ABWM NEWSLETTER

May 2012

Dr. Robert J. Snyder, DPM, FACFAS, CWS

Dear Colleagues:

After almost 2 years in the making, the re-branding and transformation of the AAWM to the ABWM was officially introduced at the Symposium for the Advancement of Wound Care on April 19-22 in Atlanta, Georgia. The "Are You on the List?" campaign was ingenious and augmented by a sleek yet inviting booth, with couches and an old fashioned photo booth that welcomed those certified, as well as interested clinicians who wanted to learn more about our journey from academy to board. The excitement was palpable and hundreds of multidisciplinary specialists inquired about how they could "get on the list". 

Many thanks to the Rebranding Task Force, Gayle Lindsey, PT, CWS, FACCWS (Chair), Des Bell, DPM, CWS, Julie Rhodovi, CWCA, and Deanna Vargo, BSN, RN, CWS, FACCWS, DAPWCA, CWOCN for their hard work and creativity. The efforts of those Board members that manned the booth and our management team, including Chris Murphy and Carrie Hoffman, cannot be overstated. Rebranding of any organization is difficult at best; this team worked tirelessly behind the scenes (and up front as well) to ensure all went smoothly. It was truly a shining moment in the history of this organization!

The Board continues to work diligently on ABWM's behalf. The association's enhanced logo and website have been well received. ABWM's new testing company, Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP), is securely in place and should serve to upgrade and streamline the examination process. In addition, starting October 1, the physician examination (CWSP) will be combined with the CWS so that only one test is required to sit for the CWSP designation, representing yet another milestone in our organizational transformation.

Our ranks are increasing as the requirements for certification become, not only a personal milestone for the individual, but an essential part of our professional identities as we navigate through the challenges of healthcare in the 21st century. Be proud of what you have accomplished, both personally and for your profession; let your patients, colleagues, hospitals, and payers know that you are "On the List".

Best,

Robert J. Snyder, DPM, FACFAS, CWS 

South Florida Wound Care Group 

People in the News

Cynthia Fleck, CWS, Accepts New Position

Former President of the American Board of Wound Management, Cynthia Ann Fleck, RN, BSN, APN/CNS, WOCN, CWS, CFCN, DNC, has recently accepted a new position as the Senior Director, Clinical Marketing for Advanced BioHealing, La Jolla, CA, manufacturers of human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute, Dermagraft (R).  She is developing a new department and is responsible for North American clinical marketing.

Diplomates on AAWC Board

Congratulations to the ABWM Diplomates who were recently appointed, re-elected or elected to the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) Board of Directors:

• Robert J. Snyder, DPM, CWS, President, 2012-2014
• Susan Dieter, MS, RN, CWS, FACCWS, DAPWCA, 2nd Term Treasurer, 2012-2014
• Teresa Conner-Kerr, PhD, PT, CWS, CLT, 2nd Term Treasurer
• Desmond Bell, DPM, CWS, Interim Podiatrist Board Member-At-Large, 2012-2014
• Renee Cordrey, PT, PhD(c), MSPT, MPH, CWS, Member-At-Large, 2012-2014
• Heather Hettrick, PT, PhD, CWS, MLT, FACCWS, Physical Therapist Board Member, 2012-2014

Update your Information

Remember to update your CV, website, business cards, etc. with the new ABWM name, American Board of Wound Management (ABWM). If you would like to use our logo on your marketing material or website contact Carrie Hoffman.