A Conference Focused on a Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Limb Salvage

The Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference, hosted by MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Washington, DC), is a meeting focused on evidence-based approaches and emphasizes take-home points, techniques, and functional outcomes to help each member of the health care team access the education and resources needed to heal wounds and prevent amputations. The Conference, now celebrating its 10th year, features prominent international faculty that support and promote the importance of a multispecialty approach to limb salvage and is designed for health care practitioners of all specialties.

MedStar, the largest health care provider in Maryland and the Washington, DC, region, is nationally recognized for excellence in medical care. The 31 000 associates and 5400 affiliated physicians proudly dedicate their days to caring for the more than half-million patients seen each year in their hospitals, urgent and ambulatory care facilities, assisted living and long-term care services, and physician offices. With a not-for-profit mission as the backbone of the organization, reinvesting in the health and wellness of local communities always remains a key focus. With 10 area locations, MedStar is able to provide the highest quality and most advanced care close to where patients live. 

The MedStar Georgetown University Hospital focuses on its commitment to providing a trusting and compassionate environment while offering innovative diagnostic and treatment options. The internationally recognized physicians, advanced research, and cutting-edge technologies have all contributed to the excellent reputation for medical excellence and leadership at the hospital, which then leads into the Conference.

More than 650 health care practitioners gather each spring in Washington, DC, to attend the Conference’s didactic lectures, specialty symposia, and surgical case video demonstrations. Participants from 24 countries and 44 states attend the 3-day conference, which was recently endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Throughout the conference, participants gain exposure to the public health crisis of diabetic limb loss, examine the options of vascular interventional technology and techniques, and investigate the financial and social impact of diabetic limb salvage and amputation. 

The success of the Conference is not only seen through the consistent growth in attendance or endorsements but also through the feedback from attendees. Following the 2018 Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference, 97% of participants found the Conference provided content that met their needs for educational and clinical development in an independent, balanced way free of commercial bias. In addition, more than two-thirds of participants stated that they would implement changes into their practice with the purpose of improving communication and collaboration between members of their heath care teams. 

This year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference will take place April 4–6 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, DC. The 3-day agenda includes poster abstract sessions, live lectures, panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions with surgeons. Christopher E. Attinger, MD, and John S. Steinberg, DPM, are the conference chairmen, while the course directors include Cameron M. Akbari, MD, MBA; Karen F. Kim Evans, MD; J.P. Hong, MD, PhD, MBA; and Paul J. Kim, DPM, MS. To attend this year’s conference, register at: www.dlsconference.com/registration.