Physician-in-training Scholarships

Palma M. Shaw, MD, MBA, FACS, DFSVS, RPVI, is a Professor of Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University and a nationally recognized vascular surgeon specializing in endovascular aortic surgery, peripheral and venous interventions, diabetic foot management, and wound care. She serves as Program Director of the Vascular Surgery Fellowship and leads the institution’s Limb Preservation Program while holding numerous leadership roles in national and international vascular surgery organizations.

Luis R. Davila-Santini, MD, FACS, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Peconic Bay Medical Center within Northwell Health. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and specializes in complex arterial and venous disease, endovascular interventions, and vascular surgery, with a strong commitment to patient care, education, and clinical innovation.

Matthew Pergamo, MD, is a vascular surgeon and Clinical Assistant Professor at Stony Brook Medicine specializing in advanced arterial and venous disease management. He completed his general surgery residency and vascular surgery fellowship at NYU Langone Medical Center and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on endovascular interventions, venous disease, and complex vascular surgery, with a strong commitment to patient care, research, and surgical education.

David J. Margolis, MD, PhD, is the Gerald R. Lazarus Professor of Dermatology and a Professor of Dermatology and Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine. An internationally recognized physician-scientist, his research focuses on the epidemiology and treatment of chronic wounds and other dermatologic diseases, with extensive contributions to clinical research, evidence-based medicine, and wound care outcomes.

Jeanine R. Maguire, PhD, MA, MPT, CWS, FCPP, is a nationally recognized leader in post-acute wound care, value-based care, and clinical innovation. With nearly three decades of experience, she has led large-scale wound care programs across hundreds of healthcare facilities, co-founded the Post-Acute Skin & Wound Integrity Council (PAWSIC), and is widely recognized for her work advancing interdisciplinary care, education, and the integration of artificial intelligence into wound management.

Jayer Chung, MD, MSc, is Associate Professor of Surgery and Associate Division Chief of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine. An internationally recognized vascular surgeon, his clinical and research interests focus on chronic limb-threatening ischemia, limb salvage, advanced endovascular therapies, and artificial intelligence applications in vascular surgery, with an extensive record of leadership, research, and education in the field.

Gregory A. Bohn, MD, FACS, ABPM/UHM, is a board-certified general surgeon and internationally recognized expert in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. He currently serves as Medical Director for Serena Group and has held numerous national leadership positions, including President of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care. Dr. Bohn has authored extensively on wound healing and tissue repair and is a sought-after speaker and educator with decades of clinical, research, and leadership experience.

Dr. Ammar Al Rubaiay is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon specializing in complex reconstruction, trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and wound care. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at Northwell Health’s North Shore–LIJ program, where he served as Chief Resident. He currently serves as faculty within the residency program, actively participating in resident education, surgical training, and curriculum development.

Dr. Al Rubaiay is a member of the multidisciplinary wound care teams at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He regularly lectures on diabetic limb salvage, wound care innovation, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and lower extremity trauma, and is committed to advancing education and improving outcomes for patients with complex foot and ankle pathology.

Jonathan Niezgoda recently completed his first year of medical school at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Prior to medical school, he worked as a hyperbaric technologist and clinical research specialist, contributing to studies in vascular imaging and wound healing. His current research interests focus on the application of novel imaging technologies in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, and vascular disease.

Dr. Kevin Won-Young Jeong, DPM, is a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon specializing in the surgical and nonsurgical management of lower extremity conditions. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and practices at Northwell Health Physician Partners Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Plainview Hospital in Plainview, New York.

Dr. Jeong is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. He is fluent in Korean and is committed to providing culturally competent care to a diverse patient population.

Dr. Jeong is affiliated with several hospitals within the Northwell Health system, including Lenox Hill Hospital, Plainview Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Glen Cove Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, and South Shore University Hospital.

