All guest - LymphCast Network

OUR GUESTS

Our LymphCast Guests.

Ingrid Weddig

COTA/L, CLT

About
Ingrid Weddig, COTA/L, CLT, has been working in hand therapy since 2000. In 2010, she started a scar management/breast cancer rehabilitation program. She still enjoys treating multiple hand injuries but her main focus now is with the breast cancer patients and lymphedema. Her program involves assisting breast cancer patients with proper scar management techniques, swelling, range of motion, and eventually strengthening. She is also a certified Lymphedema therapist and can assist measuring patients for proper upper and lower extremity compression garments. Her goal is to assist breast cancer and lymphedema patients in making a full recovery. Ingrid also has extensive knowledge and training in scar tissue. She has treated many difficult scars in multiple locations of the body including knees from total knee surgery, chest wall scars from transition surgery, abdominal scars from hernias, C-sections and ear scars from reconstruction. Ingrid enjoys learning new techniques and reading research articles in her areas of practice, time on her hobby farm, her teen kids, hiking, painting and grilling.

Education
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Therapist Assistant, Anoka Hennepin Technical College (2000)
Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) U of Milwaukee (2019)

Professional Affiliations
Minnesota Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA)
National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Achievements & Awards
Occupational Therapist of the Year (2005)
Paper online submission: Scar Management of the Breast Cancer Patient. The missing Piece of the Puzzle.

Amanda Sobey

Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and Lymphie Coach

Since 2001, I have been battling an incurable illness known as Lymphedema in my right leg. When I was diagnosed, I was devastated to learn there was nothing I could do, besides wear compression and receive MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage).

Through my own personal trials of health and wellness, I have managed to significantly reduce my edema and improve my mental health through exercise and nutrition. I have made a total mind & body transformation and enjoy competing as an All-Natural Bodybuilder. Professionally, I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and Lymphie Coach. I specialize in helping others with Lymphedema, Lipoedema, Diabetes, Hypertension, Arthritis, Obesity, and other injuries. I love to help others easily and safely overcome their health struggles as I truly believe we are stronger together.

Cam Ayala

In 2001, Cam was diagnosed with primary lymphedema that has affected his right leg since he was 11-years old. Despite several bouts of infection and over 17 surgical procedures, Cam continues to fight through the daily challenges that this disease presents even with his recent above-knee-amputation. He was put in the public spotlight in 2019 as a contestant on ABC’s The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. Despite having his lymphedema testimony edited out from every episode, Cam decided to use this public notoriety to bring awareness to lymphedema and other lymphatic disorders. He is now the Director of Development & Marketing for LE&RN (Lymphatic Education & Research Network).

Amy Rivera

“Amy was born with lymphedema. One side of her whole body was swollen, further evolving into lower limb lymphedema. Her mother was told that it was an issue of fetus development in her womb and that nothing can be done. Amy grew up as a beautiful girl, Miss Junior America at age 16, in 1999. It took her 32 years to find that her swollen leg was caused by congenital deficiency of the lymphatic system, genetically defined condition that she shares in the family with her grandmother and her daughter (somehow the disease spared her mother). In the beginning Amy wasn’t bothered that much, lived undiagnosed and untreated, until more striking changes occurred with extreme swelling doubling the volume of the leg and threatening vision of severe disability. She was bullied as a beauty queen ‘elephant girl’. After long-due diagnosis and many struggles she decided to fight the malady and took the helm of her destiny. She accepted compression therapy, started healthy lifestyle with appropriate diet and exercises. Some years and three surgeries later, she is continuously working to improve her condition and to help other patients with lymphedema through non-profit “Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation””

About her Foundation:
“Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation2 is a 501 (c) 3 founded by lymphedema patient and spokesperson, Amy Rivera. Amy was born with primary Lymphedema, and was misdiagnosed for over 30 years, leaving her disabled and isolated. Amy thought she was the only one who was suffering in silence. But, after learning the truth about her condition, Amy realized that this community needed a voice. She established the Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation to ensure that no one suffers alone. Its daily mission is to bring hope and a voice to everyone fighting Lymphedema. The Foundation represents a growing community of survivors and thrivers who refuse to let a lymphedema diagnosis slow them down. Lymphedema is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, even by seasoned medical professionals. The Foundation’s goal is to turn that around by providing much-needed education and support for those with Lymphedema, their families, and their caregivers.”

Just recently Amy wrote an inspirational book on her story:

Last year Amy was competing in a “bikini” competition and won the third place.

