American Academy of Wound Management offers first Board Certification Program for Physicians, Nurses, Therapists involved in wound care.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1996--For the first time, Board Certification is available for physicians, nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals involved in wound care from the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM), a national non-profit certifying board.

Professionals attaining Board Certification will be designated Certified Wound Specialists and may utilize CWS following their name to denote this accomplishment.

"The American Academy of Wound Management is the first cross-disciplinary organization offering certification in Wound Care and sets the standard for competency in this field," said Robert W. McKinlay, MPS, executive director of AAWM.

AAWM, a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance, is "dedicated to the multidisciplinary team approach in promoting the science of prevention, care, and treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The organization's primary function is to establish and monitor a national certification process, recognize competency, promote education and research, and elevate the standard of care across the continuum of wound management."

The AAWM offers three levels of certification. Diplomate status may be awarded to physicians, nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals who have earned a doctorate degree from an accredited university and who have two years of clinical or research experience in wound care. Fellow status may be granted to those with a Master's degree in related health disciplines with two years of approved clinical or research experience in wound care. Clinical Associate status is available to health professionals with five years of clinical or research experience and Bachelor's degree and/or extensive training or background in wound care.

Candidates for certification must complete a membership/pre-application form. After approval of the application, certification up to December 1998 is via submission of a portfolio documenting professional experience in wound care. After December 1998, certification will be available by achieving a passing score on an examination.

The AAWM offers membership categories for those involved in wound care and those who do not meet eligibility requirements for certification. Membership categories include Associate Members, who have an associate degree and a year's experience in wound care; International Members, healthcare professionals involved with wound care outside the U.S. and Student and Resident Members, in health related disciplines with an interest in wound care.

AAWM certification benefits include a certificate registered by AAWM, a listing in and a copy of the National Registry of Board Certified Wound Specialists, a subscription to the quarterly publication of AAWM, discounts on continuing medical education programs, an opportunity to participate in a research consortium for clinical trials and wound care products, an opportunity to serve on committees and the opportunity to help shape the future of wound care delivery.

For information or application forms, call 305/866-9592, fax: [phone], send Email to: [e-mail] or write to: American Academy of Wound Management at 1440 Kennedy Cswy, Suite 421, North Bay Village, FL 33141.

CONTACT: American Academy of Wound Management,

North Bay Village

Mike Freedman, 305/866-9592