Dr. Joseph A. Ricci, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive expertise in microsurgery, craniofacial reconstruction, and academic leadership. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Associate Residency Program Director for the Northwell Health Division of Plastic Surgery in Manhasset, New York. Dr. Ricci earned his medical degree with honors from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed his residency in plastic surgery through the Harvard Combined Residency Program. He went on to pursue a prestigious microsurgery fellowship at New York University School of Medicine. His academic appointments include prior faculty roles at Albany Medical Center and Montefiore Medical Center, where he also held multiple leadership positions in residency training, quality improvement, and research.

An accomplished educator and prolific researcher, Dr. Ricci has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and has received numerous accolades for both his scholarship and teaching. His research interests span breast reconstruction, surgical ergonomics, patient-reported outcomes, and healthcare disparities. He serves on editorial boards for several high-impact journals and holds leadership roles in national plastic surgery organizations, including the Plastic Surgery Research Council and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With a dedication to innovation in surgical education and patient care, Dr. Ricci continues to mentor residents and medical students, lead multi-institutional research efforts, and advance best practices in reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Gurtej Singh, PhD, is a biomedical researcher and Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stony Brook University. He specializes in wound care and regenerative medicine, focusing on the development of advanced bioprinted skin substitutes and tissue-engineered therapies. Dr. Singh holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has authored over 20 publications with more than 1,000 citations. In addition to his academic and clinical research, Dr. Singh has demonstrated strong leadership in biotechnology innovation. He is the winner of the 2024 Venture Champions Challenge for his work on vascularized skin constructs and has been a key participant in the NY I-Corps Life Science Innovation Bootcamp. His contributions also include multiple provisional patents and securing more than $450,000 in research funding. He actively mentors trainees across academic levels and serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals and national research panels including the NIH and NSF. Dr. Singh is committed to advancing translational science that bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world therapeutic applications in wound healing and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Richard Simman, MD, FACS, FACCWS, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over three decades of experience in wound care, reconstructive surgery, and academic medicine. He serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and Co-Director of the Wound Care Program at the Jobst Vascular Institute within the ProMedica Health Network in Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Simman earned his medical degree from Louvain Catholic University in Brussels, Belgium. He completed his general surgery residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University in New York, followed by a plastic surgery residency at Providence Hospital and Medical Centers in Southfield, Michigan. He further specialized with a burn surgery fellowship and wound healing research fellowship at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Throughout his career, Dr. Simman has performed thousands of reconstructive procedures addressing both aesthetic and trauma-related needs. He is a prolific contributor to medical literature, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters.

Dr. Simman is the founding president and chair of the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery and has served as past president of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists. He is also actively involved in editorial roles for several esteemed medical journals, including the Annals of Plastic Surgery and the Journal of Wound Care (UK).

Dr. Nicholas Sikalas, MD, is a board-certified vascular surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine in 2008 and has over 17 years of experience in the field. Dr. Sikalas completed his residency in general surgery and fellowship in vascular surgery, focusing on minimally invasive endovascular techniques and complex vascular reconstructions.

Dr. Sikalas is affiliated with several hospitals in New York, including North Shore University Hospital, South Shore University Hospital, Syosset Hospital, Huntington Hospital, and Stony Brook University Hospital. He practices at multiple locations, including Centereach, Bay Shore, and Mineola, NY. Dr. Sikalas is committed to providing comprehensive vascular care, utilizing the latest advancements in surgical and endovascular therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Thomas E. Serena, MD, FACS, MAPWCA, FACHM, is an internationally recognized leader in wound care, vascular surgery, and clinical research. He is the Founder and Medical Director of The SerenaGroup®, a global network of more than 30 advanced wound and hyperbaric centers. A board-certified surgeon and clinical trialist, Dr. Serena has led over 100 clinical trials focused on wound healing innovations, regulatory pathways, and reimbursement strategies.

He earned his MD from Penn State College of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Hershey Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident. He went on to pursue advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Serena is also a Medical Director for Mendota Health and an active faculty member of the Angiogenesis Foundation. He holds fellowships with the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, and the American Professional Wound Care Association (where he is also a Master in Wound Care).

