WoundCasters

In this episode of WoundCasters, Dr. Felix Boecker takes a thoughtful, grounded look at the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in skin and wound care. Moving beyond hype and headlines, Felix examines what AI actually is—and what it is not—through the lens of current clinical realities. Drawing from a recent article published in Advances in Skin and Wound Care and his own response to it, he frames AI not as a replacement for clinicians, but as a developing partner that has the potential to improve precision, consistency, and decision-making in wound care practice.Felix explores how AI is already being used today, including wound measurement, image recognition, healing trajectory tracking, early infection detection, symptom reporting, and treatment recommendations. He discusses both the promise and the limitations of these tools, emphasizing the importance of human oversight, real-world validation, and clinician involvement in development. AI, he argues, currently sits somewhere between a tool and a toy—but with proper engagement from wound care professionals, it can mature into a reliable clinical collaborator that reduces human error and enhances data-driven oversight.The episode also reinforces what AI can never replace: empathy, judgment, and the human connection at the heart of medicine. While algorithms can analyze data and flag concerns, they cannot comfort a patient, understand fear, or build trust. Felix concludes with a call to action for clinicians to actively shape how AI is designed, implemented, and ethically integrated into care. When technology and compassion work together, he argues, the future of wound care becomes not just more efficient—but more human.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Dr. Felix Boecker sits down with Daniel Andrews, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Reapplix, to explore the story and science behind the 3C Patch—an autologous wound care technology designed to support healing using the patient’s own biology.The conversation walks through how the technology works in practice, from blood collection to processing and application, as well as the clinical rationale behind its use. They also discuss the role of strong clinical evidence, including a pivotal study that helped shape access and reimbursement, highlighting the importance of pairing innovation with rigorous data.Beyond the product itself, this episode emphasizes a broader theme in wound care: advanced therapies are only as effective as the fundamentals that support them. From offloading and vascular assessment to glycemic control, the discussion reinforces how new technologies fit into comprehensive, patient-centered care—not as standalone solutions, but as part of a larger strategy.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Felix Boecker explores the Navy SEAL principle “Run to the sound of the guns” and why it offers a powerful framework for leadership in chronic wound care. Borrowed from the battlefield, the phrase doesn’t imply chaos or aggression—it represents a mindset of moving toward the most difficult, complex, and high-risk situations rather than avoiding them. In the clinic, that “gunfire” is often the most challenging wounds, patients, and systems of care that others may hesitate to take on.Felix applies this principle to real-world wound care scenarios, from complex diabetic foot ulcers with suspected osteomyelitis to massive stage IV pressure injuries and non-healing wounds complicated by multiple comorbidities. Rather than settling for superficial or passive treatment, this mindset demands decisive, comprehensive action—deep debridement, appropriate imaging, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ownership of the entire care plan. True wound care leadership means becoming the quarterback of the team, addressing not just the wound surface, but the systemic barriers preventing healing.The episode also expands beyond clinical complexity to include difficult patient interactions, administrative obstacles, and professional disagreements. Felix explains how running toward these challenges—whether advocating through insurance denials, navigating referral breakdowns, or having uncomfortable conversations with other providers—ultimately protects patients and strengthens outcomes. Run to the Sound of the Guns is a call to purpose, courage, and commitment, reminding clinicians that the most meaningful victories in wound care come from embracing the hard cases and standing firmly in advocacy for those who need it most.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Dr. Felix Boecker sits down with Dr. Paul Kim of UT Southwestern to discuss the development of one of wound care’s most foundational therapies: negative pressure wound therapy. Centered around Dr. Kim’s newly published textbook, the conversation explores why—despite decades of widespread use—there has never been a truly comprehensive, multidisciplinary resource on the subject until now.Dr. Kim shares insights from both his clinical and academic experience, highlighting how negative pressure therapy has often been treated as a routine task rather than a technique requiring intentional application. From common misconceptions and improper use to the importance of understanding indications, risks, and cost considerations, the discussion emphasizes the need for deeper education across all levels of care—from trainees to experienced providers.This episode also looks ahead, examining how evolving technologies, materials, and even AI are beginning to reshape both wound care and medical education. A thoughtful conversation on building foundational knowledge in a field where “just put a wound vac on it” is no longer enough.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Dr. Felix Boecker explores the Navy SEAL mantra “The only easy day was yesterday” and why it resonates so deeply with the realities of chronic wound care. Drawing inspiration from Admiral William McRaven’s The Wisdom of the Bullfrog, Felix reframes the phrase not as a complaint, but as a mindset—one rooted in readiness, perseverance, and an acceptance that today’s work will demand fresh energy, focus, and resolve.Felix connects this principle to everyday clinical practice, where progress is rarely linear and yesterday’s success offers no guarantee for today’s outcomes. A wound that appeared to be healing can stall or worsen without warning, requiring clinicians to reassess, adapt, and problem-solve rather than rely on past protocols. Even success brings new responsibilities, as wound closure marks the beginning of prevention, education, and long-term patient support. The episode emphasizes how this mindset transforms setbacks into missions and keeps clinicians engaged, curious, and resilient.The conversation also expands into leadership and patient advocacy. Felix explains how leaders must resist complacency after strong performance and instead foster continuous improvement within their teams. For patients, this mindset fuels relentless advocacy—whether appealing insurance denials, coordinating care across specialties, or pushing for what patients need when it’s inconvenient or difficult. The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday is presented as a philosophy of forward motion, reminding wound care professionals that the work is hard by nature—but meaningful precisely because of it.

