selects an honorary speaker, not limited to those directly involved in wound healing research but inclusive of investigators who demonstrate the ability to bridge scientific gaps and apply fundamental physiological principles to understand healing processes across multiple organ systems.

This session highlights cutting-edge advances at the intersection of regenerative biology and reconstructive surgery. Speakers will explore how emerging biomaterials, engineered tissues, and translational frameworks are reshaping the landscape of wound repair and restoration. From evolving paradigms in flap and graft selection to the latest innovations in regenerative medicine, presentations will trace how scientific breakthroughs are redefining clinical decision-making and expanding the possibilities for functional tissue regeneration.

Clinical Decision-Making Pathways for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Utilizing Flaps, Grafts and Scaffolds?
Abigail Chaffin, MD, FACS, CWSP, MAPWCA

Regenerative Medicine: Current Concepts & Changing Trends
Anthony J. Atala, MD, FACS

The ideal response to injury is regeneration, but mature tissues typically have limited capacity for true regeneration. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which tissue regeneration occurs, including how cell-ECM interactions and mechanosignaling influence this process, could lead to new approaches to promote regenerative healing. This session will highlight new work on engineered biomimetic model development and detailed characterization of ECM-driven responses of cells from regenerative species to uncover novel mechanistic information about tissue regeneration.

Reverse Engineering of Wound Healing: Lessons from Microtissue Models
Jeroen Eyckmans, PhD

Fibroblasts from Highly Regenerative Mammals Evade Biomechanical Cues to Drive Proliferation
Robyn Allen, VMD, PhD

This session delves into the dynamic cross-talk between microbes and the immune system that determines whether wounds heal or persist in inflammation. Presentations will highlight how shifts in the wound microbiome reshape repair processes and how cytotoxic and regulatory immune cell responses can both defend against and drive tissue damage. Together, these talks by this collaborative team uncover emerging principles of immune–microbial balance with broad implications for infection control and chronic wound management.

Microbial-Host Interactions and Impaired Wound Healing
Elizabeth A. Grice, PhD

The Complex Role of CD8+ T Cells in Wound Healing and Chronic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Phillip Scott, PhD

The Wound Healing Society is pleased to offer the Wound Shark Innovation Competition held during the 2026 WHS Annual meeting. The competition shows science and new product innovation. Submit your proposal details of groundbreaking science and new product innovations to be considered for presentation onsite at the meeting. The competition focuses on the latest innovations in advanced wound care. The judging criteria for the competition includes the novelty of innovation, development stage, clinical unmet need, market potential, pricing and reimbursement strategy, competitive advantage and competition, and the ability to attract an angel or VC investment.

This session explores how inflammatory cues are precisely orchestrated to determine wound outcomes. Michel Enamorado, PhD will examine how neural and immune pathways intersect to coordinate inflammation and repair. Complementing this, the second presentation by Brett Shook, PhD, will discuss the dynamic cellular and molecular networks that drive immune activation and resolution after injury, highlighting how spatial and temporal signaling regulate myeloid cell function and how these processes go awry in impaired healing such as diabetes. Together, these talks will provide new insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms that define successful versus pathological healing.
Neuroimmune Regulation of Wound Healing
Michel Enamorado, PhD

Cracking the Cellular Code: Heterogeneity and Crosstalk in Injury-Driven Inflammation
Brett Shook, PhD

This session examines how nutritional status and circadian rhythms shape epithelial function and resilience. Presentations will explore how feeding–fasting cycles and the body’s internal clock influence skin physiology, repair, and metabolic balance, as well as how circadian disruption compromises mucosal barrier integrity, predisposing to inflammation and systemic disease. Together, these insights reveal shared mechanisms through which time and metabolism coordinate epithelial health across organ systems.

Skin Under the Influence of Feeding, Fasting, and the Circadian Clock
Bogi Anderson, MD

Circadian Clocks and Barrier Integrity: A Gateway to Inflammation and Disease
Faraz Bishehsari, MD, PhD

Tissue injury activates a cascade of signaling pathways to recruit different cell types to orchestrate the healing response. However, excessive cell activation, inflammation, and accumulation of extracellular matrix can lead to inert, dysfunctional scar tissue as seen in pulmonary fibrosis, myocardial infarction, and hypertrophic scar formation. Mechanical tension plays a central role in orchestrating fibroproliferative responses following injury, particularly through mechanosensitive signaling pathways. In this session, investigators will discuss how mechanical signaling pathways can regulate fibrosis across various organ systems.

Stiffness and Solid Stress in Liver Fibrosis
Rebecca G. Wells, MD

Matrix Mechanobiology Regulates Pro-Fibrotic Cardiac Fibroblast Activation
Adam J. Engler, PhD

Kick off the 2026 WHS Annual meeting y joining your fellow WHS Members and guests for a night of food, drinks and fun at the M&T Rooftop Event Deck at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. Registered WHS members are invited to attend. Pre-Registration is required. Please see the WHS Membership booth for more details onsite.

