Medical Director
Mercy Hyperbaric & Wound Care

Dr. Amy Couch is a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. She earned her medical degree through the six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, graduating Summa Cum Laude and inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She did an internship in obstetrics and gynecologic surgery, followed by family medicine residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she served as chief resident. After a decade in urgent care at Mercy Clinic, where she served as medical director, Dr. Couch shifted her clinical focus to advanced wound care. She currently serves as Medical Director of Mercy South Hyperbaric & Wound Center and Mercy Washington Wound Center, leading limb preservation efforts. Dr. Couch employs a multidisciplinary, holistic model of care, integrating evidence-based research and emerging technologies to deliver comprehensive, individualized, patient-centered treatment. Her clinical interests include complex wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and limb preservation, supported by a strong commitment to research, clinical leadership, education, and innovation

Physician
WAFL, Inc.

Brock A. Liden, DPM, is a nationally recognized podiatric physician, wound care specialist, clinical researcher, and innovator with more than 27 years of experience in limb preservation, diabetic foot care, and advanced wound healing. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency training through the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Dr. Liden is board-certified in Podiatric Medicine, Wound Care, Diabetic Wounds, and Diabetic Footwear, and is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association (FAPWCA). He serves as Owner and Principal of WAFL, Inc. and Cutting Edge Research LLC, leading clinical research and product development focused on wound healing and limb salvage technologies. His clinical expertise includes diabetic ulcer care, Charcot reconstruction, advanced wound care, Achilles tendon repair, dermal substitutes, and surgical offloading strategies to prevent amputation. Dr. Liden is also the developer of the VISTA limb preservation framework — Vascular Evaluation, Infection Control, Surgical Correction, Technologies & Therapies, and Amputation Prevention — a multidisciplinary surgical-first approach to diabetic lower extremity wounds. An international speaker and educator, Dr. Liden has contributed to numerous clinical trials, publications, and product launches in advanced wound care and regenerative medicine. He has presented at major national and international wound care conferences and remains actively involved in research, education, and innovation focused on improving outcomes in limb salvage medicine.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Donald Buck is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri and Director of Plastic Surgery at Mercy Medical Clinic at Mercy Hospital South. He is a key opinion leader in plastic surgery and wound care. He is the Editor of 5 textbooks in plastic surgery, and the author of over 250 publications, presentations, abstracts, and textbook chapters in the field.

Scientific Laison
LifeNet Health

Dr. Arnab Mondal is a Scientific Laison at LifeNet Health, where he serves as a scientific resource, facilitates clinical education, and support scientific initiatives related to LifeNet Health’s technologies and regenerative medicine solutions. He earned a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Georgia and completed postdoctoral research there on infection-resistant medical devices. His work on hemocompatible, antimicrobial and regenerative biomaterials has produced 25+ peer-reviewed publications.

Chief Medical Officer
WebCME, Auxillium Health, Kent Imaging

Dr. Jeffrey Niezgoda is Past President of both the American Professional Wound Care Association and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, and Founder and President Emeritus of AZH Wound & Hyperbaric Center MKE. From 1998 to 2013, Dr. Niezgoda served as Medical Director of the Center for Comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During this time, he also served as President and Chief Medical Officer of Hyperbaric & Wound Care Associates, a multi-physician group providing wound and hyperbaric care services throughout Wisconsin and internationally. Dr. Niezgoda brings extensive experience in clinical research and has been instrumental in the development and commercialization of multiple medical devices and technologies. He has served as a consultant to industry, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Kent Imaging, a Calgary, Canada-based company offering comprehensive wound imaging technologies. Dr. Niezgoda also holds the role of President and Chief Medical Officer for several additional organizations, including WebCME, an international medical education company dedicated to delivering wound care and hyperbaric medicine training online; Auxillium Healthcare, focused on artificial intelligence applications in medical imaging; and RxOS Medical, a medical device company that produces an innovative wound care hydrogel. Dr. Niezgoda is a 1981 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and earned his Medical Degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1985.

Interventional Cardiologist/Endovascular Interventionalist
St Louis University Hospital, St Clare hospital, OSF healthcare, MO/IL

Dr. Shilp Arora is an interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist with expertise in complex coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Saint Louis University. He also serves as the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Director at OSF HealthCare, where he is involved in advancing cardiovascular and endovascular services, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical program development. Dr. Arora completed advanced fellowship training in Interventional Cardiology and Endovascular Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University under the mentorship of nationally recognized leaders in cardiovascular medicine. His clinical interests include peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, critical limb ischemia, venous disease, and advanced endovascular therapies.