RR: LIVE ATLANTA REGISTRATIONIn this special episode of WoundCasters, Felix sits down with Jeremy Bowden and Kathleen Schaum to introduce Reimbursement Readiness Live—a new, in-person event designed to fill a long-standing gap in wound care education.Together, they discuss why reimbursement remains one of the most challenging—and underserved—areas in wound care, and how this interactive, case-based format brings real-world scenarios, team-based learning, and open discussion back into focus.If you’re involved anywhere in the wound care revenue cycle, this episode offers a first look at what to expect—and why this event is built to meet a critical need.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Felix Boecker hosts his first two-guest conversation with Dr. Traci Kimball, wound care surgeon and founder of The WISH Clinic, and Dr. Cassandre Voltaire, primary care physician and wound care consultant. Together, they explore what truly drives successful wound healing: a well-functioning interdisciplinary team with the patient at its center. Drawing from surgical, primary care, and post-acute perspectives, the discussion highlights how outcomes are shaped not by any single intervention, but by communication, role clarity, and shared accountability across disciplines.Dr. Kimball and Dr. Voltaire unpack how interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) actually work in real clinical environments—from skilled nursing facilities and PACE programs to virtual care models developed during COVID. They discuss how CNAs, nurses, therapists, physicians, surgeons, and allied health professionals each see different pieces of the clinical picture, and why those “small observations” often prevent major complications when they’re shared effectively. The conversation also addresses how systemic factors like social determinants of health, environment, nutrition, and patient safety preferences can quietly derail healing when they’re overlooked.The episode closes with practical guidance for clinicians who want to build or strengthen an IDT in their own setting. From establishing shared care plans and documentation loops to leveraging technology, micro-huddles, and patient education, Felix and his guests emphasize that interdisciplinary care isn’t about adding more people—it’s about alignment. Ultimately, this conversation reframes wound care as a collective effort, where healing accelerates when teams think holistically, communicate intentionally, and treat patients as active partners in their own recovery.

