Wound Conversations

Burnout among wound care clinicians is more than just stress—it’s often the result of ongoing imbalance between professional demands and personal well-being. In this episode of Wound Conversations, Dr. Jayesh Shah sits down with Dr. Desmond Bell, DPM, to explore how burnout develops, why it’s so common in healthcare, and what early-career clinicians can do to recognize and address it before it escalates. Dr. Bell shares personal insights from his career and discusses how burnout often presents subtly—through irritability, disengagement, loss of control, and increasing frustration with administrative burdens like EHR documentation. He reframes burnout as a disruption in life balance and emphasizes the importance of physical, mental, and emotional self-care for clinicians who manage complex patient populations daily. This episode is especially valuable for early-career wound care professionals—including nurses, , physicians, and advanced practice providers—who may be building their careers while navigating heavy workloads and high expectations. Listeners will gain practical perspective on identifying burnout early, the role of mentorship and team-based care, and simple daily habits that can improve resilience and long-term career satisfaction. 🎙 Guest: Desmond Bell, DPM – Founder, Save A Leg, Save A Life Foundation; Physician Coach; Wound Care Leader

Mobile wound care is transforming how clinicians manage complex wounds—especially for patients who can’t easily access traditional clinics. In this episode of Wound Conversations, Cathy Milne sits down with Pamela Scarborough, PT, DPT, MSCWS, FAAWC, to break down what mobile wound care is, why it matters, and how it improves patient outcomes. Designed for a broad sector of practitioners, and clinicians new to wound care, this episode explains how bringing wound care directly to the patient—whether in the home, long-term care, or assisted living—can improve access to care, timeliness of treatment, and continuity of care. You’ll learn: What “mobile wound care” actually means in clinical practice How it helps prevent complications like infection and hospitalization Why understanding the patient’s environment improves healing outcomes How mobile wound teams support bedside clinicians and caregivers Key traits needed to succeed in mobile wound care practice Dr. Scarborough also shares practical insights from decades of experience, including how clinicians can deliver effective care without disrupting a patient’s daily life. If you're building confidence in wound care or exploring new care delivery models, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance you can apply immediately.

How do you successfully start—and grow—a career in wound care? In this episode of WoundConversations, Dr. Jayesh Shah and Cathy Milne are joined by Dr. Lee Ruotsi, board-certified wound care and hyperbaric specialist and Medical Director at Holland Hospital, to discuss what early-career clinicians should focus on as they enter the field. Building on foundational lessons from Part 1, this conversation explores the critical career milestones that help new clinicians develop confidence and competence in wound care. Dr. Ruotsi emphasizes that wound care is a true specialty—one that requires ongoing education, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. A central theme of this episode is connection. From forming interdisciplinary care teams to engaging with professional organizations and mentors, success in wound care depends on who you learn from and collaborate with. Dr. Ruotsi shares how meaningful professional relationships—and active participation, not just membership—can shape your growth and expertise. Listeners will also gain insight into the importance of lifelong learning, embracing complex cases, and staying open to new knowledge throughout their careers. Whether you're a nurse, APP, podiatrist, or physician early in your wound care journey, this episode offers practical guidance to help you build a strong foundation and grow with confidence.

In the premiere episode of WoundConversations, hosts Catherine Milne and Dr. Shah welcome legendary wound care clinician and educator Dot Weir, RN, CWON, CWS, for a candid discussion about beginning — and thriving in — a career in wound management. With more than four decades of experience as a clinician, consultant, thought leader, and educator, Dot shares reflections on her “Wound Care Why,” why wound healing is both a science and an art, and what early-career clinicians can expect as they enter this dynamic specialty. Whether you are just exploring wound care or building your clinical foundation, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement for your professional journey. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why wound care is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science and art Common early-career challenges — and how to navigate them The importance of mentorship and community in wound management Foundational educational steps to build long-term success Dot’s “Wound to the Wise” pearl for clinicians starting out Dot Weir serves as Co-Chair of the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) and has been instrumental in advancing wound education nationwide, including her work with WoundCon and WoundSource’s Practice Accelerator. Her perspective offers both historical insight and forward-looking wisdom for the next generation of wound care professionals. This episode is part one of a two-part series on starting your wound care journey. Be sure to tune in next as we continue the conversation with Dr. Lee Ruotsi, focusing on career-building strategies and professional connection in the field.

Introducing WoundConversations - your podcast for actionable insights in wound management. Launching March 20, 2026! Get ready to "listen today, and apply tomorrow."