Fluent in several languages and a frequent international lecturer, Dr. Serena has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, advancing global standards in wound diagnostics, topical therapies, and surgical techniques. He has served in leadership roles with the World Union of Wound Healing Societies and the World Alliance for Wound and Lymphedema Care, emphasizing a multidisciplinary and data-driven approach to patient care.

Dr. Lee C. Rogers, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), is an internationally recognized expert in diabetic limb salvage, podiatric surgery, and healthcare policy. He currently serves as the Louis T. Bogy Endowed Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He is also Chief of Podiatry at University Health System and holds prominent leadership positions in both national and international podiatric organizations.
Dr. Rogers earned his DPM from Des Moines University and completed his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery in New York, followed by a fellowship in diabetic limb preservation at the Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR). He has authored over 300 publications and book chapters and co-authored sections in major surgical texts such as Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery.

Widely recognized for advancing the field of diabetic foot care, Dr. Rogers has chaired numerous international conferences and clinical consensus panels. He is the former President of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and currently serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Podiatrists. His clinical and academic leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Podiatry Hall of Fame in 2025.

Dr. Matthew J. Regulski, DPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), ABMSP, FASPM, is a distinguished podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist with over two decades of clinical experience. He graduated summa cum laude from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at the Main Line Health System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Regulski currently serves as the Medical Director of the Wound Care Institute of Ocean County, LLC, and Director of the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Community Medical Center. He is also a Senior Partner at Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C. Member of the Scientific Committee for the Federation of International podiatry.
An active contributor to the field of wound care, Dr. Regulski has been the principal investigator for multiple clinical trials focusing on wound healing, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on chronic wound healing and limb-salvage surgery.

Dr. Regulski holds several leadership positions, including Board Member and Scientific Chairman of the Federation of International Podiatry, and Communications Director for the Foot Working Group of the American Diabetes Association. He is a National Delegate for the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care and a Fellow Faculty Member at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Scotland. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Regulski is a wound care certified physician and a fellow of both the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing and the American Professional Wound Care Association. He is a sought-after lecturer on wound healing and limb-salvage surgery, both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Alisha Oropallo, MD, FACS, FSVS, FABWMS, is a nationally recognized leader in wound healing, vascular surgery, and health disparities research. She is a Professor of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. Dr. Oropallo serves as Director of the Comprehensive Wound Healing Center and Program Director of the Advanced Wound and Burn Fellowship at Northwell Health.

She completed her vascular surgery fellowship at Boston University Medical Center and her general surgery residency at Maimonides Medical Center. Dr. Oropallo is extensively involved in national research efforts, having led or contributed to dozens of clinical trials on wound healing, diabetic foot ulcers, and perfusion imaging. Her work has been published in leading journals, and she regularly presents at national and international conferences.

In addition to her clinical and research leadership, Dr. Oropallo holds prominent advisory roles, including as Vice Chair of the FDA’s Wound Care Collaborative Community and the NIH’s Social Determinants of Health Committee for the Diabetic Foot Consortium. She is passionate about improving outcomes for patients with chronic wounds through innovation, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Niezgoda, MD, FACHM, MAPWCA, is an internationally recognized leader in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, and medical innovation. He is the Chief Medical Officer of Kent Imaging and serves as President and CMO of several healthcare and technology companies including WebCME, Auxillium Healthcare, and RxOS Medical. A former U.S. Air Force officer, Dr. Niezgoda earned his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

He previously directed the Center for Comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee and served as President and CMO of Hyperbaric & Wound Care Associates. Throughout his career, he has led major clinical research efforts and played a key role in the development of advanced wound care technologies. A prolific author and global lecturer, Dr. Niezgoda has also served as a consultant to CMS and the FDA, advocating for innovation in wound care delivery. His career reflects a commitment to advancing science, education, and patient care in vascular and wound healing.

Dr. Munier M. Nazzal, MD, MBA, FRCS (UK), FACS, RVT, RPVI, FACCWS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and internationally respected educator, clinician, and researcher. He currently serves as Professor of Surgery and Chief of Vascular, Endovascular, and Wound Surgery at the University of Toledo Medical Center, where he also directs the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory and the Surgical Simulation Program.

