Woctalk

About the Speaker:Dr. Rene Amaya earned his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He completed his fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.Board-certified in pediatric infectious diseases by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Amaya expanded his scope of practice in 2013 to include pediatric wound care. He currently provides hospital-based consultations in both pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric wound care across five hospitals in the Houston area. He currently serves as Director of Infectious Disease and Wound Care for the Pediatrix Medical Group, Gulf Coast Division.Dr. Amaya is a Board Member of the International Society for Pediatric Wound Care. Much of his research focuses on neonatal wounds. He has authored numerous scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed journal articles, and textbook chapters, i

About the Speaker:Olivia Payton, BSN, RN, CWOCN, has a nursing career driven by a passion for wound, ostomy, and continence care and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based practice. Payton graduated from Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2014 and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University in 2018.Payton’s interest in wound care began during her nursing school clinical rotations, where she was inspired by the Wound Care Team at the University of Virginia Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH). After graduation, she joined the LTACH team, gaining valuable experience caring for patients with complex wounds and medical needs. She then transitioned to an Internal Medicine practice, where she worked alongside a geriatrician for two and a half years. During this time, Payton completed her BSN while continuing to develop her passion for wound care and the unique challenges faced by aging populations.Payton later worked in a Vascular Surg

Resources:View patient resources for ostomy services and products: wocn.org/education-resources/patient-resourcesUse UOAA’s Support Group Finder to help you easily locate in-person and virtual ostomy support groups across the United States: ostomy.org/support-group-finder About the Speaker:Janet Stoia-Davis, RN, CWOCN, FCN, has enjoyed over 40 years’ in WOC Nursing. Although her early nursing career focus was critical care as a certified critical care registered nurse she certified as a CWOCN in 1985. In 1996, she embarked in a private WOC practice, first as a partnership and then as sole proprietor practicing across the continuum with a focus on ostomy care coupled with a passion for patients attaining their desirable quality of life. Janet worked in outpatient ostomy clinics serving different populations and challenges... adding a bit of spice to her practice and recently retired from patient care. Janet lectured nationally and internationally, published on Quality of Life of People Living with an Osto

Resources: Learn more about the Global Research into Intestinal Failure and Fistulae (GRIFF) Collaborative Contact Dr. John Monson, Ginny Hanchett, or the GRIFF team directly to learn how you can contribute: Dr. John Monson: jrtmonson@gmail.com Ginny Hanchett: ginny_Hanchett@urmc.Rochester.edu GRIFF Collaborative: griffcollaborative@gmail.com  Check out the WOCNext® 2026 session, “Complicated, Costly & Consequential: Rethinking Care for Enterocutaneous Fistula & Intestinal Failure in Fragmented Systems” Learn more about the inclusion of ostomy and urological devices in the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program   About the Speakers: Virginia (Ginny) Hanchett, APRN-BC, DCNP, COCN, CWCN, works as a senior nurse practitioner and has been practicing in the field of WOC nursing for over 26 years and is proudly employed at the University of Rochester. She runs a program called Ostomy Services which f

Pressure Distribution Properties in Wound Dressings Using Heel and Sacrum Indenters Under Clinically Relevant Loads – Advances in Skin & Wound Care May 2025 Evaluation of Shear Force Redistribution and Microclimate in Foam Dressings Indicated for Pressure Injury Prevention – Advances in Skin & Wound Care May 2025 Moisture-Responsive Thermal Conductivity Properties of Hydrofiber Versus Polyurethane Foam: Implications for Pressure Injury Prevention Moisture-Responsive Friction Adaptability: Rethinking the Conventional Skin Silicone Interfaces in Pressure Injury Prevention Dressing Designs ConvaFoam® Redefining Foam Redefining Superior Performance ConvaFoam® Clinical Studies About the Speaker: Evan Call MS, CSM (NRM), is a Research/Testing Scientist and 30-year Faculty Member at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He has performed research and published in Hospital support surfaces, wheelchair cushions, patient transfer devices, pharmaceutical, cardiology, sterile and pressure injury (ulcer) areas. Ev

Resources: Reducing Ileostomy Postoperative Complications Due to Dehydration: A Quality Improvement Project – JWOCN May/June 2026 Redefining the High-Output Stoma and Its Bearing on Clinical Practice Results of an International Consensus Panel – JWOCN September/October 2025 High-output stoma management: an overview – BJS September 2025 About the Speakers: Tara Beuscher, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN, NPD-BC, WOCNF, is certified in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence care and is an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has an ostomy and wound care clinic practice at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, where she sees individuals with fecal and urinary diversions for any diagnosis as well as malignant wounds. Dr. Beuscher has worked in a variety of settings including acute, long term acute,  home, ambulatory and community settings. Dr. Beuscher also teaches ostomy care to first year medical students and surgical residents. Duke is the first medical school in the country to incorporate ostomy care within the forma