In this episode of WoundCasters, host Felix Boecker welcomes Isaiah Kaiser, founder and CEO of Auxilium Health, for a deep dive into how material science is reshaping the future of wound care. Trained as a scientist rather than a clinician, Isaiah brings a unique outsider’s perspective—one shaped by personal family experiences with chronic wounds and years of academic research in polymers, surface science, and biomaterials. Together, they explore how innovation moves from the lab to the bedside, and why that journey is often slower and more complex than expected.Isaiah explains how Auxilium Health is developing next-generation biomaterial scaffolds designed to interact intelligently with cells, fluid, and bacteria from day one of treatment. The conversation unpacks emerging concepts such as biofilm prevention through surface science, hierarchical scaffold design that mimics extracellular matrix, and color-changing dressings that provide real-time insight into wound pH. Rather than relying solely on antimicrobials, these technologies aim to disrupt bacterial attachment, support healthy cell migration, and deliver actionable data that can inform earlier clinical decisions.The episode also tackles broader challenges facing wound care innovation, including adoption barriers, education gaps, compliance in outpatient settings, and the untapped potential of pH and biomarker-driven data. As Auxilium prepares for upcoming clinical studies, Felix and Isaiah reflect on why timing, collaboration, and clinician-scientist partnerships will be critical to advancing wound healing technologies. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how data-informed materials and translational research may shape the next era of chronic wound care.

In this episode of WoundCasters, host Felix Boecker sits down with Kathleen Schaum, one of the most respected voices in wound care reimbursement, to unpack the realities of coding, coverage, and payment in an increasingly complex healthcare system. With more than five decades of experience in reimbursement education, consulting, and policy interpretation, Kathleen offers a rare longitudinal perspective on how wound care payment has evolved—from a time with few sites of service and minimal coverage options to today’s fragmented, highly regulated reimbursement landscape.Kathleen explains how the introduction of DRGs, outpatient departments, home health, and skilled nursing facilities reshaped wound care delivery—and why reimbursement was never designed as a master plan. The conversation dives into common pitfalls clinicians face today, including misunderstanding coverage versus prior authorization, failing to read payer contracts, and underestimating the importance of clear, concise documentation. Kathleen emphasizes that while many wound care professionals no longer struggle to get paid, they increasingly struggle to keep what they’re paid due to audits, denials, and documentation gaps.The episode also addresses education gaps for clinicians, manufacturers, and innovators alike. Kathleen shares why reimbursement must be considered early—whether setting up a new practice, launching a product, or developing new technology—and why documentation should tell a clear, defensible story that meets medical necessity standards. From advice for new clinicians entering wound care to guidance for manufacturers navigating FDA clearance and payment pathways, this conversation reinforces a central truth: clinical excellence alone isn’t enough. Understanding reimbursement is essential to sustaining wound care practices and ensuring patient access to care.

In this episode of WoundCasters, host Felix Boecker is joined by Scott Nelson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Swift Medical, for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges technology, data, and the evolving wound care marketplace. From the early days of digital wound imaging to today’s AI-driven measurement, tissue analysis, and predictive tools, Scott shares how wound documentation has matured—and why consistency, accuracy, and actionable data matter more than ever in clinical decision-making.The discussion moves beyond technology into the broader wound care ecosystem, including EMR integration, clinician feedback, and how improved measurement alone can influence outcomes by prompting earlier interventions and treatment plan changes. Scott also introduces his work on the Wound Care Fund and Innovation Index, a market-mapping and financial modeling project designed to better define the size, value, and investment potential of the wound care industry. Through a commercial and investor-focused lens, he explains why wound care has historically struggled for attention—and why that narrative is beginning to change.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on where wound care is headed next, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, education gaps, and market maturity. Scott offers a candid perspective on why improving foundational wound education may be just as critical as any new technology, and why the industry must take greater ownership of its future. This conversation offers clinicians, innovators, and industry leaders a clearer view of how data, education, and investment intersect in shaping the next chapter of wound care.