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Nazzal has led extensive clinical and academic initiatives in wound care, limb salvage, and endovascular surgery. He serves as Medical Director of multiple wound and hyperbaric centers in Ohio and holds senior leadership roles within the University of Toledo Physicians and the Great Lakes Vascular Institute. His scholarly contributions include over 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and he has served as principal investigator for numerous clinical trials in vascular surgery, wound healing, and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.

An advocate for global vascular education, Dr. Nazzal is also Chair of the Middle East Venous Forum and co-directs multiple international conferences focused on diabetic limb salvage and advanced wound care. His career reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and improving patient outcomes across vascular and surgical specialties.

Dr. Spyridon (Spyros) Monastiriotis, MD, MSc, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He currently practices as an Attending Vascular Surgeon at South Shore University Hospital, where he is involved in both clinical care and surgical education.

Originally from Greece, Dr. Monastiriotis earned his medical degree from the University of Ioannina and completed his vascular surgery residency at Stony Brook University in New York. He also holds a Master of Science in Endovascular Techniques from the University of Athens and the University of Milan Bicocca. His earlier training includes surgical residency in Athens and military medical service.

Dr. Monastiriotis has presented nationally and internationally on complex vascular interventions, including endovascular aneurysm repair and hybrid techniques. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in major vascular surgery journals, focusing on endovascular outcomes, radiation safety, and aortic pathology. His clinical practice includes a wide range of vascular and endovascular procedures, with outpatient care provided across several Northwell locations in New York.

Dr. Peter J. Mancuso, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with over two decades of experience in foot and ankle surgery, wound care, and limb preservation. He is the President and Founder of NY Foot & Ankle Specialists and currently practices through Northwell Health Physician Partners. He also serves as Chief of Podiatry at South Shore University Hospital and Associate Director for Podiatric Residency Training at Northwell Forest Hills.

Dr. Mancuso completed his medical education at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and his surgical residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in Manhattan. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery as well as in podiatric medicine and orthopaedics. His professional involvement extends to hospital privileges at multiple New York institutions and leadership roles in the Long Island Wound Healing Association and Optimum Podiatry Group.

An avid educator and frequent conference speaker, Dr. Mancuso has presented on topics ranging from diabetic limb salvage to advanced reconstructive techniques. His commitment to medical education is reflected in his active faculty roles, teaching engagements, and mentorship in resident training programs across New York State.

Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov, MD, MAS, is a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. He specializes in wound healing and complex medical dermatology, with ongoing research support from the National Institutes of Health, Dermatology Foundation, and industry sponsors.

After earning his MD from SUNY Downstate and completing an internal medicine internship, Dr. Lev-Tov pursued postdoctoral training and a master’s degree in clinical research at UC Davis. He completed his dermatology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Dr. Lev-Tov directs both the Wound Healing Fellowship and the Miami HS Center. He is also the President of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation and an active leader in dermatologic education as the founding chair of the Integrative Dermatology Symposium, co-founder of LearnSkin, and founding Deputy Editor of the Journal of Integrative Dermatology. Through clinical care, research, and education, he remains a prominent voice in advancing dermatologic treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. John C. Lantis II, MD is an internationally recognized vascular surgeon and authority in wound care. He currently serves as Site Chief of Surgery at Mount Sinai West Hospital and Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In 2024, he was appointed Director of Advanced Wound Care for the Mount Sinai Health System. A leading voice in the field, Dr. Lantis is also the Editor-in-Chief of WOUNDS: A Clinical Compendium.

With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lantis is known for his expertise in limb salvage and complex wound management, including the use of cellular and tissue-based therapies, negative pressure wound therapy, and regenerative techniques. He has served as the principal investigator in over 80 clinical trials and held leadership roles in multiple surgical societies, including as past president of the New York Vascular Surgery Society. He is a founding member of both the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery and the Vascular Study Group of New York.

