2025 Faculty

2025 Faculty

Charles Andersen, MD, FACS, FSVS, 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, MAPWCA, FACS earned his medical degree at the University of Utah where he also completed an internship and 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 and chief of the Vascular Surgery Service. He has spoken nationally and internationally on Vascular Surgery, Limb Preservation and Wound Care. He has over 150 peer reviewed publications and over 500 professional presentations. Currently he is Chief of the Wound Care Service and Medical Director of Wound Care Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center. He is the (Emeritus) Chief of the Vascular/Endovascular/Limb preservation Service 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.

Arun Bal, MS, PhD

Director, Diabetic Foot Services
Raheja Fortis Hospital
Mumbai, India Founder and President Diabetic Foot Society of India
Secretary, International Association of Diabetic Foot Sturgeons
Visiting Professor Amrita Institute, Kochi, India

Jaminelli Banks, DPM

Private Practice
Synergy 360
Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ
Abrazo Scotts Hospital
Scottsdale, AZ
Adjunct Professor
Midwestern University School of Medicine
Glendale, AZ

Jaminelli Banks, DPM, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. She serves patients at Ledesma Foot and Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr Banks utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to treat patients to reduce their pain, improve their quality of life, and increase their activity levels. She specializes in the repair of foot and ankle injuries, as well as the reconstruction of deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, and high-arched feet. Dr Banks earned her Bachelor of Science in pre-med/biology, graduating summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She then worked at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr Banks continued her education, earning her podiatric medicine degree at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, she worked at the Gait Lab studying foot and ankle pathologies and assisted in developing athletic tennis shoes for Stride Rite for Kids. After graduating, she completed a combined seven-year surgical and research fellowship at the Carl T Hayden Phoenix VA Medical Center in Arizona. During this time, Dr Banks helped develop protocols for clinical trials and studied wound healing products with the goal of amputation prevention. She spent another year-long surgical fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Department of Plastic Surgery in Dallas, where she performed surgery on over 1000 patients in one year. Dr Banks received additional training in diabetic limb salvage and advanced wound reconstruction. She is also an adjunct professor at Midwestern University School of Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois, and continues her work in clinical research. In her spare time, Dr Banks enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and traveling.

Wukich K Dane, MD, MSc

Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX

Dane K Wukich, MD, MSc is Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern, where he holds the Dr Charles F Gregory Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also the Medical Director of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern University Hospitals. Dr Wukich received his undergraduate education from Carnegie-Mellon University and earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency and orthopaedic surgery residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. As an Army Medical Corps officer, Dr Wukich served as chief of orthopaedic surgery in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He achieved the rank of Major with the U.S. Army, receiving several Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal. Dr Wukich also received the Southwest Asia Services Medal and the National Defense Service Ribbon. Dr Wukich is a nationally renowned foot and ankle specialist, educator, lecturer, and researcher. He has written more than 100 papers and given invited lectures around the globe. He serves as a peer reviewer for 11 journals and is the author or co-author of several book chapters dealing with foot and ankle problems in athletes and patients with diabetes. His research interest includes the complications of circular external fixation in patients with diabetes, foot and ankle problems in post-transplant patients, and treatment of spastic deformities of the foot and ankle in patients with traumatic brain injury and/or stroke. He remains actively involved in the education of orthopaedic surgery not only around the world but also at UT Southwestern with orthopaedic residents. Dr Wukich is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, the American Orthopaedic Association, and the American Diabetes Association.

Michael N Desvigne, MD

Aesthetic/Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Wound Healing
Glendale
AZ

Michael N Desvigne, MD is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializing in cosmetic surgery. Dr Desvigne is board certified in plastic surgery, general surgery, wound care and hyperbaric medicine. In his cosmetic surgical practice, Dr Desvigne performs most procedures with local anesthesia to minimize costs and avoid the additional risk of general anesthesia. Dr Desvigne is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons. After graduating with honors with a BS in psychology, Dr Desvigne attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), the Department of Defense Medical School, and went on to serve for 12 years in the U.S. Air Force as a medical student, flight surgeon and general surgeon. He performed his general surgery training at David Grant USAF Medical Center in Northern California and completed two additional years as a research fellow in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. He then served on an Air Force Base in Korea as a general surgeon and flight surgeon, earning Pacific Air Force Flight Surgeon of the Year. There, he met his wife who shares his love of animals, outdoor activities, fitness and travel. After Korea, Dr Desvigne completed his three-year residency training in plastic surgery at the University of Texas at San Antonio, followed by additional fellowship training in cosmetic surgery in Maui, Hawaii.