Irene Waldridge

Certified massage and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapist

She is also the founder of two medical device companies. First, she founded Tactile System Technology (dba Tactile Medical), a leader in treating lymphedema and venous insufficiency. In the early days at Tactile, she was the CEO, Chairman of the Board, Chief Technology Officer while designing, developing, and engineering the patented Flexitouch® system to follow the principles of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy. Ms. Waldridge had the pleasure of working with many lymphedema research experts conducting Flexitouch® clinical trials. During this time, she helped market the Flexitouch through physical therapist/MLD therapists across the US. Now, over 100,000 patients use the Flexitouch system.
Ms. Waldridge retired from Tactile in 2010, then 2 years later, she founded Eva Medtec, Inc, located in Bloomington, MN, where she designed, developed, engineered, and is marketing the patented Neuroglide Pain Relief & Recovery System. It’s a unique Back and Neck Pad that you lay on, and it’s also based on the principles of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) pressure techniques to alleviate acute/chronic back and neck pain, improving sleep recovery and increasing lymphatic circulation.
A small Neuroglide pilot study has shown improved sleep by tracking heart rate variability, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and deep/REM sleep recovery. And another small pilot study indicated patients experienced relief from chronic back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, myalgia, and tension headaches. The Neuroglide is an FDA-cleared, Class II, over-the-counter medical device for use at-home, hospitals, and clinics.

Eric Ansart

Eric Ansart has served the lymphedema community for nearly fifteen years. He began as a compression therapy consultant for Medical Solutions Supplier, a Delaware Valley medical device company. This is where his passion to help those with lymphatic disorders and raise awareness to these conditions was born. When this chapter of his career started, lymphedema was often misdiagnosed or overlooked. He is extremely gratified to see the tremendous strides made in research along with helping patients effectively manage their condition.
Building effective teams, encouraging individuals to fulfill their potential, and removing obstacles that keep them from accomplishing their goals are trademarks of Eric’s professional career. He holds an MS in Organizational Leadership and enjoys a wide network of contacts based on his varied professional and personal interests. A previous Lymphedema Education and Research Network (LE&RN) Impact Award winner, Eric also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) and Foundation for Venous and Lymphatic Disease (FVLD).
An avid bike enthusiast and recreational diver and surfer, his Northern Florida location is perfect to explore these pursuits. What he would view as most important, however, are his roles as husband and father to two children – his favorite companions for every adventure.

Dr. Cynthia Shortel

Professor of Surgery and Associate Professor of Radiology at Duke University Medical Center

She is Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery, and served as Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery from 2005-2022. Her major areas of interest are open and endovascular management of aortic disease, cerebrovascular disease, vascular malformations, and venous disease. Research interests include diagnosis and management of vascular malformations, cerebrovascular disease, outcomes research, and venous disease. Notably, Dr. Shortell was the first academic surgeon to discover genes responsible for pathogenesis and progression of chronic venous insufficiency by evaluating the entire human genome of patients affected by this highly prevalent and often significantly debilitating vascular disorder.

A member of the International Union of Angiography/International Union of Phlebology consensus, she helped develop the international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of venous malformations. As a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), she served in numerous capacities, including Chairing the Committee on Women’s Issues, the Education Council, and the Fellows’ Council. She is Chair of the Diversity Committee for the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, and is an Editor for the Journal of Vascular Surgery, as well as special features editor for JVS: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. She established the Duke Multidisciplinary Vascular Anomalies Team, including a database to track clinical outcomes of vascular malformation patients and coordination of research projects. She also created and directed the Duke symposium “From Foam to Filters: What’s New in Venous Disease.” In 2019, she was the recipient of the Duke Faculty Professionalism Award. She has nearly 140 peer-reviewed publications, is the author of four books, and has spoken extensively at national and international venues.

