APWCA membership connects healthcare professionals across specialties who are committed to improving patient outcomes through education, collaboration, advocacy, and professional development.
Whether you are a physician, nurse, podiatrist, therapist, advanced practice provider, researcher, educator, or other healthcare professional involved in wound care, APWCA provides opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
"As a clinician who has treated complex wounds of the lower extremity for 30 years, I have longed for the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues facing the same challenges in wound healing."
"I'm a member because only APWCA has prioritized issues affecting the wound care advanced practitioner, including MIPS and quality reporting."
"What sets APWCA apart is its multidisciplinary approach. The ability to connect with physicians, nurses, podiatrists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals creates a collaborative environment that ultimately benefits both clinicians and patients."
APWCA membership is open to healthcare professionals involved in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and management of acute, chronic, and complex wounds.
The association brings together clinicians and healthcare professionals from a wide range of specialties and practice settings, creating a multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing wound care through education, collaboration, advocacy, and professional development.
Professionals who may benefit from APWCA membership include:
APWCA believes that the best patient outcomes are achieved through multidisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties, the association creates opportunities for shared learning, networking, professional growth, and improved patient care.
The above are credentialed members and able to use the following designations after their degree with their signature, eg.: John Doe, MD, FAPWCA.
1. Maintaining state license to practice.
2. Minimal of two years of experience providing wound care. This may include residency training for physicians.
3.Obtaining the minimal requirement of 21 hours of continuing medical education in wound care every three years through educational programs provided by the APWCA or programs provided by other organizations that are approved for CME by the APWCA Scientific Committee
4. Maintaining current status and staying current with annual membership fees (unless financial hardship and approved by the an APWCA Committee - all such matters are completely confidential).
Membership is open to physicians, podiatrists, nurses, advanced practice providers, therapists, researchers, educators, students, and other healthcare professionals involved in wound prevention, wound healing, and related specialties.
No. Membership is available to qualified healthcare professionals involved in wound care. Certain credentialed membership designations may have additional certification requirements.
APWCA recognizes three credentialed membership designations:
Each designation has specific eligibility requirements related to professional credentials, certification, experience, and contributions to the field.
Benefits may include professional designations, educational resources, conference discounts, access to wound care news and updates, professional networking opportunities, advocacy representation, collaboration opportunities, and subscriptions to select member resources.
Yes. APWCA is a multidisciplinary organization that welcomes healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, therapists, researchers, educators, and other allied health professionals.
No. APWCA promotes collaboration across disciplines and membership categories. Members have equal opportunities to participate in committees, contribute ideas, serve in leadership roles, and engage in organizational initiatives.
Credentialed members are required to maintain continuing education requirements as outlined by APWCA. Current requirements include a minimum of 21 hours of wound care continuing education every three years.
Prospective members can complete the APWCA membership application and select the membership category that best aligns with their professional background and qualifications.
APWCA believes that multidisciplinary collaboration strengthens the wound care profession. Membership category does not affect a member's ability to participate in committees, leadership opportunities, or organizational initiatives.
All members have equal opportunities to contribute, serve, lead, and help shape the future direction of the association.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