Dr. George Koullias, MD, PhD, FSVS, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular and thoracic surgeon with over two decades of experience in advanced vascular care. He currently serves as Division Chief of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at the Hospital of Saint Catherine of Siena and as System Chief for Limb Preservation at Catholic Health in New York. Dr. Koullias is renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive vascular procedures, complex aortic surgery, and advanced wound care.

He completed his general surgery residency at New York Medical College, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Yale University. Furthering his specialization, he pursued advanced thoracic aortic endovascular surgery training at the German Heart Institute in Berlin and a vascular and endovascular surgery fellowship at the Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Koullias has also held academic appointments, including Assistant Professor of Surgery at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, where he directed the Center for Advanced Wound Healing at Southampton Hospital. His clinical interests focus on limb salvage, endovascular interventions, and the management of complex vascular pathologies.

An active contributor to medical literature, Dr. Koullias has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and he is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences on vascular surgery and wound care.

Dr. Robert Scott Kirsner, MD, PhD, is a distinguished dermatologist and academic leader specializing in wound healing and skin cancer epidemiology. He serves as Chairman and the endowed Harvey Blank Professor in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Additionally, he holds a professorship in the Department of Public Health Sciences.

Dr. Kirsner is also the Chief of Dermatology at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics and Jackson Memorial Hospital, and he directs the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Wound Center. Dr. Kirsner earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas A&M University in 1984, followed by his medical degree from the University of Miami in 1988. He completed his residency in dermatology and a fellowship in wound healing at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. In 2004, he obtained a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Miami.  With over 500 peer-reviewed publications,

Dr. Kirsner is a prolific contributor to the fields of dermatology and wound healing. He serves as an academic editor for the journal Wound Repair and Regeneration and sits on the editorial boards of several other journals. His leadership roles include serving on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Dermatology and the Wound Healing Society. He is a past president of both the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care and the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

Dr. Kirsner’s research has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various industry sponsors. His work has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of chronic wounds and skin cancers.

Dr. Sami U. Khan, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over two decades of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. He currently serves as the Interim Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Associate Professor of Surgery at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Additionally, he holds leadership roles as the Director of Cosmetic Surgery, Medical Director of Bellavie MedSpa, and Co-Director of the Hernia Center at Stony Brook Medicine .

Dr. Khan earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1996. He completed his general surgery residency at Christiana Care Health System, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic. Further honing his expertise, he pursued a fellowship in aesthetic surgery and breast reconstruction at Charlotte Plastic Surgery . His clinical interests encompass a wide range of procedures, including breast reconstruction post-cancer, body contouring after significant weight loss, facial trauma surgery, and minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements. Dr. Khan is actively involved in research, contributing to numerous peer-reviewed publications, and is a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons .

Dr. Meghan Kelly, MD, PhD, FAAOS is an orthopaedic surgeon and academic leader specializing in foot and ankle surgery. She currently serves as Division Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Kelly holds dual degrees in medicine and physiology, with a PhD from Boston University and an MD from the University of Rochester. She completed her orthopaedic residency at the University of Rochester and a foot and ankle fellowship at the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic/UC Davis.

Dr. Kelly is a nationally recognized voice in orthopaedic surgery, with research focused on biomechanics, ankle arthritis, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. She actively contributes to the academic community through journal editing, publications, and invited lectures. She serves as a Specialty Content Editor for Foot & Ankle International and chairs the Humanitarian Committee of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). Dr. Kelly is also a strong advocate for medical education and leadership development, participating in national leadership programs and mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.

Dr. Steven M. Dean, DO, FSVM, RPVI, is a Clinical Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University and Director of the Vascular Medicine Program at OSU Wexner Medical Center. A board-certified internist and vascular medicine specialist, he is nationally recognized for his expertise in lymphedema, lipedema, and chronic venous disease. Dr. Dean has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is co-editor of Color Atlas and Synopsis of Vascular Disease. He is a past Imaging Editor-in-Chief for Vascular Medicine journal and a Master of the Society for Vascular Medicine. His leadership in education and research has earned him multiple “Best Doctor” honors and prestigious awards in vascular medicine.