Peter Gloviczki

MD, FACS

Peter Gloviczki, MD, FACS, is the Roberts Emeritus Professor of Surgery, previous Chair, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (2000-2010), recent Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Vascular Surgery (2016-2022). He received his Medical Degree at Semmelweis University with distinction (Sub Auspiciis Rei Publicae Popularis), trained in Budapest, in Paris, and at Mayo Clinic. Joined the staff of Mayo Clinic in 1987. His clinical practice included arterial, venous and lymphatic surgery. He is an expert in aortic, carotid and PAD reconstructions, in venous reconstructions, vascular malformations, lymphatic and chylous disorders. At Mayo Clinic he performed over 10,000 operations. He currently is President of the Frank J. Veith International Society, he is Past President of Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, International Union of Angiology, World Federation of Vascular Societies, Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, among others. He is a member of the American Surgical Association, he is Distinguished Fellow of SVS, AVF, Honorary Member of 19 societies. Has 500 peer-reviewed publications, wrote over 250 book-chapters, edited eight textbooks, four Editions of the Handbook of Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, translated to Chinese and Polish. He was Associate Editor of Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery, 5th,6th,7th and 8th Editions. He has given >700 presentations and has 26,373 citations (h-index: 88, Scopus). The University of Washington, Seattle, established the Peter Gloviczki Professorship in Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. His Alma Mater awarded him the “Doctor Honoris Causa” degree and the “Semmelweis “Budapest” Award. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Semmelweis University. Dr Gloviczki received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. His biography “Magic and Medicine” was recently published by Semmelweis University. Dr Gloviczki lives with his wife, Monika Gloviczki, MD, PhD, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Alan Hargens

PhD., Emeritus Professor at the University of California, San Diego

Alan previously served as Chief of the Space Physiology Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. He has edited 11 books and published more than 340 peer-reviewed articles, 58 chapters, 40 NASA Reports, and 620 abstracts in general areas of comparative physiology, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology, and orthopaedic surgery. Alan is the recipient of a NIH Research Career Development Award, Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Orthopaedic Research Society, Recognition Award from the American Physiology Society, and two NASA Honor Awards. He has trained over 100 students, two of whom became NASA astronauts.
Recent awards include the Nello Pace Award for Outstanding Leadership and Contributions to the Field of Gravitational Physiology. a Citation Award from the American College of Sports Medicine, the Distinguished Public Service Metal, NASA’s highest award, the Nicolas Andry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons (given for nearly a half-century of research and clinical progress in compartment syndromes and intracompartmental pressure measurement and the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Founders Award, the highest honor given by the Society (given to a member of the Society for distinguished scientific contributions to and leadership in the field of gravitational research). Honorary Professor and Keynote Speaker at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Frank Aviles Jr

PT, CWS, FACCWS, CLT-LANA, ALM, AWCC, MAPWCA

Alan previously served as Chief of the Space Physiology Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. He has edited 11 books and published more than 340 peer-reviewed articles, 58 chapters, 40 NASA Reports, and 620 abstracts in general areas of comparative physiology, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology, and orthopaedic surgery. Alan is the recipient of a NIH Research Career Development Award, Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Orthopaedic Research Society, Recognition Award from the American Physiology Society, and two NASA Honor Awards. He has trained over 100 students, two of whom became NASA astronauts.
Recent awards include the Nello Pace Award for Outstanding Leadership and Contributions to the Field of Gravitational Physiology. a Citation Award from the American College of Sports Medicine, the Distinguished Public Service Metal, NASA’s highest award, the Nicolas Andry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons (given for nearly a half-century of research and clinical progress in compartment syndromes and intracompartmental pressure measurement and the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Founders Award, the highest honor given by the Society (given to a member of the Society for distinguished scientific contributions to and leadership in the field of gravitational research). Honorary Professor and Keynote Speaker at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Sunny Narayana

Research Professor

Sunny Narayana is a Research Professor with an interdisciplinary science and engineering background, and a passionate educator for lymphedema and patient care. He regularly speaks on the importance of lymphatics, cardiovascular, and immune systems in understanding medical conditions. Sunny also has an interest in understanding lymphatic biology in the context of radiation exposure as a cause of secondary lymphedema and adaptations resulting from space travel. He educates the next generation of students and young professionals of lymphatics and STEM, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds demonstrating interest in addressing healthcare gaps and inequities.

Annika Karineimi

FNP-C

Annika Kariniemi earned her Bachelors of Nursing in 2008 in Helsinki, Finland. Immediately after graduation she began her career working in a vascular and wound clinic, part of the Helsinki University Hospital system. In 2018 she graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for wound care lead to board certification in 2019 in Minnesota. After moving to Flagstaff, she recognized an acute need for wound care services in the community, and opened her clinic in 2020 to fill this need. Avella Wound Care now serves patients in Arizona both in Phoenix metro area, as well as Flagstaff/Northern Arizona .

