Wound Care in the 21st Century
Roger Pons, MD, recently spoke to a gathering of SIH Second Act members. His presentation was on 21st Century Wound Care.
Dr. Pons believes it’s very important to help patients manage their conditions, especially those with comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension.
He spoke about the importance of awareness when it comes to wounds and the detrimental impact they can have if left untreated. Dr. Pons also shared insight into how technological advancements are helping patients heal.
Below is letter Dr. Pons shared reflecting on his healthcare journey.
As I sit down to reflect on my journey as a Wound Care Surgeon, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. The path I have taken from Medical School to the Operating Room has been both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Every wound tells a story, and I've had the privilege of being part of countless narratives from minor Lacerations to complex Chronic Ulcers. I have wielded my scalpel with precision and compassion each suture placed, each wound dressed, it's more than a clinical task it is an art form, and the canvas is the resilient human body capable of remarkable regeneration.
Innovations are the heartbeat of medicine. Throughout my career I have embraced new techniques technologies and evidence-based practices where there is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, Bioengineered skin substitutes, or personalized Wound Care plans, I have stood at the forefront eager to improve outcome for my patients.
Healing is not a solo act. It is a Symphony where Nurses, Physical Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Nutritionists, and fellow Surgeons play their part. I have relished collaborating with my colleagues, learning from their expertise and orchestrating comprehensive care. Together we harmonize wound healing protocols, ensuring Holistic support for our patients.
There is that elderly gentleman whose diabetic foot ulcer finally closed after months of meticulous Debridement and Offloading. His smile that's etched in my Memory forever.
The young Athlete who faced a traumatic injury during a championship game period. We stitched his torn Ligaments and watched him spring back onto the field with determination in his eyes.
And the Burn survivor a Phoenix rising from the ashes. We navigated Skin Grafts, Scar management and Emotional healing. His resilience fuels my passion.
Beyond the Operating Theater, I have stood before Medical Students sharing my experiences. I've advocated for Wound Care awareness because prevention matters as much as treatment. Knowledge spreads like ripples in a pond. I am committed to casting those ripples wide.
To my mentors who sculpted my skills. To my patients who entrusted me with their healing. To the late nights and early mornings, the quiet moments when I reviewed cases and sought answers. To the scars of my hands, they will tell their own tale.
In closing I carry my accomplishment not as trophies but as Lanterns lighting the way for others. The Wounds I have tended are reminders of Resilience, Hope, and the Indomitable Human spirit.
Thank you for allowing me to share this chapter of my journey. May our paths continue to intersect and may healing be our common language.
With warm regards,
Roger K Pons MD FACS FASCRS CWSP