Medical Director
TrueHyperbarRx

Dr. Sexton earned his medical degree from the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine specializing in pediatrics and hyperbaric medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of South Alabama. Since 2003, Dr. Sexton has been an international motivational speaker. Dr. Sexton has spoken hundreds of times raising awareness about overcoming adversity for the disabled. He has written a book entitled God Bless These Little Legs and has been featured in numerous books, articles, and radio/television broadcasts around the country. Some of these programs include ABC’s 20/20, 700 Club, The God Squad, Hour of Power, The Helpline, and Focus on the Family. His goal is to impact people by instilling in them an attitude of achievement regardless of their disability or situation. He strives to be a doctor who gives hope to patients instead of worst-case scenarios. His interest in Hyperbarics and Wound Care was initially due to his diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Sexton was told that he would never walk, talk or even see. Defying these odds and undergoing 18 surgeries, he pursued his passion for scuba diving, climbed the ranks of recreational scuba diving, and turned his passion into his career as a Hyperbaric physician. Dr. Sexton has published many papers focused on Hyperbaric Medicine and its medicinal effects in many clinical applications. Dr. Sexton mentors children with disabilities and works with many special interest groups educating them in the field of Hyperbaric Medicine. He uses this knowledge as a physician by treating countless individuals suffering from decompression illness and other hyperbaric clinical applications in the United States and abroad for anyone in need of it. He is an American College of Hyperbaric Medicine-approved training provider and also had courses approved by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Technologies. Dr. Sexton is the President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, one of the two national professional organizations dedicated to serving as a medical specialty society. Dr Sexton focuses on adult and pediatric wound care and serves as Medical Director for numerous locations Nationally and Internationally for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. Dr. Sexton has extensive wound care experience is a member of the American Professional Wound Care Association and has achieved the honor of being appointed the Status of MAPWCA. The “Master” designation was initiated in 2010 and serves as a mechanism to recognize key opinion leaders who have impacted wound care through education, research, and advocacy. These honorees are selected by an appointed APWCA committee and then approved by the Board of Directors. Dr. Sexton also holds certification as a Certified Hyperbaric Wound Specialist by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH). Dr. Sexton also holds Certificates of Added Qualification in Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care by the American Board of Wound Healing In 2023 he won the Eric P Kindwall Award for Excellence in Hyperbaric Medicine He also specializes in bringing Hyperbaric Medical Clinics to parts of the world that otherwise would not seem to be possible.

Dr. William H. Tettelbach is a physician leader, researcher, and advocate focused on evidence-based, patient-centered care across wound healing and hyperbaric medicine. Board-certified in Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Internal Medicine, he holds academic appointments at Duke University School of Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences. As Chief Medical Officer at RestorixHealth, he oversees clinical quality and practice standards across a national network of hospital-affiliated outpatient wound and hyperbaric centers. He has led and supported national advocacy and policy efforts aimed at protecting Medicare beneficiary access to medically necessary hyperbaric oxygen therapy and advanced wound care. Previously, he served as Program Director of the Duke University Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship, mentoring physicians in training and contributing to clinical scholarship. Internationally recognized for integrating real-world evidence, outcomes research, and health economics into practical policy solutions, he has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed analyses and consensus work addressing advanced wound therapies and sustainable reimbursement models. Dr. Tettelbach serves as President of the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) and President of the Wound and Hyperbaric Association (WHA), and he engages with CMS and other stakeholders on outpatient payment policy to support innovation, access, and responsible stewardship of healthcare resources. With a track record spanning clinical operations, education, research, and national policy, he works to improve healing outcomes, reduce preventable complications, and strengthen sustainable access to advanced care.

Chief Executive and Medical Officer
West Boca Center for Wound Healing

Dr. Lullove is in private practice in Coconut Creek, FL. Dr. Lullove currently serves as Chief Executive and Medical Officer for the West Boca Center for Wound Healing. His focus is on advanced wound healing and limb preservation with research and clinical interests in wound proteases, diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Lullove earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in 2002. Dr. Lullove is triple-board certified in wound care from the ABWM, APWCA and the ABWH. Dr. Lullove is also a Fellow Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Scotland. He currently represents the Wound Healing Society as Clinical Liaison to the Alliance of WoundCare Stakeholders and is regarded well-versed in regulatory affairs and Medicare compliance with Cellular Tissue Products and FDA Regulatory Guidance Issues. Dr. Lullove serves as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Today’s Wound Clinic, Wounds and Journal of Wound Care. Dr. Lullove has authored and co-authored articles regarding acellular dermal tissues, venous compression, wound Healing, advanced joint implant surgery and practice management. He has lectured nationally and internationally and has been recognized for his publications in Wound Care regarding Cellular Tissue Product.