Use code "CEMAG25" for 50% off at clarahealthcare.comIn this episode of WoundCasters, host Felix Boecker is joined by Maurice Lubetzki and Clément from CemagCare to explore a rarely discussed but deeply impactful challenge in wound care: malodorous wounds. The conversation centers on Cinesteam, a novel cinnamon-based secondary dressing designed not to mask odor, but to chemically bind and neutralize the volatile compounds responsible for it. What begins as a discussion of product innovation quickly becomes a broader conversation about patient dignity, caregiver burden, and quality of life.The guests share the origin story behind Cinesteam, which began with a French oncology nurse confronting the daily reality of fungating and tumoral wounds. Through extensive research, testing, and collaboration with clinicians and patients, CemagCare developed a dressing that leverages pharmaceutical-grade Sri Lankan cinnamon to address odor at its source—even in heavily exudative wounds where traditional charcoal dressings often fail. Felix and the team dive into how the dressing works, when to use it, contraindications, and why odor should be treated as a symptom—not a side effect clinicians are forced to tolerate.The episode also offers a candid look at the realities of bringing a new wound care product to market, including years-long R&D cycles, regulatory pathways in Europe versus the U.S., reimbursement challenges, and the importance of clinician-driven innovation. As CemagCare begins expanding access in the U.S., the discussion highlights the unmet need for solutions that prioritize dignity alongside healing—and why addressing odor can be transformative for patients, families, and care teams alike. DISCLAIMERThe following podcast features a company discussing their product technology and offering a promotional discount to listeners. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Wound Care Today USA. Healthcare professionals should evaluate all products based on their clinical judgment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wound Care Today USA.

In this episode of WoundCasters, Felix Boecker explores a deceptively simple leadership lesson drawn from Admiral William McRaven’s The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: the story of the “frog float.” What began as a humiliating, menial assignment for a young Navy SEAL became a powerful test of humility, discipline, and character—qualities that prove just as essential in chronic wound care as they are in military leadership.Felix connects this lesson directly to daily clinical practice, where even the most highly trained professionals encounter tasks that feel beneath their role or credentials. From cleaning up after a messy debridement to staying late for documentation, dealing with insurance calls, or helping a patient with something small but meaningful, these moments reveal far more about leadership and professionalism than any complex procedure. How clinicians handle these “frog floats” shapes team culture, morale, trust, and ultimately patient outcomes.This episode challenges listeners to rethink the value of small tasks and embrace them as part of the larger mission of healing. True excellence in wound care, Felix argues, is built not on ego or status, but on humility, shared responsibility, and a willingness to do the little things well—especially when no one is watching.

In this episode, Felix Boecker explores one of Admiral William McRaven’s key leadership principles—“You can’t surge trust”—and brings it directly into the world of chronic wound care. Trust, he argues, is not something clinicians can summon in moments of crisis; it’s something they build slowly, through consistency, honesty, relationships, and the everyday decisions that shape patient care. Drawing from his own practice, Felix explains why trust is no longer automatically granted to clinicians and how it must instead be intentionally earned with patients who may be overwhelmed, skeptical, or carrying the weight of past negative experiences.But trust doesn’t stop with patients. True wound healing requires a team—clinic staff, home health nurses, and an extended network of referring providers. Felix breaks down what it means to build trust across every layer of this care continuum, from clear communication and collaborative problem-solving to respecting the expertise of those who see patients where clinicians can’t. The episode paints a realistic, compassionate picture of healthcare built on reliability, transparency, empathy, and partnership. In a field where outcomes often hinge on patient adherence and seamless teamwork, trust isn’t optional—it’s the quiet foundation that makes healing possible.

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Felix Boecker sits down with Dr. Arthur Evensen, a podiatric surgeon whose research at the Tucson VA has produced groundbreaking outcomes in limb salvage and complex wound healing. Dr. Evensen shares his journey from residency at one of the nation’s premier limb-salvage programs to his new role serving rural Missouri—where resource limitations have sparked creativity, advocacy, and a deep commitment to patient dignity.Together, they unpack why unnecessary amputations remain far too common, despite clear evidence that proactive podiatric care dramatically lowers risk. Dr. Evensen explains the barriers, the cost myths, and the life-altering implications amputations carry—including the staggering post-amputation mortality statistics many clinicians never learn.Along the way, Felix and Dr. Evensen explore pH biology, the philosophy of limb salvage, rural medicine challenges, patient autonomy, advocating for access in underserved communities, and why every dressing change is ultimately an act of preserving life, mobility, and dignity.This is a must-listen episode for clinicians passionate about innovation, limb preservation, evidence-based wound care, and the future of interdisciplinary practice.