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.

Cyaandi Dove, DPM

Advanced Foot & Ankle Center
Las Vegas, NV

Cyaandi Dove, DPM graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. After college, Dr Dove continued her studies at California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, CA, where she earned the Degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. She also completed her Post Graduate Training at The University of Texas, Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Before opening her practice, Dr Dove was the director of podiatry at the Diabetic Foot and Ankle Center - Hospital for Joint Disease - NYU. Dr Dove is also involved in research and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. She participates in numerous industry-sponsored clinical trials, which offer the latest technology available.

Caroline Fife, MD

Chief Medical Officer, Intellicure, Inc

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH, MAPWCA, FRSM, FFPM (Glasg)

Clinical Professor and Residency Director
Department of Orthopaedics
UT Health San Antonio, Division of Podiatry
San Antonio, Texas

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH, MAPWCA, FRSM, FFPM (Glasg), 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. Currently, Dr Frykberg is Clinical Professor and Residency Director , Department of Orthopaedics, at UT Health San Antonio, Division of Podiatry in San Antonio, Texas. 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.

Miki Fujii, MD, PhD

Associate Professor
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Tokyo Medical University Hospital
Tokyo, Japan

Miki Fujii, MD, PhD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in diabetic foot management, with a particular focus on limb salvage and chronic wound healing. She currently serves as Associate Professor at Tokyo Medical University, where she leads clinical and research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for patients with complex diabetic foot conditions. Dr Fujii earned her medical degree from Kanazawa University and has dedicated her career to reconstructive and regenerative surgical techniques in Kobe University. She further enhanced her expertise through a visiting scholarship at the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), University of Arizona, under the mentorship of Prof David G Armstrong—deepening her global perspective on limb preservation strategies. Her research focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to diabetic limb salvage, including advanced imaging for osteomyelitis, novel apheresis therapies for no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and biologic materials for tissue regeneration. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous honors, including the Best Free Paper Award at The Wound Meeting and the Dr Robert W. Hobson II Award at the Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference. Dr Fujii is actively engaged in several national and international professional societies. She currently serves as a member of International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) 2027 update, an executive board member of the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons (IADFS), a board member of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Japanese Society for Surgical Wound Care, the Japanese Society for Wound Healing, the Japanese Society for Foot Care and Podiatric Medicine. Dr Fujii’s research focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to diabetic limb salvage, including advanced imaging techniques for osteomyelitis, novel apheresis therapies for no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and the use of biologic materials for tissue regeneration.

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.

E. Lynette Gunn, APRN, GCNS-BC, CWCN, CFCN

Chief of Outpatient Nursing Service
Eastern Oklahoma VA HCS

E. Lynette Gunn, APRN, GCNS-BC, CWCN, CFCN is an Advanced Practice RN – Clinical Nurse Specialist with specialization in gerontological nursing, case management, wound and foot care. She has over 25 years of direct care nursing experience beginning with medical/surgical, pediatric, orthopedics, wound care, foot care, education, and telehealth. She is currently the Chief of Outpatient Nursing at the Eastern Oklahoma VA HCS. As the Chief of Outpatient Nursing, she is responsible for the development, maintenance, and expansion of Veteran outpatient programs – both in person and virtual Care for northeastern Oklahoma. Lynette received her Associate degree in Nursing from Connors State College in Warner, OK, her BSN in nursing from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, and her MS in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma. Lynette is a firm believer in active participation in professional practice organizations being a member of ANA/ONA, NACNS (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist) WOCN (Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Association), AAWC (Association for the Advancement of Wound Care) and NOVA (Nurses of the VA). Presentation Experience: 1. Developed Skin School – A Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program for EOVAHCS in Muskogee, OK 2. Course Coordinator for Wound Treatment Associate Program (through the WOCN). Only one for State of Oklahoma. 3. Telehealth Trainer – Eastern Oklahoma VA HCS 4. Venous Insufficiency: Assessment and Treatment Strategies (2014) 5. Ethical Implications of Bullying – Session during “Workplace Bullying” (2015) 6. Implementation of a Tele-Wound Program (2018) 7. Use of Virtual Care during the COVID Crisis (2020)

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.