Director of Wound Care Research
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

Dr. Windy Cole is a double board-certified podiatric physician and internationally recognized wound care expert with more than 24 years of clinical experience in limb preservation and advanced wound management. She serves as Adjunct Professor and Director of Wound Care Research at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and is Chief Research Officer for Capsicure Clinical Research Organization. As the founder of Cole Collaborative Consulting, Dr. Cole partners with biotech and medical device companies to develop evidence-generation strategies, strengthen market access pathways, and deliver high-quality scientific and medical communications. A leader in the integration of emerging technologies into wound care, Dr. Cole has directed numerous clinical trials and contributes her expertise to advisory boards across the biotech and device sectors, providing insight on FDA strategy, clinical trial oversight, medical monitoring and protocol development with real-world implementation. A sought-after speaker at national and international symposia, she is dedicated to advancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in the management of complex, hard-to-heal wounds.

Clinical Program Director
Healogics/Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital Wound Care Center

Elizabeth Hellmann is a healthcare leader and clinical program director based in Sullivan, Missouri, with 18 years of nursing experience, including a decade dedicated to wound care. Her work focuses on improving patient outcomes in rural communities by addressing challenges such as access to specialized treatment, resource limitations, and patient education. Through her leadership and frontline experience, Elizabeth is committed to advancing innovative, practical solutions for delivering effective wound care in rural settings.

Director of US Business Development
Mark Allen Healthcare Ltd
Director of Clinical Education, Marketing, and Research
My Life Rehab and Wellness

Frank Aviles, Jr, PT, CWS, FACCWS, CLT-LANA, ALM, AWCC, is the Director of Clinical Education, Marketing, and Research at My Life Rehab and Wellness in Irvington, Alabama. Frank Aviles is a physical therapist with over 35 years of experience in wound care, specializing in the treatment and management of chronic wounds and lymphedema. He is deeply committed to advocacy, education, and patient care. Beyond his clinical work, Frank is active in research and publishing and co-hosts The Frank & Lizzie Show, an educational platform for wound care & lymphedema clinicians. Through this channel, he and Elizabeth Faust, continue to elevate standards of care by sharing innovative insights and best practices with the healthcare community. Frank is also a consultant, advisor, and/or a speaker for various industry partners in the wound care and lymphedema space.

Associate Professor of Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis

John P. Kirby, MD, MS, FCCWS, FACS is a Trauma and an Acute & Critical Care Surgeon focusing on improving wound care methodologies after injury and for limb preservation. He is a graduate from the University of Illinois system(s) for college, graduate, medical school, residency, fellowship and first appointments as an Attending Surgeon. His current academic interests include the ethical incorporation of industry sponsored funding for basic and translation science clinical applications in wound healing as well as how evolving perfusion, CAMP's and cellular transplantation technologies will contribute to improved patient management outcomes.

Family Nurse Practitioner and Wound Care Specialist
Mercy South–St. Louis

Kelly Roberts is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and wound care specialist at Mercy South–St. Louis, with over 20 years of nursing experience and nearly two decades specializing in wound care. Since earning her nursing degree in 2003, she has dedicated her career to advancing wound healing through evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, and patient-centered care. In 2016, Kelly earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and transitioned into her role as a wound care provider. That same year, she obtained her wound care certification through the American Board of Wound Management. Passionate about staying at the forefront of emerging treatments and technologies, Kelly is committed to improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life through comprehensive wound management.

Advisory member/ Plastic surgeon
Thousand Oaks, California

Mark Suski MD, FACS is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in Thousand Oaks, CA since 2001. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine, then completed a General Surgery Residency at UC Davis East Bay and a Plastic Surgical Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. In addition, he completed a National Institute of Health sponsored Research Fellowship in Wound Healing at UC San Francisco with Dr Thomas Hunt. He is board certified in both General and Plastic Surgery. He is a member of numerous national and regional surgical societies, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Wound Healing Society. He is the current Chief of Staff at Los Robles Regional Medical Center and was the former Chief of Surgery. He is the founding Medical Director of the Los Robles Center for Advanced Wound Healing, He is currently Program Director for the General Surgery Residency at Los Robles Regional Medical Center.