Supported by an educational grant from Organogenesis Inc.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify appropriate patients for skin substitute therapy by evaluating wound chronicity and etiology, response to standard care, wound bed characteristics, and patient factors.
2. Examine appropriate timing and selection of skin substitutes based on the phase of wound healing.
3. Apply an algorithmic approach to graft sizing by assessing wound type and size, performing accurate wound measurements, and determining appropriate graft sizing for complex wounds with tunneling, varying depths, and undermining.
4. Describe appropriate billing and reimbursement considerations for skin substitute use.

What happens to the human body when it leaves Earth? Spaceflight challenges astronauts and affects fundamental biological processes. Microgravity and radiation alter immunity, tissue repair, and cellular biology in ways that provide new insights into physiology. In this keynote, NASA astronaut and scientist Dr. Kate Rubins shares her extraordinary journey, from spacewalking outside the International Space Station to becoming the first person to sequence DNA in microgravity. Her pioneering research demonstrates how pushing biology to its limits in space unlocks discoveries with powerful implications for medicine, innovation, and health on Earth.

Compression therapy is essential in managing VLUs, yet terminology and application remain inconsistent. This session redefines compression language, translates evidence into clinical practice, and explores the full spectrum of modalities—from toe wraps to advanced systems. Through case-based examples, clinicians will learn how to tailor compression strategies across the continuum of care to improve outcomes and adherence.

This session will discuss the surgical reconstruction of the diabetic foot. Topics include prophylactic surgery to prevent ulcer formation, procedures addressing the wound and its underlying etiology, and strategies for preventing recurrence. Attendees will review both office-based and OR-based bone and soft tissue procedures. Functional amputations, as well as Charcot reconstruction, will also be covered.

Social media has rapidly evolved into a powerful platform for healthcare professionals to amplify their voices, grow their practices, and share credible, evidence-based information with broad audiences. This session will explore how wound care providers can use social media to support clinical education, empower patients, and potentially improve healing outcomes. It will also address the potential pitfalls, including misinformation, professionalism concerns, and digital fatigue. This session will provide real-world insights into responsible and effective digital engagement in healthcare.

Chronic wound therapeutics face significant regulatory challenges, with many promising treatments failing to receive FDA approval despite positive preclinical data. This session will explore the most common regulatory pitfalls encountered during drug development for non-healing chronic wounds, drawing on FDA CDER's review experience and insights from the Wound Care Collaborative Community, WCCC. Attendees will learn about critical errors in clinical trial design, endpoint selection, and regulatory strategy that often hinder development programs. Understanding these frequent failure points can help developers design more robust trials and increase their chances of regulatory success in this challenging field. Additionally, attendees will learn about the substantial contributions of the WCCC in promoting innovation and enhancing patient access to advanced wound care.

Every year, this session brings together three sister societies (ETRS, EWMA and WHS) to focus on specific topic. This year this session will focus on inflammation as a central regulator of wound healing across molecular, cellular, and clinical contexts. Through complementary topics, the speakers will explore how dysregulated immune response shapes signaling pathways that control keratinocyte behavior, drive pathophysiology and influence damage-associated molecular pattern signaling (DAMP). Together, these presentations will highlight shared mechanisms and emerging concepts that provide novel insights and potential approaches to management, therapies and diagnostics targeting inflammation.
The Role of GEF-H1/RhoA Signaling in Inflammation-Induced Keratinocyte Responses
Katalin Szaszi, MD

Inflammation in Chronic Wounds: When Healing Becomes an Immune Disease – A European Perspective on Diagnosis and Management
Damien Pastor, MD

DAMP Signaling Pathways in Wound Healing
Qing Lin, MD, PhD

Supported by an educational grant from MTF Biologics.

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the importance of scientific rationale and the strength of clinical evidence in the selection and use of skin substitutes.
2. Review the scientific data and clinical evidence supporting the use of aseptically processed, acellular human dermal grafts and placental membranes.
3. Analyze real-world case studies illustrating the use of aseptically processed allografts and placental membranes across diverse wound etiologies and practice settings throughout the continuum of care.
4. Describe key reimbursement considerations associated with the use of aseptically processed, acellular human dermal grafts and placental membranes.