In this leadership-focused episode, host Felix Boecker unpacks Admiral William McRaven’s principle: “When in command, command.” What does decisive leadership look like in the high-stakes world of chronic wound care? Felix breaks it down with real-world examples and clear takeaways clinicians can apply immediately.From delivering difficult news to patients, to resolving staff disagreements, to confidently directing care across the continuum, this episode explores how strong leadership directly impacts patient outcomes—and clinic culture. Felix also delves into when and how to pivot treatment plans, command tough conversations, collaborate with referring specialists, and even lead decisively on the business side of practice management.Whether you’re treating complex wounds, running a clinic, or supporting a multidisciplinary team, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at the courageous clarity today’s wound care leaders need.

In this episode of Woundcasters, host Dr. Felix Boecker is joined by Anna Stewart, OT and lymphedema specialist at the University of Michigan, for a deep dive into one of the most under-recognized drivers of chronic wounds: lymphedema. Anna shares how her path from massage therapist to occupational therapist shaped her hands-on understanding of tissue, and why so many clinicians and therapists still miss early-stage lymphedema until fibrosis, skin changes, and wounds are already present.Together, Felix and Anna unpack the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and secondary lymphedema, when it makes sense to refer venous leg ulcer patients to a lymphedema specialist, and how tools like photobiomodulation (red light therapy), vibration, and negative-pressure “cupping” can support tissue normalization and fluid movement. Anna also walks through the art and physics of compression—from short-stretch vs. long-stretch bandages to toe management and the Law of Laplace—highlighting common pitfalls that turn wraps into tourniquets instead of therapy.The conversation closes with practical tips on finding qualified lymphedema therapists, addressing system and supply barriers, and why Anna is optimistic about growing awareness and research in lymphatic care. If you manage patients with edema, venous disease, or chronic wounds, this is a must-listen episode.

In this episode, host Dr. Felix Boecker draws inspiration from Admiral William McRaven’s The Wisdom of the Bullfrog to explore what the Navy SEAL credo “Death Before Dishonor” can teach wound care professionals. Felix reframes the phrase as a mindset of relentless dedication, clinical excellence, and unwavering patient advocacy—a call to never concede defeat in the face of chronic wounds, systemic barriers, or emotional exhaustion.Through this reflection, he challenges clinicians to honor their patients not only through healing but through preserving dignity—ensuring that every individual, even at life’s end, has the comfort of intact skin.Listen as Felix connects lessons of resilience and perseverance from elite military leadership to the demanding realities of wound care practice.

Host Felix Boecker, MD talks with Alton Johnson, DPM—University of Michigan podiatrist and newly elected president of the Save A Leg Save A Life Foundation—about his pathway into wound care, why formal fellowships and “force-multiplier” mentoring matter, and practical ways clinicians can spread skills across disciplines. They dig into why amputations still happen despite better technology—access gaps, the need for vascular workups (“time out before amputation”), and the importance of truly multidisciplinary care—then wrap with patient-facing tips on finding the right podiatrist (look for real clinical presence and board credentials).

Host Felix Boecker, MD cuts through the hype to clarify which supplements actually support healing. Drawing on guideline highlights and clinical data, he explains why protein is the cornerstone—with strongest evidence for arginine and glutamine (and situational HMB)—especially in malnourished or high-risk patients. He compares collagen powders vs. whole-protein intake, reviews where vitamins C, D, and zinc may help only when a deficiency is present, and why routine vitamin A/E use isn’t supported. He also addresses oral hyaluronic acid (skip it) and why branded mixes like Juven® don’t clearly outperform standard nutrition. Practical takeaways: prioritize high-protein nutrition, consider arginine-focused ONS for stage ≥2 pressure injuries, and test before you dose for micronutrients. A concise, evidence-aware guide for busy wound-care clinicians.