Dr. Windy Cole, DPM, CWSP is a native Ohioan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati where she graduated summa cum laude. She is also an honor graduate from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Cole has practiced in Northeast Ohio for over 22 years. She is an adjunct professor and Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.

She is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Wound Management. She has been a dedicated wound care advocate for two decades with interests focused on medical education, diabetic foot care, wound care, limb salvage, & clinical research. Dr. Cole has published many peer-reviewed and industry articles on these topics and is a sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally. She is a feature writer for Podiatry Management and Today’s Wound Clinic as well as a contributing writer for Podiatry Today.

She is an Editorial Board member of Wound Management and Prevention, Podiatry Today, The Foot Journal, Wound Masterclass, Podiatry Management and Lower Extremity Review. She is also the Podiatry Section Editor for the ePlasty Journal and a Guest Editor for Foot and Ankle Quarterly. She is a wound care advocate on the forefront of wound research and was the 2020 World Union of Wound Healing Silver Medal Award recipient for her work in Technology-driven Research and the 2022 recipient of the Kaplan-Kanat Memorial Lecture Award. Dr. Cole is a member of the ACCWS BOD and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Glasgow. Additionally, she sits on the advisory board of multiple emerging biotech companies and has been integral in collaborating on innovative research protocols in the space.

Dr. Harold Brem is a highly experienced, board-certified general surgeon with over 27 years in the field, specializing in wound healing and regenerative medicine. He is a Professor of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Chief of the Division of Wound Healing & Regenerative Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Dr. Brem is a pioneer in academic wound healing and clinical research, applying his findings to treat complex wounds.

He leads a team of gifted surgeons, residents, and medical students to deliver best outcomes and comprehensive treatment including but not limited to such as those from hidradenitis suppurativa, decubitus ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, limb salvage, necrotizing fasciitis, sepsis related to wounds, and emergency surgery related to these complicated cases. Dr. Brem’s key contributions include developing evidence-based protocols for diabetic foot ulcers which have been adopted globally, identifying genes that impair wound healing, pioneering the use of regenerative treatments like stem cells and human fibroblast keratinocytes, and creating innovative surgical debridement techniques guided by molecular markers to optimize healing. His approach to patient care is comprehensive and patient-centered, combining his clinical expertise with ongoing research to improve outcomes.

He founded a unique, all-in-one wound care service that includes a basic science lab, inpatient and outpatient centers, regenerative medicine, and 24/7 surgery, making his practice a comprehensive model for wound healing.

Dr. Karen Bauer, DNP, APRN-FNP, CWS, FAAWC is a Wound Certified and Vascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Toledo, an M.S. from The Ohio State University and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from The University of Toledo. She has been practicing as a wound and vascular nurse practitioner for 17 years. Karen was previously the Director of Wound and Vascular Services at UT where she developed and oversaw a team of advanced practice providers in the Division of Vascular, Endovascular, and Wound Surgery.

She also helped to develop and served as the Program Director at a rural wound center in Ohio for many years. Karen is the Limb Salvage Coordinator at Emory University’s Heart & Vascular Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the current President of the Society for Vascular Nursing and a long-time Board Member and Fellow of the AAWC. Karen participates on the American Heart Association’s Peripheral Artery Disease National Action Plan Steering Committee and is an Editorial Board Member for numerous scientific journals. Karen lectures regionally, nationally, and internationally and is a published writer. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her daughter, play with her dog, do yoga, and eat!

Dr. Mohsen Bannazadeh, MD, FACS, FSVS, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular and general surgeon specializing in complex aortic and peripheral vascular conditions. He serves as the Director of Aortic Surgery for Northwell Health’s Central Region and oversees the Limb Preservation Program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Additionally, he holds the position of Associate Professor of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Bannazadeh’s clinical expertise encompasses aortic pathologies, including dissections and aneurysms, as well as arterial and venous insufficiencies and critical limb ischemia.