Learning Objectives
1. Describe the pathophysiology and clinical factors contributing to the complexity of lower extremity wounds
2. Evaluate the role of advanced wound care therapies—including skin substitutes, compression therapy, advanced dressings, topical oxygen therapy, debridement technologies, and negative pressure wound therapy—in the management of lower extremity wounds
3. Apply evidence-based techniques through case-based discussion and hands-on demonstration to optimize the use of advanced wound care modalities

Lower extremity wounds are among the most complex and costly to treat, demanding not only a deep understanding of pathophysiology but also mastery of advanced, evidence-based interventions. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will navigate real-world cases while engaging in hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge therapies such as skin substitutes, compression therapy, advanced dressings, topical oxygen therapy, debridement devices, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). This immersive format provides a rare opportunity to practice techniques under expert guidance, reinforcing both confidence and clinical skill.

Supported by educational grants from Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc., Engineered Tissue Solutions, Medaxis LLC, Mölnlycke Health Care, NATROX Wound Care, SANUWAVE, Inc., and XSONX.

In this session, young investigators involved in cutting-edge research will compete for the WHS Young Investigator Award. The winner will present his/her work at the ETRS meeting. Oral presentations will feature the top eight abstracts submitted to the WHS by young investigators as well as the winner of the ETRS Young Investigator Award.

1:45 I.01 Human Genome Editing Identifies Obesity-Associated Snps As Predictors Of Wound Chronicity
Sujit K. Mohanty, Kanhaiya Singh, Rajneesh Srivastava, J. Peter Rubin, Gayle M Gordillo, Sashwati Roy, Chandan K. Sen
2:00 I.02 Mitigating Biofilm-Induced Immune Suppression To Enhance DFU Healing
Sunil Kumar, Ankit Tandon, Miguel Jorge, Imran Khan, Bryce Hockman, Kaitlyn Depinet, Beth Altenburger, Jaimee Haan, Gregory Westin, Marjana Tomic-Canic, Rivka Stone, Mithun Sinha
2:15 I.03 Advancing Scarless Healing: A Gene Therapy Approach Based On Fetal Wound Repair
Rochelle Bitolas, Melissa Tran, Madeleine Landau, Erin Brush, Alyssa Ehrhardt, Katja Koll, Kendall Reitz, David Salven, David A. Brown
2:30 I.04 Gunshot Wound-Associated Spinal Cord Injury Independently Predicts Complications After Pressure Injury Flap Reconstruction
Katherine Kozlowski, Marlynn P. Lopez, Angelica Bartler, Aneeq S. Chaudhry, Diana Griffin, Daniel A. Rabin, Nicole Ontiveros, Tarifa Adam, Robert Galiano
2:45 I.05 A Novel Lytac Approach Targets IL-1β and MMP-9 To Improve Wound Healing In Diabetes
Leah Cooksey, laden Fenercioglu, Andrea Díaz, Petar Petrov, Tomás Sobrino, Juan S. Ruiz, Holly N. Wilkinson, Matthew Hardman
3:00 I.06 Biomechanical Strain Alters Exosome Cargo and Fibrotic Signaling in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Mary Elizabeth Guerra, Casey Baxter, Hui Li, Ling Yu, Paul Bollyky, Sundeep G. Keswani, Swathi Balaji
3:15 I.07 Catheter-Based Interventions for Venous Leg Ulcers: Safety and Outcomes
Pooja Shet, Janmesh D. Patel, Johanna Ghebrehiwet-Kuflom, Anuj Budhiraja, Alisha Mehta, Julianne Rizzo, Daniel J. Yoon, Caroline C. Liu, Daniel Link, Sara Dahle, Roslyn R. Isseroff
3:30 I.08 The Impact of Preoperative TNF-α Inhibitor Exposure on Wound Healing and Postoperative Complications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Aneeq S. Chaudhry, Tarifa Adam, Daniel A. Rabin, Katherine Kozlowski, Shoshana Bar-Meir, Seok Jong Hong, Robert Galiano
3:45 I.09- Understanding Confined Functions of Neutrophils in the Pathophysiology of Diabetic Wound Healing
Jonathan Kessler, PhD

Compression therapy is the cornerstone of CVI treatment—but what other interventions should be added to address the condition holistically? This session will review additional state-of-the-art treatments for CVI, including medications/venoactive agents, therapeutic exercise, and endovascular or surgical interventions.

This session will explore collaborative strategies used by a multidisciplinary team including a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), physical therapist, and nurse. Each specialty contributes distinct expertise—from wound care and rehabilitation to patient education and psychosocial support. The lecture will highlight how integrated care models improve healing outcomes, reduce amputation risk, and increase patient engagement through coordinated interventions. Using case studies and practical discussion, attendees will gain insights into implementing multidisciplinary frameworks for managing diabetic foot ulcers.

Substance use, including tobacco and cannabis, adversely affects wound healing through well-established pathophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, many patients inquire about cannabis for pain control. This session will address evidence-based strategies for managing wounds in patients with tobacco use disorders, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, goal-oriented care planning, and practical interventions beyond traditional cessation counseling. As wound care providers, we play a critical role in optimizing outcomes by addressing modifiable risk factors within a comprehensive treatment framework.

