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For patients with complex wounds that won't heal or with needs beyond typical wound-care parameters, the cen- ter has two hyperbaric therapy chambers. It's beneficial for those who qualify for the treatment — most of whom have diabetic foot wounds, post-radiation necrosis and refractory osteomyelitis — to receive it at the same location and with the same team as they receive their other wound care. Ample parking and the center's conve- nient location on the building's first floor provide easy access for patients with foot or leg ulcers. The center places a strong emphasis on podiatric care, due to the high volume of patients being treated for diabetic foot and leg u lcers, wh ich account for about 23 p ercent of a l l patients treated at the center. "Diabetic ulcers shou ld be t reated w it h u rgenc y," says Dr. McBoyle. "Seventy percent of all amputations are preceded by a diabetic wound." The addition of podiatrist Mik i Matsuda, DPM, in May has been a great asset to the center, she adds. Uniquely Qualified Staff Led by Dr. McBoyle, Via Christi Wou nd He a l i n g a nd Hy p erb a r ic T herapy's mu lt id isciplina r y tea m includes infectious disease special- ist s M a g g ie Ha g a n, M D; He w it t Goodpasture, MD; Keck Hartman, MD; and Maha Assi, MD; internist Kimberly Snapp, MD; Dr. Matsuda; and advanced practice registered nurse Jean Dukich. The internist, along with referring physicians, plays a fundamental role in diagnosing and managing potential comorbidities associated with chronic wounds, such as diabetes. Dr. Matsuda treats patients with dia- betic leg or foot ulcers, and infectious disease specialists are on-site to help assess and treat infections that can lead to hospitalization or amputation. Dr. Matsuda, who sees patients at the center a half-day each week, says the cen- ter's abundant resources, knowledgeable nursing staff and access to hyperbaric therapy help ensure positive outcomes for her patients. A nurse practitioner and four nurses, who are certified in wound, ostomy and continence care (WOCN), provide preop- erative stomal assessments, education and markings. These nurses are invaluable and play a special role in educating patients Sue Dugan, RN, a certified wound and ostomy nurse, visits with a patient during his hyperbaric treatment. Marilee McBoyle, MD, educates a patient about the process and benefits of hyperbaric treatment. M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 1 1