Dr. Loan Lam is the founder of Aetherus Wound and Lymphatics, a specialty edema and wound center dedicated to treatment, research, and education of nonhealing wound and complex edema disorders with associated skin complications. She graduated from Rice University, received her medical degree from Barry University, and completed her podiatric surgical residency at Yale New Haven Health System in New Haven, CT. She is certified in wound, hyperbaric medicine, and lymphedema therapy. She has authored several articles in peer-reviewed journals, presented numerous wound conference research posters, is a principal investigator for multiple clinical research trials, and is a national and international speaker on behalf of several organizations. Dr. Lam is a member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, National Lymphedema Network, Wound Healing Society, Wound Care Collaborative Community, American Professional Wound Care Association, and Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing. She is a long-time volunteer and bo

Resources: Learn more about the 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing Learn more about the 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant WOCNext 2026 registrants can watch the Symposia Session on-demand through September 15: (S01) Simplifying Clinical Workflow with Novel All-in-One Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Dressing supported by Solventum About the Speaker: Catherine Milne, MSN, APRN, ANP/ACNS-BC, CWOCN-AP, WOCNF, is an Advanced Practice WOC Nurse practicing across the continuum in a variety of clinical settings. Focusing on wound and skin outcomes, Cathy conducts clinical research, lectures nationally and internationally, and has published numerous articles and two textbooks. In addition, Cathy is a clinical instructor for the Yale School of Nursing. She served on the AAWC Board and now is President of the newly formed Coalition for At-Risk Skin (CARS). She recently participated in an expert panel developing consensus statements for best practices addressing antimicrobial resistance in wound care. Editing

Resources: Read Repositioning Guidelines to Decrease Pressure Injury in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project in the July/August 2024 issue of JWOCN and watch the accompanying video abstract. About the Speaker: Margaret Birdsong, DNP, CPNP, CWOCN, is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Margaret has been a dedicated member of the Division of Pediatric Surgery since 2000. She has been a Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) since 2002 and serves as the primary wound care consultant for the pediatric hospital. In 2020, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she works closely with Dr. Isam Nasr in the Colorectal Center, where she is also certified in biofeedback therapy. Margaret has presented nationally on a range of topics, including general pediatric surgery, wound and ostomy care, and pediatric continence management. Her clinical and academi

Resources: United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) Find an ostomy support group near you Ostomy Awareness Day / World Ostomy Day The Youth Rally Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA (FOW-USA) Ostomy 101   About the Speaker: Eva Philippe, BSN, RN, CWON, graduated as a nurse in 2012 from Saddleback College in CA. She then went on to complete a BSN program through University of Texas, Arlington. She realized her passion and interest in the role wound and ostomy while completing her capstone BSN project on healthcare staff’s impact on patients’ adaptation to ostomy in the early post-op phase. She completed her wound training through University of Washington and ostomy training through Emory University in 2019. She currently works at Fred Hutch Cancer Care clinic in Seattle, WA. This is an outpatient oncology clinic where she works in the CWON role supporting patients with ostomy needs and a wide variety of wound etiologies (oncological and other). This is a small team of CWONs working in collaboration with ove

About the Speaker: Dr. Abigail Chaffin is a Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tulane University. She is also the Program Director of the Tulane University/Ochsner Clinic Plastic Surgery residency program. She currently serves the Medical Director of the MedCentris Wound Healing Institute at Metairie. Dr. Chaffin is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is Board-Certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is also Board-Certified by the American Board of Wound Medicine & Surgery, and the American Board of Wound Healing. Dr. Chaffin is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is also a Certified Wound Specialist Physician. Due to her clinical and research excellence in wound medicine, she has been honored to be named as a Master of the American Professional Wound Care Association. Dr. Chaffin is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She then received M.D. de

Resources: View the in-person event schedule View the virtual event schedule Register for WOCNext through June 2, 2026, at 12 PM ET Download the WOCNext app to plan your conference experience Explore the 2026 accepted abstracts Attending for the first time? Check out the First-Time Attendee Guide Learn more about keynote speaker Siri Lindley in her documentary, Tri Me: The Siri Lindley Story About the Speaker: Brooke Passy, CMP, DES, is the Director of Events and Industry Relations for the WOCN® Society. She has been a part of the WOCN team for almost two decades and has worked in all areas of the meeting planning process. Brooke is a certified CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and DES (Digital Event Strategist) certification. Brooke's dedication to customer service and execution of events comes from her varied professional background of multiple years working in the food industry and experience in the performing arts. Brooke believes that running an event is just like a show; everyone must do their part a

Resources: Abstract: Pressure Injury Prevention in the Oncology Population ePoster: Pressure Injury Prevention in the Oncology Population Wound Treatment Associate (WTA®) Program Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®)   About the Speaker: Dr. Lisa Marie Grubb is a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse and nursing leader at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she focuses on improving skin and wound outcomes for complex patient populations. Her work centers on pressure injury prevention, where treatment-related skin changes, immobility, nutrition challenges, and device use can quickly increase risk. With decades of nursing experience and a strong background in quality improvement and clinical education, she partners with bedside teams to translate evidence into practical prevention strategies that fit real-world workflows.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Explore the WOCN® Society Mentor Match Program and sign up as a mentor or mentee Join the WOC Nurse Week 2026 celebrations and events About the Speakers: Derik Alexander, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN, has been a member of the WOCN Society for over years. He is a WOC Nurse Practitioner at Dignity Health Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He currently serves as President-Elect of the WOCN Society. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix (2009), as well as completion of the Emory University Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurse Education program. Ferne Elsass, MSN, RN, CPN, CWON, WOCNF, is an experienced Clinical Instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry. She is a skilled pediatric registered nurse with certifications in Pediatrics and Wound and Ostomy care, and has a strong clinical focus on pediatric wound and ostomy se

