American Professional Wound Care Association
* APWCA endorses new physician wound care certification examination. A new physician wound care certification examination has been endorsed by the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) and recognized by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The development of this physician examination is a step toward the long-term goal of achieving specialty recognition of wound care by the American Board of Medical Specialties, American Osteopathic Association, and the Council of Podiatric Medical Education. Although the evolution of specialty recognition may take time, during the interim this examination will provide formal recognition to those practitioners who have substantial expertise in wound management. The committee is chaired by Robert Bartlett, MD, FAPWCA, and co-chaired by Jeffrey Niezgoda, MD, FAPWCA.
"This new examination will change the dynamics of this field and advances wound care to a new level. It brings us one step closer to the goal of specialty recognition. The next challenge will be the initiation of residencies and fellowships, which are commensurate with the evolution of knowledge and practice. This examination will be available to all prescribing physicians (MD, DO, DPM)," Dr. Bartlett said.
The history of the certification development began 2 years ago when members of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM) contacted the APWCA regarding the need for a physician-oriented wound care certification that would be available to its members. After reviewing options, the ACHM decided to collaborate with the APWCA. An ad hoc committee was established with key members of both organizations, who investigated the concept and confirmed a growing need for a formal process to distinguish those who are skilled in the art and science of wound care.
"Hospital administrators, managed care organizations, physicians, and podiatrists alike noted there is a growing need for some method to specifically recognize physicians working in this area. The field of wound care is no longer a simple affair of wet-to-dry dressings. Twenty-first century wound care has entered the molecular age of medicine with the advent of advanced therapies that require skill and discernment to achieve cost effective outcomes," Dr. Bartlett noted. Based on these observations, an examination construction committee was established with members from the 2 professional societies.
Although the APWCA has supported this initiative at many levels and will endorse the examination, a separate testing organization will administer the certification process. The first examination will be offered June 6, 2008, during the Third Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, June 4-8, 2008, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Open enrollment for membership in the APWCA is still available to become a Fellow or Associate. With the launch of this examination, however, that opportunity will be discontinued and alternate pathways will be offered to become a Fellow in the organization.
* APWCA2008. More than 30 wound care educators, researchers, and leaders in this rapidly growing specialty will be among the faculty at APWCA2008, March 6-9, 2008, at the Marriott Renaissance Worthington Hotel on Sundance Square, Ft. Worth, TX. Faculty members include Elizabeth A. Ayello, PhD, RN, APRN,BC, CWOCN, FAPWCA, FAAN; Andrew Boulton, MD; Mona Baharestani, PhD, ANP, CWOCN, CWS, FCCWS, FAPWCA; David Allie, MD, FAPWCA; R. Gary Sibbald, BSc MD, FRCPC (Med) (Derm), FAPWCA, MEd; Sharon Baranoski, MSN, RN, CWOCN, APN, DAPWCA, FAAN; and Dot Weir, RN, CWOCN, CWS.
Steven Kravitz, DPM, FAPWCA, Program General Chair and APWCA Executive Director, will discuss his collaborative work with Darlene McCord, PhD, FAPWCA, in his presentation "The Skin Barrier and the Effects of Aging and Diabetes: Can We Reduce Risk by Understanding Intervention that Improves or Harms Skin Health?"
APWCA2008 will address topics highlighted by clinically relevant education in all aspects of wound healing, designed for patient-care decision makers. Other subjects include "The New Jersey Pressure Ulcer Collaborative: Does Best Practice Improve Outcomes?," "The Role of Free Radicals in Wound Healing: Cell Cycle and Quiescent Cells," "Institutional Risks Associated With Community-Acquired Pathogens: A New Standard of Care," and "The Nutritional Aspects of Wound Care: What Should the Clinician Look for and How to Set Up and Manage a Wound Care Practice/Center."
The pre-course schedule will include breakout sessions on advanced wound healing technologies and a dinner symposium that will address "Skin Perfusion Pressure."
For more information on APWCA news, visit http://www.apwca.org; e-mail: [email protected]; or call 215-364-4100.
World Union of Wound Healing Societies
The World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) has extended its submission deadline for abstracts to March 3, 2008. The Third Congress of the WUWHS will be held June 4-8, 2008, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. To date, the WUWHS has received 400 abstracts for this international event.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.wuwhs2008.ca
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Society Certification Board
The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Society Certification Board (WOCNCB) has elected Patti Gable Burke, RN, BSN, CWOCN, as its new president. Her 2-year term was effective January 2008. Ms Burke has been more than 24 years experience in nursing and has been a WOC nurse for more than 12 years. She has been a member of the WOCNCB since 2004, serving as Financial Officer and Board Liaison to the Marketing Committee, and former member and Board Liaison to WOCNCB's Professional Growth Program Committee.
[black up pointing small triangle] Information:http://www.wocncb.org