How mobile wound clinics are reshaping access and outcomes for underserved patients.In this episode of Woundcasters, Dr. Felix Boecker speaks with Lindsay Lupton, MSN, CNP, CWS, about her remarkable journey from critical care nurse to mobile wound care provider. Lindsay shares how home health opened her eyes to the underserved and often overlooked patients who cannot access clinics, and how mentorship, persistence, and innovation shaped her expertise in wound care. Together they explore the challenges of providing advanced treatments in resource-limited home settings, the vital role of communication, and the exciting future of mobile wound clinics and emerging therapies like platelet-rich plasma and stem cells.

Why it’s time to retire an outdated, harmful practice and embrace evidence-based wound care.In this episode of WoundCasters, host Dr. Felix Boecker examines one of the most entrenched yet outdated practices in wound care: wet-to-dry dressings. Tracing the history of wound management from ancient methods to the moist wound healing revolution of the 1960s, he explains why evidence overwhelmingly shows that modern moisture-retentive dressings heal faster, reduce pain, lower infection risks, and save costs. Dr. Boecker highlights the dangers and misconceptions that keep wet-to-dry dressings in circulation and makes a clear case for transitioning to evidence-based, advanced wound care solutions.DOWNLOADS▸ A Dressing History▸ Wound Repair Regeneration▸ WTD Do not Provide Moist Wound Healing

In this episode of WoundCasters, host Dr. Felix Boecker sits down with Dr. Gadi Borkow, Chief Scientist at MedCu, to explore the “copper revolution” in wound care. They discuss copper’s unique broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, its role in stimulating angiogenesis and collagen production, and how it compares to silver-based dressings. Dr. Borkow shares the science behind MedCu’s copper oxide-embedded dressings, clinical results from over 100,000 treated wounds, and why copper may be the future of infection control and healing optimization. From ancient history to modern innovation, this conversation reveals why copper dressings are changing the wound care landscape worldwide.

Welcome to the second episode of WoundCasters, the new podcast from Wound Care Today USA, where we go beyond the basics of wound management.In this episode of WoundCasters, host Dr. Felix Boecker tackles the controversial and timely topic of wound debridement overuse. Prompted by a recent U.S. Department of Justice case against a national wound care provider, the episode explores how financial incentives may influence clinical decisions—and what that means for patient care. Dr. Becker breaks down the science and evidence behind debridement frequency, highlights best practices, and explains when debridement may actually be contraindicated. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to balance clinical effectiveness with ethical practice in wound care.Frequency of debridements and time to heal: a retrospective cohort study of 312 744 woundshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23884238/The role of debridement in wound bed preparation in chronic wound: A narrative reviewhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34745599/Wound Debridementhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939659/United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Vohra Wound Physicians Management and Its Owner Alleging False Claims for Wound Care Serviceshttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/united-states-files-false-claims-act-complaint-against-vohra-wound-physicians-management-and

Welcome to the first episode ofWoundCasters, the new podcast from Wound Care Today USA, where we go beyond the basics of wound management.In our debut episode of WoundCasters, host Dr. Felix Boecker sits down with Dr. Ira Herman—PhD scientist, educator, and innovator in wound healing—for a powerful conversation that bridges cutting-edge science and clinical practice. Together, they explore the molecular mechanics of wound repair, the critical role of pH, and the surprising overlap between cancer biology and chronic wounds. They also tackle the glaring gaps in medical education and discuss efforts to reinvent wound care learning for both clinicians and patients. It's an eye-opening kickoff to a podcast committed to transforming wound care from the ground up.

Hosted by trauma surgeon-turned-wound care specialist Dr. Felix Boecker, this show dives deep into the science, stories, and solutions behind wound healing. From expert interviews to real-world insights, each episode explores not just what works—but why it works and who it works for. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or just curious, WoundCasters is your go-to source for fresh, practical, and thought-provoking wound care education.