American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH)

Independent Certification for Wound Care Professionals

The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) is an independent certification organization that provides credentialing pathways for healthcare professionals seeking to demonstrate advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and professional competency in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.

While APWCA supports continuing education and certification preparation, certification examinations, eligibility requirements, and credentialing decisions are administered independently by ABWH.

About the American Board of Wound Healing

The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) is an independent certification organization dedicated to promoting excellence in wound care and hyperbaric medicine through rigorous certification and recertification standards.

ABWH certification is available to a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals who meet established eligibility requirements and successfully complete the certification process.

By recognizing advanced clinical knowledge and professional competency, ABWH helps support healthcare professionals, employers, credentialing bodies, licensing boards, and the public through trusted certification standards.

The Purpose of ABWH

APWCA's Role in
Certification Preparation

While ABWH independently administers certification examinations and credentials, APWCA supports healthcare professionals through education, certification preparation, conferences, webinars, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen clinical knowledge and improve exam readiness.

Healthcare professionals preparing for certification may benefit from APWCA resources including:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does APWCA administer ABWH certification examinations?

No. Certification examinations, eligibility requirements, applications, and credentialing decisions are administered by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH).

ABWH and APWCA are separate organizations. APWCA is a professional association focused on education, advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration, while ABWH is an independent certification organization.

Eligibility requirements vary based on certification pathways and professional credentials. Individuals should consult the ABWH website for current requirements and application information.

Certification applications, eligibility requirements, examination information, and recertification details are available directly through the American Board of Wound Healing.

Explore Certification Resources

Learn more about certification pathways, professional development opportunities, and educational programs that support healthcare professionals involved in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.

Visit ABWH

Jeffrey A. Niezgoda

MD, MAPWCA,FACP, FIDSA, FUHMS, CW

Dr. Jeffrey Niezgoda is a nationally recognized leader in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, limb preservation, and regenerative medicine with more than 30 years of clinical experience. He is the Past President of the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.

Dr. Niezgoda has directed advanced wound care and hyperbaric programs, contributed to medical device development and clinical research, and served in leadership roles supporting innovation in wound management technologies and patient care. His expertise includes wound healing, vascular care, hyperbaric medicine, and regenerative clinical services.

Barbara Delmore

PhD, RN, CWCN, MAPWCA

Dr. Barbara Delmore is a board-certified wound care nurse, researcher, educator, and Senior Nurse Scientist at NYU Langone Health. With more than 35 years of nursing experience, she specializes in pressure injury prevention, chronic wound management, and evidence-based wound care practices.

Dr. Delmore has authored numerous publications, served on professional advisory boards, and received national recognition for her contributions to wound care research, education, and clinical innovation.

Jeffrey Lehrman

DPM, FASPS, MAPWCA

Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman is a nationally recognized expert in wound care documentation, coding, compliance, and podiatric medicine. Through Lehrman Consulting, LLC, he provides education and guidance related to healthcare coding, reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Dr. Lehrman serves as a staff liaison at the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel meetings and has held leadership positions within APWCA and other professional organizations focused on wound care and podiatric surgery.

Mark Melin

MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS

Dr. Mark Melin is a Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic specializing in wound care, vascular medicine, and advanced wound healing technologies. His clinical expertise includes vascular assessment, chronic wound management, and emerging technologies in wound care.

Dr. Melin actively contributes to research, education, and advancements in wound healing practices focused on improving patient outcomes and interdisciplinary care.

Kathya Zinszer

DPM, FAPWCA

Dr. Kathya Zinszer is a podiatric physician specializing in diabetic foot care, wound management, limb preservation, and public health advocacy. She currently serves at Geisinger Medical Center and has extensive experience in both clinical practice and wound care education.

Dr. Zinszer has contributed to wound care publications, professional organizations, and clinical guideline initiatives related to diabetic foot management and wound prevention strategies.

Thomas E. Serena

MD, FACS, FACHM, MAPWCA

Dr. Thomas Serena is an internationally recognized wound care specialist, researcher, educator, and founder of The SerenaGroup®. He has established wound care centers throughout the United States and internationally and has led more than 100 clinical trials focused on wound healing and advanced therapies.

Dr. Serena has authored hundreds of scientific publications, delivered lectures worldwide, and held leadership positions within multiple wound care organizations, including APWCA, the Wound Healing Society, and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.