Symposium Update: The 15th Annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care & 12th Medical Research Forum on Wound Repair April 27 to April 30, 2002

   Symposium 15 is just 4 months away! Plans include eight pre- and post-conference sessions that will explore common yet complex subjects that impact wound healing in all populations and settings. Essential skills needed to understand, assess, and/or manage these topics will be presented in interactive sessions as follows:

   Session 1. "Chronic Wounds: Biological Theory and Clinical Practice," our longest-running session, is continuously updated to meet the needs of our audience. Warren Rottmann, PhD, and Keith Harding, MD, will offer one of the most comprehensive workshops to date on the cellular and clinical perspectives of why some wounds heal slowly or not at all.

   Session 2. Jim Wethe, MD, and Judy Papen, RN, present "Sharp Debridement of Necrotic Wounds: A Hands-On Workshop." Dr. Wethe will address the need to know the anatomy and physiology of the skin and soft tissue, as well as the patient profile, before attempting sharp debridement. Judy will discuss the legal responsibilities of clinicians performing sharp debridement and other debridement techniques. This session qualifies as a didactic and skills lab session necessary for agency validation.

  Session 3. "Topical Treatments and Therapies" explores dressings used for local wound care. Bonnie Sue Rolstad; RN, Liza Ovington, PhD; and Debra Sibbald, RPharm, will discuss the ingredients in creams and ointments, the structural and functional perspectives of wound care products, and the various technologies used to provide optimal wound environments and activate cell activity... a must for those who make decisions regarding product or technique in the wound care setting.

   Session 4. "Comprehensive Assessments of Patients with Lower Extremity Wounds" brings together Susie Seaman, NP, and Bob Warriner, MD, who will cover pertinent aspects of the history and physical examination related to the lower leg condition, diagnostic studies, and lab work. A comprehensive workbook will be provided that includes a list of differential diagnoses to consider when caring for patients with lower leg ulcers. The discussion of the assessment exam will emphasize items necessary for reimbursement.

   Session 39. The post-conference session, "Nutritional Assessment and Treatment Techniques for Optimal Wound Healing," presented by Nancy Collins, RD, teaches nutritional assessment through the treatment continuum. Nancy also will review recent developments in anabolic agents and arginine.

   Session 40. "Successful Strategies for Educating Patients, Families, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals," presented by Diane Krasner, RN, PhD, and Liza Ovington, PhD, will address adult learning theory and the nuts and bolts of effective presentations for clinicians involved in patient management.

   Session 41. "Lymphedema - The Clinical Underdog" will offer information on a condition most healthcare professionals face in dealing with leg wounds. Andrea Cheville, MD, and Nicole Gergich, MPT, will focus on differentiating lymphedema from other types of extremity swelling. Attendees will learn how to develop long-term therapy programs, including medical management and complex decongestive physiotherapy.

   Session 42. "Dermatology for the Healer," a must for clinicians who manage patients with lower extremity wounds, pairs Dan Federman, MD, and Brian Machler, MD. They will discuss how to identify and treat common conditions relevant to wounds and other commonly occurring dermatological problems. Obtaining dermatological history, using correct terminology, and performing diagnostic procedures also will be addressed.

   Once again, the Symposium Planning Team has put together the biggest and best wound care conference in the country. We look forward to seeing you!