He is deeply committed to medical education, serving as the Associate Program Director for the Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship at Northwell Health. His research interests focus on advancing treatments for vascular diseases and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient outcomes. Previously, Dr. Bannazadeh held leadership roles at Stony Brook Medicine, where he directed Peripheral Intervention and served as Site Director for Vascular Surgery at Long Island Community Hospital. His educational background includes a vascular surgery fellowship at Mount Sinai Health System and a general surgery residency at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Bannazadeh is recognized for his dedication to patient care, surgical excellence, and mentorship in the field of vascular surgery.

Dr. Nicos Labropoulos, is a distinguished expert in vascular medicine, serving as a Professor of Surgery and Radiology at Stony Brook University Hospital in Long Island, New York. He also directs the hospital’s Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory, where he focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of vascular diseases. Dr. Labropoulos did his studies and training in London and completed his PHD and vascular fellowship at St. Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College London. He is also an adjunct professor of Surgery at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, and the president and CEO of the Prime Care Medical Complex in Sao Paulo, Brasil.

Throughout his career, Dr. Labropoulos he has been awarded multiple grants for clinical and basic science studies. He has been a visiting professor 25 times and has received many prestigious awards. He has established criteria and protocols for vascular diagnosis and pioneer and contributed to methods for treatment. He is on the editorial board of many journals having >345 publications and >22000 citations. He has edited 5 vascular textbooks and has contributed over 60 book chapters on the diagnosis and management of vascular diseases.

Dr. Antonios P. Gasparis, MD, FACS, is an internationally recognized vascular surgeon and vein specialist currently serving as the System Chief for Venous Diseases at Northwell Health. He is also a Professor of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Gasparis earned his undergraduate degree in Classical Civilization from New York University in 1992 and his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 1996.

He completed his general surgery residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in 2001, followed by a vascular surgery fellowship at Stony Brook University Medical Center from 2001 to 2003, and an endovascular fellowship at Texas Tech University in 2003. From 2003 to 2023, Dr. Gasparis served as an attending vascular surgeon at Stony Brook University Medical Center, where he founded the Stony Brook Vein Center in 2003 and established the institution’s first office-based lab for vascular procedures in 2014.

His clinical expertise encompasses minimally invasive treatments for venous diseases, including varicose veins, pelvic congestion syndrome, and chronic venous insufficiency. A dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Gasparis has contributed extensively to the field of vascular surgery through publications and presentations. He is a member of several professional societies, including the American Venous Forum and the Society for Vascular Surgery. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the Hippocratic Award at the 33rd Annual Hermes Expo Gala.

Steve Elias MD FACS DABVLM is Director, Center for Vein Disease at Englewood Health Network, NJ. He is the Founder of the American Venous Forum Fellows/Residents Course in Venous Disease which educates graduating physicians about the management of vein disease. His clinical interests include all aspects of minimally invasive vein care, both procedure development and teaching. Venous education of new and current practitioners has been the cornerstone of his commitment to modern vein care and its impact on patient outcomes for the last 20 years. Dr. Elias has lectured, published and taught about vein disease both nationally and internationally.

He is also the Founder and Course Director of the annual Expert Venous Management Summit, a meeting that highlights advanced vein care. He is the Medical Editor of the American Venous Forum’s Newsletter, Vein Specialist. Venous Edge, an on-line video magazine, is the latest educational product that he co-founded in 2021. He has been Principal Investigator in multiple clinical trials and performed the first in man ClariVein procedure and Sonovein First In US Trial. Societal memberships include: American Venous Forum, Society for Vascular Surgery, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, and the American College of Surgeons.

He is a Fellow of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, Distinguished Fellow of the American Venous Forum and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been the Director of Mount Sinai Vein Center and the Columbia University Vascular Vein Programs. Undergraduate training was at The Johns Hopkins University. He received his medical degree from the State University of New York Buffalo. He then did his vascular fellowship training at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Elias is board certified in venous and lymphatic medicine and general surgery.