Dr. Desmond Bell

Founder and President of “The Save A Leg, Save A Life” Foundation

Dr. Desmond Bell is the Founder and President of “The Save A Leg, Save A Life” Foundation, a multi-disciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction in lower extremity amputations and improving wound healing outcomes through education, evidence-based methodology and community outreach.
He also serves as Chief Medical Officer of Omeza, an evidence based medical technology company and consumer healthcare products company initially focused on healing chronic wounds and preventing their recurrence.
In 2020, he joined MD Coaches as an Executive Physician Coach, serving as a peer to peer mentor.
Dr. Bell was awarded the Frist Humanitarian Award by Specialty Hospital Jacksonville for 2009 and Memorial Hospital Jacksonville in 2018. He is a Board Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) having served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Wound Management for 6 years and presently serving on the Board of the American Board of Wound Management Foundation.
He has also been elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and is a member of the CLI Global Society.
Dr. Bell has published numerous articles primarily pertaining to wound management and lower extremity amputation prevention and has served as an Editorial Board Member for the publication “Today’s Wound Clinic” since its inception. He is nationally recognized speaker, with regular faculty roles at AMP, ASCENT and Modern Wound Care Management.

Matt Hazledine

Matt Hazledine is a dedicated advocate and entrepreneur, deeply committed to improving the lives of those affected by lymphoedema. After his own diagnosis with the condition in 2011, he channeled his experiences and passion into founding “Lymphoedema United,” a comprehensive online platform offering crucial information, support, and resources for the lymphoedema community. Matt is also an author, having written a book that shares his personal journey and practical advice for living with the condition. His efforts extend to raising awareness through various media outlets and organizing charity events to support related causes.

Graham Paul Rooms

Graham Rooms is a highly experienced and respected retired fire officer with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He has held key leadership roles within the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, where he was instrumental in managing critical incidents, developing innovative IT solutions, and leading community safety initiatives. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive situations, Graham has also contributed significantly to various charitable causes and community projects. His dedication to continuous improvement and effective communication has left a lasting impact on the organizations and communities he has served.

Pattie Cornute

Pattie Cornute is well-known as a patient advocate and the founder of Lipedema Fitness, which began as a blog and a Facebook support group for others like her. It was a way for Pattie to spread awareness about lipedema and the importance of staying active. Her goal was to reach others so they could get diagnosed as soon as possible and let them know they were not alone on the journey.

That support group just celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year and has grown to almost 14,000 members strong.

Other avenues for Pattie to spread awareness and share the importance of staying active included creating public social media pages to spread awareness beyond the patient level, serving as one of the founding anchors of the monthly Lipedema Patient Roundtables (sponsored by Lympha Press), and serving as a brand ambassador for Juzo, USA.

In 2021, she started a monthly Instagram Live series, “Living with Stage 3 Lipedema,” with fellow Stage 3 Lipedema patient, Crystal from CfitRevolution, and has been a presenter at several conferences, including Juzo’s Power Symposium, FDRS Conferences, Talk Lipoedema Lounge Series, and the Lipoedema Australia National Conference.

Pattie is probably most proud of the annual Lipedema Triathlon she created in 2015. When she couldn’t find a Lipedema-focused 5K event to participate in for Lipedema Awareness Month, she decided to create one. The Lipedema 5K quickly turned into the Lipedema Triathlon as Pattie tried to come up with a way for everyone to participate, knowing many members used the pool to stay active.

This June will mark the 9th Annual Event! The Lipedema Triathlon is an international event, bringing participants together virtually from all over the world. All levels of participation are welcomed, as Pattie likes to say: #allorsomething.

Tom Neilson

Tom Neilson is an advocate living with primary Lymphoedema in his left leg since 2019. He actively manages his condition with NHS care and serves as the admin of a thriving Facebook group, “Lymphoedema Sufferers UK – Support group,” which has over 4000 members. Tom is dedicated to fostering positivity within the Lymphoedema community, frequently contributing to the group, and has also written a chapter for Maty Hazledine’s book, “You Are Not Alone.” He remains committed to his involvement in the community, with plans to organize future events.

Laura Swoboda

DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC, CWOCN-AP, WOCNF

Dr. Laura Swoboda is a highly accomplished Nurse Practitioner with extensive expertise in wound care, ostomy management, and advanced practice nursing. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, she has held pivotal roles in both clinical practice and academia. Dr. Swoboda has authored numerous publications, led international research teams, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to advancing wound care practices, reducing health disparities, and improving patient outcomes.

Jean LaMantia

Jean LaMantia is a registered dietitian, cancer survivor, and author with a strong focus on lymphedema, cancer, and intermittent fasting. She is the creator of Lymphedema Nutrition School, an online program dedicated to supporting individuals with lymphedema and educating professionals in nutritional management. Jean has authored three books and developed various courses and tools to empower those managing lymphedema and related conditions. Based in Toronto, Canada, she operates a virtual private practice and continues to inspire through her educational resources and creative endeavors.