Resources: Sign up to “Go Back to Your Roots” and use your expertise to inspire current nursing students by sharing your gratifying role as a certified ostomy nurse. You’ll get access to an official toolkit to help you start planting seeds. Visit the UOAA website at ostomy.org for additional ostomy information.   About the Speakers Jeanine Gleba, as the Director of Advocacy for the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), awareness and advocates for those who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Jeanine has her Masters degree in Education and over 19 years of experience of grassroots organizing including spearheading the efforts behind the successful passage of a New Jersey law named for her daughter Grace, which benefits thousands of NJ children who have hearing loss. She is an award-winning advocate most recently being honored as the recipient of UOAA’s President Award in 2023. Jeanine believes in giving back to her community and has served in numerous roles including as an

Resources: Therapeutic wound and skin cleansing: Clinical evidence and recommendations by International Wound Infection Institute (IWII)   About the Speakers: Dr. Kristina Fawcett, DNP, NP-C, CWS has over two decades of specialized expertise in wound care. She has been a member of the WOCN for over 15 years. Dr. Krissy has been instrumental in developing outpatient programs while advancing evidence-based practices in hospital settings throughout our community. Her experience spans all areas of healthcare, giving her a comprehensive understanding of patient needs across different care environments. Currently practicing at Valley Wound Care Specialists, Dr. Krissy is passionate about advancing wound care knowledge through education and collaboration. She works closely with industry leaders to evaluate innovative treatment modalities, always with an eye toward comprehensive patient care that addresses both clinical needs and individual treatment goals. Kurt Holifield, FNP-C, CWS, is a highly experienced board-c

Resources: View the Abstract: Utilizing Four Eyes Methodology to Identify a Risk Window for Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI) View the ePoster: Utilizing Four Eyes Methodology to Identify a Risk Window for Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI)     About the Speaker Sandra Fasing, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN, is an Acute Care WOC Nurse at VHC Health with over 30 years of nursing experience. As a member of a five-person WOC team, she supports both acute care and outpatient ostomy services, playing a pivotal role in the hospital’s "Journey to Zero" pressure injury prevention program. Sandra is also a trailblazer in her organization’s Magnet® research pathway. Sandra serves as a WOCNCB® Board Member.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) NPIAP eCQM Resources NPIAP International Guidelines eCQI Resource Center Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) eCQM Library WOCN® Society eCQM Navigation Center WOCNext® 2026 Session on Electronic Clinical Quality Measure HH-PI   About the Speaker Michelle Deppisch, PT, CWS, FACCWS, is a self-employed wound care consultant. She is a physical therapist and holds certifications as a Clinical Wound Specialist from the American Board of Wound Management and as a Fellow in the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists. Her expertise and dedication extend to various leadership roles within the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (or NPIAP), where she currently serves as President-Elect on the Board of Directors. Michele’s commitment to advancing the pressure injury prevention is further exemplified by her role as the NPIAP Task Force Resource for the Electronic Clinical Quality Measure: Hospital Harm-Pressure injury or HH-PI, secreta

Resources:American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)APTA Specialist CertificationAcademy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound ManagementAmerican Board of Wound Management (ABWM)  About the SpeakerRenee Cordrey, PT, PhD, MSPT, MPH, CWS, FAAWC, found her wound care passion while a physical therapist student. Since then, she has become board certified in wound care and focused her career on that specialty. She has worked in acute care, long term care, outpatient wound clinics, and academia. She is currently a physical therapist with Enhabit Home Health.She has been very active within the wound care community throughout her career, having served four terms on the Board of Directors of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC) and in various roles with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®), the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders, and Health Volunteers Overseas. She was honored w

Resources:Ostomy & Continent Diversion Patient Bill of RightsKindred BoxOstomy 211Pouches of LoveFriends of Ostomates Worldwide - USAUOAA Support Group FinderWOCN® Society Public Policy & Advocacy informationWOCN Society ChaptersWOCTalk Podcast Ep 137: Policy Changes That Could Impact Your WOC Practice About the Speaker:Kathleen Lawrence, MSN, RN, CWOCN, WOCNF, has had a wonderful career path in nursing. Her journey has included acute care, medical surgical nursing, home care, hospice and over 30 years as a wound ostomy and continence nurse practicing the full WOC scope of practice. Her work in WOC nursing has included acute care in-patient, and the development of a comprehensive wound ostomy and continence service for inpatient, outpatient, and contract entities in a rural Vermont setting. Contracts included subacute care, long-term care, pediatric clinics for special needs, home care and hospice. Currently Kate is the Program Director of wound, ostomy and continence services at the VNA and Hospice o