Partnership to host Wound Care Symposium, Oct 10th

Mega Doctor News

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In the United States, chronic wounds are referred to as a silent and life-threatening epidemic, with the prevalence of slow-healing wounds on the rise nationally due to the nation’s rising elderly population and the increasing number of individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

In 2024, about 6.5 million Americans lived with chronic wounds, according to the American Academy of Home Care Medicine, with the cost of managing the non-healing wounds estimated between $28.1 to $96.8 billion.

Described as open injuries that do not heal within the expected time, which is typically 4-6 weeks, chronic wounds can lead to serious complications, including worsening infection or potentially life-threatening sepsis, tissue damage and the development of problematic scars. In severe cases, untreated chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, can result in amputation.

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“Beyond the threat to life if left untreated, chronic wounds can limit mobility and physical activity, lead to increased fatigue and impact an individual’s mental health due to persistent pain, poor sleep and the overall burden of managing the condition,” says Jose Ricardo Sobrevilla Jr., MD, a wound care specialist who serves as the medical director of the South Texas Health System Wound Healing Center. “Timely and appropriate medical care by healthcare professionals is essential for chronic wounds to help prevent complications, accelerate healing and reduce pain and discomfort.”

To provide continuing education to healthcare professionals in the Rio Grande Valley aimed at improving outcomes for patients with hard-to-heal wounds, South Texas Health System is partnering with the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce to co-host a special symposium on Friday, October 10 from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center. 

Entitled “A Holistic Approach to Treating Complex Wounds,” the symposium will feature eight presentations by local wound care specialists aimed at better healing outcomes, improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs for patients with slow-healing wounds due to minimized hospitalizations.

“This daylong symposium has been designed to offer current, evidence-based strategies to support optimal patient management and improved outcomes while helping strengthen the collaboration between local healthcare professionals and wound care specialists to ensure a more comprehensive approach to patient care,” says Lorena Hernandez, Co-Founder, Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce. “Through advanced education,participants will be better equipped to deliver effective interventions, which can lead to improved healing rates, reduced complications and enhanced quality of life for the patients they serve.”

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Symposium speakers will include Dr. Sobrevilla, Dr. Jose Rodriguez, Dr. Joseph Caporusso, Dr. Pedro Mego, Dr. Alejandro Hernandez and Dr. Maria Aguinaga.

The registration rates are as follows: physicians, $100; physician assistants and nurse practitioners, $75; nurses and physical therapists, $50; and students with a valid student ID, $25. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Future Scholars of South Texas educational scholarships to help support the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Upon completion of the symposium, physicians and nurses will receive eight hours of continuing education creditfrom the STHS McAllen Education Department. 

For complete details and to register, please visit the official symposium page on Eventbrite. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. For more information, contact the Texas Healthcare Alliance Chamber of Commerce at956-530-2080 or thcacc956@gmail.com.

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