Kiersten Michelle Wall

Kiersten is an avid horsewoman and dedicated Lymphedema advocate. She actively shares her journey with Lymphedema on Instagram, while also enjoying time outdoors with her husband, spending time at the barn with her horse, or watching horse racing at home.

Amy Beaith-Johnson

Amy Beaith-Johnson is a Registered Yoga Teacher, Lymphedema advocate, and author who has lived with primary Lymphedema since age five. As a mother and seasoned wellness coach, Amy combines Western and Ayurvedic practices to guide others in creating sustainable self-care routines, drawing from her personal experience of overcoming severe skin infections. With a background in operating her own skincare company and a passion for teaching Lymphatic Yoga, Amy offers holistic and integrative insights into managing Lymphedema, emphasizing harmony with the body’s natural rhythms.

Jennifer Thibodaux

Jennifer Marino Thibodaux is a Senior Specialist Editor at Thomson Reuters Practical Law and the founder of JMT Speaks, LLC. At Thomson Reuters, Jennifer writes New Jersey litigation content, co-hosts The Hearing – A Legal Podcast, and co-chairs the Programming Committee for Women@TR in the New York area.

As a professional speaker and writer, she uses the power of storytelling to share the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, from living authentically, setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, quieting the imposter voice, and communicating effectively. As a speaking consultant, she helps professionals find and use their voice to master public speaking.

Passionate about empowering other women, Jennifer is the Co-Editor of the Women Lawyers Journal for the National Association of Women Lawyers; a trustee of Partners, a non-profit dedicated to providing pro bono legal services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; a member of the Executive Women of New Jersey; and an executive committee member of the Women’s Leadership Committee at Seton Hall Law, her alma mater.

Jennifer was previously a partner at the law firm of Gibbons P.C. in Newark, NJ, where she practiced for over a decade.

For more information and to stay connected with Jennifer through her newsletter and blog, visit www.jmtspeaks.com or her follow her and JMT Speaks on LinkedIn.

Kelly Sturm

PT, DPT, OnCS, CLT-LANA

Kelly Sturm is a physical therapist who received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the Mayo Clinic. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose Training and is certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA).

In 2019, Kelly became one of the first Board-Certified Oncology Clinical Specialists in the United States. She serves as an instructor for Physical Therapy Programs and is a guest speaker at various conferences, programs, and community groups.

Kelly has clinical expertise in the rehabilitation treatment of oncology diagnoses, primary and secondary lymphedema, and pelvic health. She is the owner of Cancer Rehab PT, where she focuses on educating, empowering, and raising awareness about lymphedema, oncology rehabilitation, and physical therapy.

Dr Kruti Kachalia

MS (Ophthalmology)

Dr. Kruti Kachalia is a practicing eye surgeon from Mumbai, India, with a Master’s in Ophthalmology and extensive experience in her field since 2011. A breast cancer survivor since 2017, she has been managing secondary lymphedema resulting from axillary lymph node dissection and radiation. Certified as a Lymphedema Therapist by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (ACOLS), she has been actively involved in patient education, focusing on lymphedema awareness, early detection, and self-management. Dr. Kachalia is dedicated to self-education and voluntary work to support and empower those affected by lymphedema.

Adrien MacKenzie

PTA, LMT, CLT-LANA, NBC-HWC

Ms. MacKenzie is a National Board-certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with over 40 years of experience in manual therapy, including medical/oncology massage and cancer rehab physical therapy. She currently serves as a Clinical Advisor to AIROS Medical and treats lymphedema, lipedema, and other chronic conditions in her private practice. Formerly a clinician at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ms. MacKenzie brings a wealth of experience and creativity to helping patients manage chronic conditions and enhance their quality of life

Catherine Rosenberg

M.Ed, M.S.

Catherine Rosenberg is a dedicated educator and lymphedema advocate with a robust academic and professional background. With degrees in computational and integrative biology, computational science, and educational technology, she has worked as a math and special education teacher and an adjunct professor. Catherine’s expertise extends to data visualization and educational technology, supported by certifications from Google and Kami. She is also actively involved in the lymphedema community, contributing through her research on limb volume calculations and volunteering with organizations such as the National Lymphedema Network. Her commitment to education and advocacy is further reflected in her roles as a patient advocate and camp counselor.