As it turns out, there is skin around wounds (who knew?), and our patients often complain of rashes and growths. Additionally, some wound etiologies cannot be understood without recognizing the underlying dermatological disease. In this session, cases of skin disease in people with wounds will be discussed by both a wound expert and a dermatologist to help unlock the mystery.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition resulting from impaired lymphatic physiology, leading to fluid accumulation, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. This session will explore the evolving landscape of lymphedema management—including pharmacologic therapies, compression techniques, and surgical interventions—highlighting which treatments are currently effective, which show promise, and what advancements may be on the horizon. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the underlying pathophysiology and practical treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

This session will provide valuable tools for creating a virtual interdisciplinary team. Studies have shown that patient outcomes are improved when care is managed by an interdisciplinary team. By leveraging technology, it is possible to develop a collaborative care team that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of a specific care setting or geographic location.

This session will explore the importance of achieving the right balance in mobility to adequately strengthen new tissue without overdoing it and causing recurrence. The discussion will emphasize strategies for maintaining wound remission once wounds are closed and patients resume regular activity.

Modern innovations in wound care—such as skin substitutes, NPWT, and antimicrobial therapies—are reshaping the traditional reconstructive ladder by enabling earlier and less invasive interventions. This session highlights how these technologies empower interprofessional wound care teams to manage complex wounds more effectively, often reducing the need for advanced surgical procedures. By integrating these tools into care strategies, clinicians can accelerate healing, improve outcomes, and preserve future surgical options.

This session will highlight emerging technologies that enable real-time monitoring of the biochemical and molecular environment within wounds. Presentations will explore advances in biosensing, molecular diagnostics, and analytical platforms that reveal key biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and tissue repair. By integrating these tools into clinical and research settings, the session aims to advance precision approaches for assessing wound status and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Molecular Wound Diagnostics at the Point-Of-Care
Simon Matoori, PhD

Biomechanics-Energy Metabolism Crosstalk as a Determinant of Scar Phenotype
Swathi Balaji, PhD

Supported by an educational grant from Kerecis.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the biological properties and mechanisms of action of fish skin grafts (FSGs), emphasizing how they support wound healing across a range of clinical indications.
2. Evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of FSGs, including illustrative case studies that demonstrate successful patient outcomes.
3. Examine the combined use of fish skin grafts and silicone dressings in wound management, differentiating their roles in tissue regeneration and exudate management, and evaluating their impact on healing outcomes and periwound skin protection in chronic and complex wounds.
4. Explore illustrative clinical case outcomes using fish skin grafts to manage chronic and atypical wounds.
5. Identify key reimbursement considerations and documentation requirements for the appropriate use of fish skin grafts in wound care.

This year’s Summit emphasizes action over awareness, ensuring every session concludes with a concrete deliverable and features structured audience engagement (live polling, Q&A, or discussion). The program flow moves intentionally from vision and policy (FDA/CMS) to implementation (industry and WCCC initiatives) to community activation (audience-driven collaboration).

STEERING COMMITTEE Vickie R. Driver, DPM, MS (Committee Head); Joe Rolley, MSIA (Vice Committee Head); Windy Cole, DPM; Holly Korzendorfer, PhD, PT; Lucian Vlad, MD; William Li, MD

Please note this event is by invitation only. Visit this page for more information: www.hmpglobalevents.com/wcccsummit

This session will focus on the use of enabling nanotechnologies and smart biomaterials for regenerative engineering and tissue repair. Recent advances in the design of bio-inspired activatable dynamic biomaterials for modulation of the repair process and controlled delivery of genes, proteins, or metal organic frameworks to diabetic wounds will be discussed.

Pilfering Patient Pharmacies – Using Bioinspiration to Rewire Wound Repair
Ben Almquist, PhD

Regenerative Engineering and Biomaterials for Wound Care Management
Guillermo Ameer, DSc

Oral abstract presentations will feature the highest scoring abstracts submitted to the WHS.

Supported by an educational grant from Reapplix.

Learning Objectives:
1. Interpret clinical evidence and real-world retrospective outcomes data on the use of an autologous multilayered leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch for hard-to-heal wounds and differentiate this patient-derived, point-of-care technology from other autologous blood-derived products.
2. Demonstrate how an autologous multilayered leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch can be efficiently incorporated into existing clinic workflows without disruption while maintaining operational efficiency in outpatient wound care practice.
3. Assess reimbursement pathways, coverage considerations, and documentation requirements for the use of an autologous multilayered leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch in the office or outpatient wound care setting.
4. Evaluate where an autologous multilayered leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch fits within the overall wound care treatment armamentarium, and consider whether a patient biology-derived therapy should be used as a first-line option for chronic wounds.
5. Explore real-world case studies of chronic wounds treated in the office or outpatient wound care setting with an autologous multilayered leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch.

