My Scope of Practice: Clinical, Academic, and Personal Commitments to Wound Care

Over his more than 30 years of clinical, academic, and research experience, Michael S. Brogan, PT, DPT, MS, PhD, CWS, FACCWS has treated acute and chronic wounds using contemporary and evidence-based methods. As a physical therapist and certified wound specialist, Dr. Brogan has expanded his clinical practice to include clinical research focusing on wound closure and wound climate relative to various topical interventions. 

Dr. Brogan obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Daemen College (Amherst, NY) in 1984, a Master of Science in Health Science Education and Evaluation from the State University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) in 1989, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Daemen College in 2004. He also completed his PhD in Education Administration-Higher Education at University of Buffalo in 2005.

Dr. Brogan began his career seeing patients with developmental disabilities and geriatric patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular deficits. These patients often had chronic wounds. “With an interest and commitment to address and improve the overall state of the patient, I included tissue repair as part of my plan of care,” says Dr. Brogan. “In addition to therapeutic exercise, gait training, and reconditioning, I integrated various physical agents into my practice that have been shown to influence the cellular and biological climates of the wound.” 

Dr. Brogan works with physicians and surgeons with specialties such as infectious disease, geriatrics, orthopedic and vascular surgery, oncology, and general practice, along with scientists in biomechanical engineering, cell biology, biochemistry, anatomy, and microbiology at Daemen College. As a team, they began to research the biochemistry and proteomics associated with acute and chronic wounds and tissue responses to various modalities. “Our work as a team provided a greater depth of understanding, which then led to a more integrated and collaborative approach to wound care and research,” Dr. Brogan says. 

Currently, Dr. Brogan serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Daemen, where he has attained the academic rank of professor. He previously served as the Chairman of the Physical Therapy Program, Dean of the Health and Human Services Division, and as a faculty member. 

Dr. Brogan and several physical therapy faculty members at Daemen College have been running a clinical demonstration project, which is funded by the John R. Oishei Foundation of Western New York. “This project assesses the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in wound care relative to wound closure and cost,” he says. “We are in our fourth year with great data and great results.” This project and associated findings may benefit persons suffering from chronic, open wounds, comprehensive wound care centers, and the overall health care systems in western New York, and eventually throughout the United States and beyond. Dr. Brogan hopes to continue in his multiple roles at Daemen College while becoming more involved in collaborating with a comprehensive wound care center to better integrate wound care services into such a model.

In addition to his clinical practice and research, Dr. Brogan provides presentations to various local, national, and international medical constituencies. He also is a member of several professional associations, including the American Physical Therapy Association (Education and Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management Sections); the New York Physical Therapy Association, Inc; the American Academy of Wound Management; and The College of Certified Wound Specialists. He also serves as an Editorial Advisory Board member on WOUNDS: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice.

When it comes to what Dr. Brogan likes best about his scope of practice, he says, “Working with physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, nurses, and research scientists in a collaborative manner to deliver the best treatment possible for patients with very little hope of closure.” He adds, “The most challenging aspects are the financial limitations patients and clinicians face, which are contrary to logic, outcome, and humanity.”

Readers can relate to Dr. Brogan’s commitment to his work. Even his most valuable lesson reflects the compassion and focus he projects: “To be as committed to patients as you hope others are to you, when your time comes.” His message is clear. “You should enjoy and respect the opportunity to use every aspect of your education, experience, creative intuition, and innovative spirit when addressing challenges that many face but few solve.” 

While balancing his time with his 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and his career, Dr. Brogan shows that an impressive commitment to the clinical, academic, and personal components of the niche field of wound care is not only obtainable but also his preferred scope of practice. 

This article was not subject to the Ostomy Wound Management peer-review process.