Radhika Batra

PhD

Dr. Radhika Batra is a seasoned research professional with a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from Delhi Technological University. Specializing in material fabrication and characterization, she has significant experience in polymers and materials science, including electrospinning and solid-state synthesis. Currently, as an R&D Project Manager at Electrovaya Inc., she focuses on enhancing battery materials and optimizing cell performance. Her previous roles include managing research projects at Indeema Fibers Pvt. Ltd. and serving as a doctoral research fellow. Dr. Batra is recognized for her work on biodegradable biomaterials and high-strength fibers, with numerous publications and awards highlighting her expertise. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, and brings a meticulous approach to both her research and professional interactions.

Matthew Regulski

Dr. Matthew Regulski is a distinguished podiatric physician and surgeon with a robust background in foot and ankle surgery and wound care. As a Partner at Ocean County Foot and Ankle Surgical Associates and Director at the Wound Institute of New Jersey, he has built a reputation for excellence in clinical practice and leadership. His extensive editorial roles with numerous medical journals and participation in global scientific committees highlight his commitment to advancing the field. With a comprehensive understanding of podiatric medicine and a dedication to innovation, Dr. Regulski continues to impact both patient care and medical research.

David G. Armstrong

Dr. David G. Armstrong is a distinguished Professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the University of Southern California, renowned for his expertise in limb salvage and diabetic foot care. With a Master’s in Tissue Repair and Wound Healing and a PhD from the University of Manchester, he has authored over 700 research papers and 115 books or chapters. As the founding co-editor of the ADA’s “Clinical Care of the Diabetic Foot” and Director of USC’s Center to Stream Healthcare in Place (C2SHiP), Dr. Armstrong is at the forefront of integrating technology with medical care. His pioneering work has earned him numerous awards, including the ADA’s Roger Pecoraro Award and the ISDF’s Karel Bakker Award. He also founded the International Diabetic Foot Conference (DF-Con) and the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), driving global initiatives to prevent amputations.

Mark Melin

Dr. M. Mark Melin, MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS, is the Medical Director of the Wound Clinic at the Gonda Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, where he focuses on advanced wound care and lymphedema management. His expertise spans endothelial glycocalyx, wound pH, biofilm management, and the application of micronutrients and emerging technologies in wound treatment. Dr. Melin also contributes to spaceflight physiology research and serves on the boards of SalSal and the Foundation for the Advancement of Wound Care. With a background in aerospace medicine and wound care education, he is committed to innovative solutions in wound management.

Windy Cole

Dr. Windy Cole 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.

A dedicated wound care advocate for two decades, Dr. Cole’s interests focus on medical education, diabetic foot care, wound care, limb salvage, and clinical research. Her passion to help others has led her to participate in humanitarian efforts, including a medical mission to Jordan in 2018 to aid the large Syrian refugee population seeking asylum from civil war.

Dr. Cole has published numerous 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.

Dr. Cole is a wound care advocate at 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. She was also the 2022 recipient of the Kaplan-Kanat Memorial Lecture Award.

She is a member of the ACCWS Board of Directors and sits on the advisory board of multiple emerging biotech companies. Dr. Cole has been integral in collaborating on innovative research protocols in the field.

Thomas Maldonado

Dr. Thomas Maldonado is the Schwartz-Buckley Endowed Professor of Surgery at the New York University Langone Medical Center. He is the Co-Director of the Aortic Center and the Director of the Venous Thromboembolic Center at NYU.

Dr. Maldonado has been involved as a local and national Principal Investigator (PI) in numerous clinical trials in the aortic, carotid, and venous/lymphatic space, and has served as the national PI on several of these trials.

He has published over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is regularly invited to lecture nationally and internationally. Dr. Maldonado is a past president of several national and regional societies and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

Marti Klein

Marti Klein, NBC-HWC is a board-certified health and wellness coach with graduate-level training from Emory University. She founded Flourish! Health and Wellness Coaching in Dana Point, California, where she coaches women with lipedema and lymphedema on eliminating sugar. Marti also serves as a health coach for a study by UC San Francisco and Sutter Health Systems focused on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Marti is involved in the Lipedema Educational Group and will present at the Lipedema World Congress in Potsdam, Germany, and at the LE&RN conference in Toronto. She has a background in Epidemiology, clinical settings, and health science research, with 20 years of experience as a college instructor and judge. She is a guest columnist for Strategic Strategies for Successful Living and co-owner of Klein + Klein.

In her free time, Marti enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dogs, Dusty and Freddie Mercury, as well as traveling, cooking, gardening, and researching maritime history.

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