Supported by an educational grant from Urgo Medical North America.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the wound reconstruction ladder and explain how early intervention can prevent progression to higher, more complex, and more costly reconstructive treatments.
2. Review the underlying scientific mechanisms and clinical application of pure hypochlorous acid–preserved cleansers, and wound management gel primary dressings, as well as negatively charged fiber dressings in supporting continuous debridement of slough as part of wound bed preparation.
3. Explain the evidence supporting microacidification in wound care, including how restoring a physiologically acidic wound environment promotes healing by enhancing oxygen release and limiting bacterial proliferation in chronic or non-healing wounds.
4. Examine how early intervention using pure hypochlorous acid–preserved cleansers and gels and negatively charged fiber dressings may prevent escalation to higher, more complex levels of the wound reconstruction ladder.
5. Explore clinical cases demonstrating outcomes achieved through the early use of hypochlorous preserved cleansers and negatively charged fibers to promote wound healing without unnecessary escalation along the wound reconstruction ladder.

Supported by an educational grant from Smith & Nephew.

Learning objectives:
• Describe the role of collagenase in diabetic foot ulcers, including its potential to support a pro-ECM wound environment through macrophage modulation
• Evaluate outcomes associated with hydrosurgical debridement and placental allografts in diabetic foot ulcers
• Review the mechanism and clinical use of single-use NPWT in diabetic foot ulcer care across the treatment continuum
• Apply a clean, cover, and close approach to diabetic foot ulcers using case-based examples that integrate advanced therapies

Moderators: WHS Young Professional Network

Supported by an educational grant from Urgo Foundation.

Learning objectives:
• Explain the patient-centric drivers of wound infection today
• Determine if there are gradations of contamination that can be agreed upon, categorize the levels of microbes in the wound, and differentiate modes of treatment for wounds contaminated at various levels
• Assess current techniques, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to determine levels of contamination and identify which method to use and when
• Determine the relationship between slough removal and infection control
• Explain the role of antimicrobial agents (antibiotics, antimicrobial barriers, antimicrobial preserved cleansers) and how to critically assess their efficacy in the management of bioburden
• Examine new and emerging technologies for slough/debris/microbe removal, including hypochlorous acid-based cleansers and charged fiber technology for physical removal of slough and debridement support/amplification
• Explore illustrative case studies on wound infection/slough management and apply current strategies

This session will delve into the complex interplay between systemic medications and the wound healing process. Attendees will learn to identify common pharmacologic agents that can positively or negatively impact wound closure, tissue regeneration, and infection control. The session will place particular focus on the emerging role of GLP-1 agonists in improving wound outcomes and supporting amputation prevention strategies.

This session will explore the wide range of therapies available to assist with wound progression and healing. Faculty will assess how to choose the most effective treatment plan for best patient outcomes. The use of skin substitute products and autologous tissue options such as skin grafts, flap transfers, and other biological materials like blood or adipose tissue will be discussed.

This session will discuss the primary categories of wound dressings and propose fundamental principles for their utilization, combinations, and access in real-world practice. While often considered a basic aspect of wound care, dressings can subtly alter the wound environment in ways that significantly impact healing. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to optimize dressing selection and use.

This session will provide a foundational introduction to wound care reimbursement, explaining how healthcare providers should report the services they deliver. The session will trace the patient journey from the treatment room (documentation and scheduling) to the back office (coding and claim submission). Attendees will learn the basic "ABCs" of how wound care claims should be submitted, gaining a clearer understanding of the financial pathway for their clinics.

Oral abstract presentations will feature the highest scoring abstracts submitted to the WHS.

The wound microenvironment is made up of various cells, enzymes, cytokines, growth factors and microbiome that function within a dynamic and ever-changing extracellular matrix. This session will examine the differences between normal and abnormal microenvironments, how to evaluate them, and what current and emerging therapies are available to support healing in chronic wounds. Factors such as inflammation, microbial presence, and oxygenation will be discussed.

This session will review how, despite significant efforts over the years, point-of-care diagnostics and predictive tools for chronic wounds remain underdeveloped. Attendees will discuss recent innovations that go beyond traditional assessments such as wound size and duration. These include the potential use of molecular and chemical signatures, as well as machine learning approaches, to predict or monitor clinical outcomes.

This session will introduce attendees to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its emerging role in everyday wound care. We'll explore how AI can support your clinic—using smart tools to measure wounds, organize patient information, and streamline workflow—making your work more efficient and allowing more time for direct patient care. Come learn how AI isn’t just for science fiction; it’s becoming a practical and helpful tool in wound care practice.

Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are increasingly arriving in wound care clinics asking about new drugs and procedures. This session will review the newest HS medications and surgical approaches for tunneling wounds. We will also highlight pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), covering key therapies, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies. Attendees will gain practical updates to confidently guide patients seeking advanced care for these complex dermatologic wounds.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potent mediators of intercellular communication and tissue repair. This session will highlight cutting-edge research on the molecular and therapeutic roles of EVs in wound healing, from their involvement in inflammation and immune modulation to their development as engineered regenerative therapeutics. Speakers will discuss recent discoveries on how EVs orchestrate repair processes in chronic and acute wounds, offering new perspectives for translational applications in regenerative medicine.

Sugar-Coated Silence in DEAD Wounds
Subhadip Ghatak, PhD

Development of Engineered Vesicle Therapeutics in Tissue Repair
Brian Eliceiri, PhD

Exosomes in Wound Therapy: Rekindling an Old Inflame-Action
Piul Rabbani, PhD

Older adults face unique challenges in healing due to age-related physiological changes, chronic conditions, and social factors that can delay recovery. Bridging the gap between scientific advances and everyday clinical practice is essential to improving outcomes. This presentation will emphasize translation of current research into age-appropriate evidence-based strategies that promote wound healing, functional recovery, and overall well-being in older adults. Incorporating the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility provides a patient-centered framework that clinicians and caregivers can apply to enhance resilience and quality of life in this population.

Do you want to take your wound care knowledge to the next level? Are you interested in the advancement pathways available to you as a wound care clinician? This session is for both novice and experienced clinicians and will explore various mechanisms for professional growth in the wound management space—from residencies and fellowships to certification options.

Chronic and hard-to-heal wounds are often caused or worsened by systemic disease states and comorbidities. This session will focus on identifying these systemic issues and understanding the mechanisms by which they adversely affect wound healing.

This session will present a series of novel innovations in wound care designed to improve the lives of both patients and providers. After a brief introduction to innovation in healthcare, expert speakers will showcase technologies that are currently available or in development—tools that wound care professionals and businesses can implement to advance clinical practice.

This session will highlight the work of individuals that have recently received awards for their work.

WHS Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:
WHS Research Grant Recipient:

Sponsored by Solventum, Medical Surgical Business.

Learning objectives:
· Review patient stories illustrating wound healing across the continuum of care
· Evaluate the latest clinical best practices publications and economic value of NPWT modalities
· Apply evidence-based decision making to improve healing outcomes to the patient experience
· Highlight appropriate uses of NPWT, including V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing

This session will highlight the highest scoring abstracts selected for poster presentations. Eight short 'rapid-fire' poster talks will be featured. Presenters will have one slide and two minutes to summarize novel research findings, then one minute to answer questions. This session will immediately precede the poster gala, where all poster presenters will be available to discuss their research.

O1.01 Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell for Complex Spinal Wounds with Implants: A Scoping Review and Institutional Case
Aneeq S. Chaudhry, Katherine Kozlowski, Daniel A. Rabin, Shoshana Bar-Meir, Nicole Ontiveros, Tiffany Kim, Seok Jong Hong, Robert Galiano
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States

O1.02 ELU42 Promotes Regenerative Tissue Repair Via Stem Cell Recruitment And Wnt Pathway Modulation
Daniel Holsworth, Sarika Saraswati, John Delgado, Michael Stone
Eluciderm Inc, San Diego, CA, United States

O1.03 Patient Genomics Explain Presence Of Common Chronic Wound Pathogens Using A Novel Analytical Approach Jacob Ancira1, 2, Khalid Omeir1, Rebecca Gabrilska4, Craig Tipton2, Clint Miller3, Joseph Wolcott3, Todd D. Little1, Caleb Phillips1
1Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States 2MicrogenDX, Lubbock, TX, United States 3Southwest Regional Wound Care Center, Lubbock, TX, United States 4Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States

O1.04 Changes In Wound Bacteria Undergoing Weekly Sharp Debridement Among Individuals With Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
Jung Lyun Kim1,2, Joyce Stechmiller2, Michael T. Weaver2, Magali Rezende de Carvalho2, Debra E. Lyon2
1Chungnam National University College of Nursing, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of). 2College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesvile, FL, United States

O1.05 ELU535: A Novel Bacteriostatic, Topical, Spray-On, Small Molecule Wnt Pathway Modulator That Stimulates Endogenous Regeneration Of Elastic Cartilage In New Zealand White Rabbit Ears
Daniel Holsworth, Sarika Saraswati, John Delgado, Michael Stone
Eluciderm Inc, San Diego , CA, United States

O1.06 Periwound Pigmentation In Lower-Extremity Scleroderma Ulcers Across Skin Tones
Vanya Shivashankar, Jose Jaller
Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States