Anil Hingorani, MD

Vascular Institute of New York
Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY

Anil Hingorani, MD, is a board-certified vascular surgeon at the Vascular Institute of New York, located in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. Dr Hingorani has more than 20 years of experience treating a wide range of vascular conditions. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), in Rensselaer, New York, with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 1988, Dr Hingorani attended Albany Medical College (AMC) in Albany, New York. Upon graduating in 1990, Dr Hingorani completed his surgical residency at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center of Columbia University in New York, followed by a vascular fellowship at Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center. Dr. Hingorani has a broad range of experience in diagnosing and treating vascular conditions, and his specialties include vascular access, varicose veins, lower limb arterial disease, carotid artery angioplasty and stent, aortic aneurysm, and vein disorders. In 2019, Dr Hingorani was awarded the Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor and made the Marquis Who's Who in the World list. He has also authored numerous peer-reviewed publications throughout his career. As a highly respected vascular surgeon in his native state of New York, Dr Hingorani belongs to several professional organizations, including the American Board of Vascular Surgery, the International Union of Angiology, and the Society of Vascular Ultrasound. When he is not working with patients, Dr Hingorani enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter.

Arpana Jain, MD, FACS

Arpana Jain, MD is a Burn Surgeon and Associate Medical Director at the Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center. She is also an Assistant Professor of surgery at University of Arizona and Creighton University. She is the director of Ambulatory care at the burn center as well as medical director of the Laser Program and Burn surgery fellowship. Dr Jain received training in Burn Surgery with emphasis on pediatric burns at University of California and Shriner’s Hospital. Her practice includes caring for patients suffering from both acute burn injury and late effects of burns, with a special focus on critically ill burn patients, reconstruction of burn scars and pediatric burn care. She has authored many journal articles, guidelines, and book chapters. She is an internationally recognized leader in burn care.

Vin Jain, MD

Dr. Vinamra Jain leads Synergy Health 360, an integrated primary care and specialty services practice in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Jain specializes in primary care, hospital medicine, and preventive care with a special emphasis on wellness. As an experienced family physician, Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and further training in Integrative medicine from the University of Arizona under Dr Andrew Weil. During his time as a physician, Dr. Jain has been licensed to practice in six states. He is a member of American Family Medicine, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Telemedicine Society. Dr. Jain is recognized for the exceptional care he provides to patients and specializes in lifestyle, healthy living and preventative care. He is leading change in the management of chronic disease by providing the care, attention and support patients need and deserve.

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.

Prof Venu Kavarthapu, FRCS

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
King's College Hospital
London, UK
Associate Professor
University of Southern Denmark
President, International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons

Venu Kavarthapu was appointed as an orthopaedic consultant at King’s College Hospital NHS Trust in London, UK, in 2006. He is the orthopaedic lead of the King’s Multi-disciplinary Diabetic Foot Unit and has set-up the functional limb salvage Charcot foot reconstruction service that has been recognised nationally. He also established the ‘Multidisciplinary and Surgical Reconstruction of Charcot Foot Symposium' and ‘King’s Charcot Foot Reconstruction Cadaver Workshop’ course in London. The Diabetic Foot Reconstruction Fellowship that is offered in his unit is popular among the foot and ankle trained surgeons. His clinical research interest is on Charcot foot and infection clearance surgery of the diabetic foot. He has published extensively on diabetic foot surgery and authored 6 book chapters on this subject. He is invited for most key diabetic foot meetings, and is a dynamic member of several specialist societies. His other responsibilities include honorary senior lecturer at King's College London, associate editor of Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, member of British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Education Committee, Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, and President of International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons.

Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM

Dean and Professor
Western University of Health Sciences
College of Podiatric Medicine
Pomona, CA

Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM, is the Dean and Professor, College of Podiatric Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine. He Is board certified in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also board certified in Healthcare Quality and Management by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. Dr Labovitz graduated from Cornell University majoring in nutritional biochemistry. He earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine followed by a three-year residency in foot and ankle surgery at Botsford General Hospital in Michigan. Dr Labovitz then completed an AO fellowship in orthopedic trauma surgery in Graz, Austria and advanced Ilizarov training in Russia. In addition, Dr Labovitz was a visiting scholar in health policy and management at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health under the mentorship of Gerald Kominski, PhD. Dr Labovitz currently serves on the Council of Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) and the CPME accreditation committee, and serves as the treasurer for the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Labovitz is also a member of the Clinical Advisory Working Group for the American Diabetes Association Amputation Prevention Alliance. In addition, Dr Labovitz is a consultant to public and privately-held medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Dr Labovitz is the past chair of the Western Foot & Ankle Conference and is a past president of the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society and past chair of the Treasure Hunt Seminar. He has also been a consultant for the California Board of Podiatric Medicine from 2000-2011 and served on the American Diabetes Association, Los Angeles Chapter Community Leadership Board from 2010-2018 and served as President from 2013-2014.