Professor of Psychiatry
Washington University School of Medicine

Dr. Michele Pergadia is a clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and health psychology. She works with patients who are living with chronic illnesses like pulmonary disease. She also works with patients to address anxiety- and mood-related symptoms.

Professor of Surgery and Radiology
Washington University Medical School/ Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Dr. Geraghty’s primary areas of clinical practice and research focus have been limb preservation, dialysis access, and cerebrovascular disease. He has served as national/global principal investigator for multiple IDE trials including the VIBRANT, Lutonix BTK, Intact Vascular TOBA II Below The Knee, Boston Scientific SAVAL, and InspireMD C-Guardians II and III trials. Dr. Geraghty is co-director of the multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Program at Washington University Medical School. Dr. Geraghty is a Past President of the Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society and a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery. He has served as chair of the SVS Technology Assessment Committee and member of the SVS Lower Extremity Practice Guidelines Writing Group, Global Vascular Guidelines Writing Group, Popliteal Aneurysm Guidelines Writing Group, and SVS Strategic Board of Directors.

Foot and ankle surgeon
Saint Louis Foot and Ankle, LLC

Dr. Raymond John Abdo is a foot and ankle surgeon based in Saint Louis, MO, specializing in foot and ankle surgery and podiatry. He runs a private practice with locations in St. Louis and Eureka, MO. Dr. Abdo graduated from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 2002 and has 19 years of experience. He is affiliated with Mercy Hospital - St. Louis and the Mercy organization, which operates in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Dr. Abdo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his post-graduate residency training at Forest Park Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he served as Chief Resident, focusing on medical and surgical training. He is board-certified by the American Board of Wound Management as a Certified Wound Specialist and is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association. Additionally, he has also taken on leadership roles, serving as the co-director of the Critical Limb Salvage Committee at Mercy South Hospital and as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Wound Care

Associate Professor, Interventional Radiology
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology

Alexander Ushinsky, MD is an associate professor of Interventional Radiology at Washington University in Saint Louis. He serves as the director of Interventional Radiology at Barnes Jewish Hospital. His clinical and academic interests include peripheral vascular disease, dialysis access, vascular malformations, and lymphatic interventions.

Associate Professor
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at WashU

Steven C. Sauk, MD, is an associate professor of radiology and chief of interventional radiology for the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. After completing his diagnostic radiology residency — where he served as chief resident — and his interventional radiology fellowship at MIR, Sauk spent more than seven years in private practice exploring his particular interest in treating vascular disease, both arterial and venous, in the setting of nonhealing leg wounds within the community. He continues this in his current practice at WashU, focusing on arterial interventions below the knee and below the ankle, in addition to complex venous disease. Prior to residency, Sauk earned his medical degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, and his joint Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University.

Chair Podiatry Department Mercy South Hospital
Missouri Foot and Ankle, St Louis MO, Mercy Hospital Wound Care Center and Hyperbaric Treatment Center

Dr. Sollecito graduated from Villanova University and received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at Lindell Hospital, in St Louis Missouri. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery and in wound care. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a member of The American Podiatric Medical Association, The American College of Wound Care Specialists, and The Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing and The Wound Healing Society. He is a staff podiatrist at Mercy South Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric Treatment Center, and is in private practice with Missouri Foot and Ankle.

Dr. Methodius-Rayford is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon with an MBA from Auburn University. She holds multiple certifications, including diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and Certified Wound Specialist physician, she is a Fellow of both the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists and the Professional Wound Care Association. Her specialties include hyperbaric medicine, complex wound management, complex limb salvage, lipedema research, and surgery. As CEO and Founder of META Health and Vascular, she leads a transformative, holistic care model focused on integrated health model encompassing mental health, wellness, nutrition, weight management, hormone therapy, and vascular health for each patient. Dr. Methodius-Rayford founded the Atlanta Medical Center chapter of Women in Surgery, supporting female surgeons and healthcare professionals. She currently serves as Medical Director for several organizations and has a key interest in addressing women's unique health concerns and reducing healthcare disparities. In addition to her clinical roles, she maintains a strong interest in regenerative medicine and overall wellness. An accomplished educator and leader, Dr. Methodius-Rayford advances the field of medicine through research and teaching. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and earns awards for her leadership. Through her commitment to education, she is a national and international speaker. She is recognized as a key opinion leader, serving on advisory boards and holding prominent positions in vascular and wound care organizations. Her achievements have been featured in major publications such as O Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Entrepreneur, and Women's Health