O1.07 Relationship Between Tewl And Stratum Corneum Protein Recovery In Adhesive-Induced Injury Mengyuan Guo1, 2, Gabriela Cosenza1, 3, Samuel Ainsworth1, Madeline Hakala1, 4, Kim Nguyen1, 5, Tim Houser6, Tage Carlson1, Abram D. Janis1
1Hollister Incorporated, Libertyville, IL, United States 2Master of Biotechnology Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States 3Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States 4Department of Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States 5Industrial Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States 6Dermico LLC, Broomall, PA, United States

O1.08 Single-Cell Rna-Seq Identifies Sensecent Fibroblasts Driving Chondrogenic Ecm Abnormalities In Keloid Scars Sydni Britton, Magda Abdelkader, Qiaoling Wang, Maria Shvedova, Kylie Tang, Daniel S. Roh
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States

In this session, Dr. Aristidis Veves will explore how cutting-edge omics technologies are unlocking the cellular and molecular signatures of healing versus non-healing in diabetic foot ulcers. His work sheds light on specific cell populations that may determine outcomes in this challenging patient population. Building on that foundation, Dr. Rob Fraser will take us from insight to impact by showing how clinical innovations are being scaled into commercial platforms that drive improved outcomes in wound care. Together, the talks will illustrate the full pathway from molecular discovery through translational development and real-world adoption.

Omic Studies for the Diabetic Foot Ulceration Aristidis Veves, MD, DSc

Bridging the Gap: Scaling Innovation from Clinical Insight to Commercialization Rob Fraser, MN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)

Oral presentations will feature the highest scoring abstracts submitted to the WHS.

This session will review how many caregivers only consider palliative wound care for chronic wound patients with advanced disease or those at the end of life. However, the recommended approaches discussed here apply to a much broader population—patients for whom the focus should shift from healing to improving function and quality of life.

This session will explore how mobile wound care is transforming post-acute and long-term care by delivering advanced wound management directly to the patient’s environment. Attendees will learn about the regulatory and business essentials for launching or expanding a mobile wound care service. The session will also cover how to navigate reimbursement systems to effectively deliver care in these challenging settings.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are widely used as adjunctive aids in healing difficult wounds. This session will focus on the latest clinical advances in both modalities, reconcile HBOTs conflicting evidence of benefit, and provide current reimbursement requirements to ensure their appropriate and effective use.

Communication between the patient and clinician forms the cornerstone of effective healthcare. However, overuse of technical language, lack of attention to health literacy, and barriers to access can lead to misunderstandings and hinder care. This session will guide attendees on how to improve both written and verbal communication to meet patients where they are and enhance overall care quality.

This session returns as a staple of SAWC Spring! Clinicians are often faced with complex and difficult-to-heal wounds and are tasked with identifying and overcoming barriers to healing. A diverse panel will present clinical cases, discuss underlying pathology and causes, and share specific management strategies to address these challenges—bringing real-world cases from the “bedside” to the “bench” and back again.

The annual John Boswick Award is given for global, selfless leadership in improving the scientific understanding or care of persons with wounds, lifelong achievement, and dedication in the field of wound care. A wound’s impact extends far beyond the patient, creating a “wound web” that complicates healing across families, clinicians, and systems. This session explores some of the universal challenges of wound care and uses systems theory to reimagine pathways toward transformative, lasting change.

This session will feature podium presentations from the highest scoring abstracts submitted to SAWC. Each presenting author will present key results of their research, followed by Q&A time with the audience, moderated by a member of the SAWC Oral Abstract Review Committee.

This session will address how skin substitutes (cellular/tissue-based products) are an adjunctive therapy to consider after a patient fails to improve with the standard of care. These products can be very useful in achieving wound closure, but only in specific situations. The use of these products has come under increasing scrutiny by CMS and other insurers due to concerns over fraud, waste, and abuse. Attendees will review appropriate indications and suggested documentation language to support audits and prior authorization requests.

This advanced session will dissect complex reimbursement challenges encountered by wound/ulcer management professionals, as well as their billers and coders. Together we will critically analyze the documentation, coding, and billing pitfalls that may cause claim denials or repayments after an audit. We will cover topics such as appropriate modifiers, procedure-to-procedure edits, debridement, and application of cellular and/or tissue-based products, and application of autologous blood-derived products. Attendees will gain sophisticated strategies to receive appropriate payment and to keep their payment after an audit.

Amid growing scrutiny of mobile wound care practices, this roundtable reclaims the true mission of mobile wound management—delivering compassionate, evidence-based healing to patients who face barriers accessing traditional care. Expert faculty will examine how mobile models can expand access, enhance outcomes, and reduce hospital readmissions through ethical, accountable, and patient-centered care delivery. Discussion will focus on reinforcing credibility within the field, ensuring appropriate use of advanced therapies, and aligning clinical practices with principles of integrity and equity. Participants will gain practical strategies to communicate the value of mobile wound management to payers, providers, and patients, redefining it as a vital component of comprehensive wound care.