Lawrence A Lavery, DPM, MPH

Professor with Tenure in the Department of Orthopedics
Division of Podiatry
UT Health San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Lawrence Lavery, DPM, MPH is a Professor with Tenure in the Department of Orthopedics, Division of Podiatry, at UT San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. Dr Lavery is a founding member of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) and is the Chari-elect of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Foot Care Interest Group. He has published over 350 peer-revieweed papers and textbook chapters.

Fermin Rafael Martinez de Jesus, MD

Fermin Rafael Martinez de Jesus, MD was born in Cosamaloapan, Veracruz, Mexico. Since he achieved his Medical Degree in Surgery in 1984 by the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, he has devoted his work to improve the scientific foundations of the surgical and medical care to avoid lower extremity amputations in patients complicated with diabetic foot syndrome. Dr Martinez believes in friendship and hard work citing frequently: To rest to the grave when you pass away. He hates hypocrisy, unloyalty, and ungratefulness. He defines himself as a simple man trying to give the best of himself to other persons. With great energy and scarce economic resources, he built his own Diabetic Foot Center that is known worldwide. Dr Martinez has received many awards and continue working in patients care, research, scholar, and surgical practice. Prof Fermin Martinez has written more than 50 journal articles, one book, 10 book chapters, and has been the keynote and invited speaker at more than 100 scientific, university and industry symposia, courses, and conferences.

Matthew Mark Melin, MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS

University of Minnesota Physicians
Department of Vascular Surgery
Fairview Wound Healing Institute
Edina, MN

Mark Melin MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School. He completed his General Surgery residency and Vascular Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Dr Melin is currently at University of Minnesota Physicians, Fairview Wound Healing Institute in Edina, Minnesota.

Collin E Pehde, DPM, FASPS

Director, Amputation Prevention and Research Fellowship
Lee J. Sanders Endowed Professor of Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention
Assistant Professor/Clinical Podiatry, Department of Orthopaedics
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, DABFAS, MAPWCA

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, DABFAS, MAPWCA 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.

Jessica Randolph, DPM

Founder and Owner
OnPoint Podiatry
Glendale, AZ

Jessica Vernola Randolph, DPM is the owner and founder of OnPoint Podiatry in Glendale, AZ. Her practice focuses on all aspects of Foot and Ankle Care. She has a large, diverse patient population treating individuals requiring advanced lower limb reconstruction to elite professional dancers and highly specialized athletes. She provides targeted care to her individual patient’s needs. Dr Randolph is a native of Phoenix, AZ. She is classically trained in ballet and many different modern dance techniques. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from Arizona State University, followed by her Masters in Dance Education for Higher Education from New York University. While living in New York City she performed and taught for the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation. While dancing, choreographing and teaching in New York City she was first introduced to the field of Dance Medicine. Dr Randolph returned to Arizona; performed, taught and choreographed as a member of the Movement Source Dance Company for five seasons. After graduating Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in Biology she went on to her Doctorate Degree from Midwestern University in Podiatric Medicine. She then completed a rigorous 3-year surgical residency program at the Carl T. Hayden Phoenix VAMC. Dr Randolph has advanced surgical training in rear foot reconstruction, limb preservation, advanced wound care, Charcot foot reconstruction, joint arthroscopy, sports medicine and biomechanics. During her spare time Dr Randolph remains active in the dance community. She is an avid runner, tri- athlete, SCUBA diver, and tries to fit in a dance technique class when she can. She is happily married to her best friend a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Dr and Mr Randolph have two adorable Black Labrador Retrievers Revan and Malgus along with a cuddly cat Jade who fill their home with love and energy.

Lee C Rogers, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)

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

Lee C Rogers, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) 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.

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.