This session will give attendees the ability to interact directly with authors over their research. Selected poster presenters will give a 3-to-5-minute summary of their poster, followed by Q&A from the audience. The interaction is meant to be collegial, not critical, with the goal of attendees learning from the poster presenters' experience and project.

Atypical wounds are frequently encountered in wound care practice and often present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges beyond standard protocols. While accurate diagnosis is essential, successful management requires familiarity with tailored treatment strategies that may differ from conventional wound care. This session will highlight practical, case-based approaches and advanced modalities to equip clinicians with effective tools for treating complex and atypical wounds.

This rapid-fire session delivers straightforward reimbursement pearls designed for immediate application in office-based wound care practices. We'll cover quick tips on essential coding, common billing pitfalls, and easy strategies for clean claims. Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can implement as soon as Monday morning to improve their clinic’s financial efficiency.

The medical-legal environment remains active, and the risk of litigation is ever-present. This session will discuss practical strategies to minimize the risk of adverse legal outcomes in wound care practice, helping clinicians reduce liability while maintaining high standards of care.

This rapid-fire session will offer concise updates on the latest advancements in novel antibiotics and antimicrobials for challenging wound infections. Attendees will gain insight into emerging therapeutic strategies and innovative agents designed to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes in advanced wound care settings.

As the demand for advanced wound/ulcer management continues to grow, multi-disciplinary hospital owned outpatient wound/ulcer management provider-based departments (PBDs) are uniquely positioned to improve patient outcomes and to contribute to the hospital’s financial performance. This session will explore the business fundamentals of establishing and optimizing a successful PBD. Attendees will gain insight into key operational components including staff selection, product selection for conservative and advanced care, diagnostic devices, electronic health records, coding, and billing. This session is ideal for administrators, physicians, and clinicians involved in PBD development or management.

This session will critically evaluate commonly held ideas, beliefs, paradigms, and truths to assess whether existing data and evidence substantiate what is presently regarded as uncontroversial. Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on wound-healing practices and a clearer understanding of how evidence can challenge and refine clinical decision-making.

The expert panel in this session will explore the critical roles of prehabilitation and rehabilitation in optimizing wound healing and achieving sustained remission. Attendees will learn evidence-based strategies to prepare patients for successful wound management and implement post-healing interventions that can prevent recurrence and enhance long-term quality of life.

A variety of imaging and spectroscopy techniques have been developed to measure wound size, vascularization, blood oxygenation, bacterial load, and more. This session will discuss both the opportunities and limitations of wound imaging approaches that are currently in clinical use, as well as those still under development.

There are a vast number of devices, biologics, and drugs used in wound treatment—yet only a limited number are supported by strong evidence. This session will take a critical look at widely used products such as negative pressure wound therapy, silver-impregnated dressings, grafts, bacterial imaging, and topical gels. A thorough evidence-based review will be presented, contrasting clinical data with common marketing claims.

Each year, millions of patients sustain burns through various mechanisms. These injuries lead to unique physiological changes that require specialized care to optimize healing and reduce complications. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of burn wound management across the entire care continuum.

Each year, approximately 100,000 people in the United States undergo ostomy surgery, with nearly 1 million individuals currently living with an ostomy—about 1 in every 500 Americans. With rising rates of early-onset cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, more young patients are undergoing this procedure. Whether temporary or permanent, up to 35% of patients experience complications in the first year. This session will explore how effective ostomy care can improve clinical outcomes and long-term quality of life.

Pressure injuries remain a major quality focus for institutions and regulatory bodies. Despite years of discussion, there is still no standardized or widely adopted definition of skin failure, and no ICD-10 codes currently exist for this condition. Moreover, the National Quality Forum and CMS continue to misunderstand pressure injury etiology, leading to increasingly stringent reporting requirements that may negatively affect facilities—and potentially extend into home care. This session will examine these critical issues, including updates on staging, reclassification of harm events, and how these evolving standards impact clinical practice.

Debridement is the cornerstone of successful wound healing. This session brings together a multi-disciplinary panel to explore the essential role of removing nonviable tissue, callus, and debris from the wound bed and wound edge to create an optimal environment for healing. This session will address how, when, and where different debridement methods should be performed — and when they shouldn’t — based on the patient, wound type, and clinical setting. Clinician expertise and training requirements, including those for allied health professionals, such physical therapists and nurses, will also be reviewed. Video vignettes will be featured, showcasing real-world scenarios and illustrating key principles and outcomes across care settings. Walk away with practical insights and expert tips on effective, evidence-based debridement to apply to your practice.