ABOUT US
“I am greatly honored to introduce myself to you as the new Chair for the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists (ACCWS/The College). It is also a tremendous privilege to be the first nurse to serve in this capacity as well! As we enter a new decade in 2020, my vision for our beloved College is like a “Phoenix rising out of the ashes!” The College has made amazing progress and seen viable growth in the past 4 years
since reorganizing in 2016. This is all due to your unfailing support, perseverance and belief in what we, The College, stand for.
As I embark on my path as the leader of our organization, I am extremely encouraged. It is wonderful to come into this new decade of 2020 knowing our College is positioned for continued growth and as a leader in our industry. Our membership is strong with over 400 interdisciplinary Fellows and is growing monthly thanks to those who led the College before me. On September 11th and 12th, 2020, the College will be hosting our first “Advancing the Standards in Wound Care Symposium” in Indianapolis, Indiana! This is exciting and something we have worked on diligently to bring to you as a valued member. Please contact us if you are interested in participating on a conference committee. We will also offer our “Back to Basics” course in Indianapolis.
On behalf of myself and our Board of Directors, we want to thank you for being a part of this organization and would love to hear from you! Share your ideas for the direction you would like to see the College go in the next three years and the next ten years. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at the 2020 Advancing the Standards in Wound Care in Indianapolis in September!”
– Karen Brown BSN, RN, CWS, FACCWS
Our Board of Directors
Karen Brown
Chairwoman
BSN RN CWS FACCWS
Dayton, OH
Serving since 2018
Christopher Winters
Immediate Past Chair
DPM CWS FACCWS
Carmel, IN
Serving since 2017
Christine Miller
chair elect
DPM DMM PhD FACCWS
Jacksonville, FL
Serving since 2020
Kimberly Smith
treasurer, board member
BSN, RN
North Charleston, South Carolina
Serving since 2020
Kelly McFee
secretary, board member
DNP, FNP-C
Savannah, MO
Serving since 2020
Jean Archer-Colella
media chair, Board Member
DPM
Danesville, NY
Serving since 2020
Richard Simman
Education Chair, Founding Fellow
MD FACS FACCWS
Toledo, OH
Serving since 2017
Barry Creighton
Board Member
DPM FACCWS
College Station, TX
Serving since 2019
Mikhail Novikov
Board Member
MD FACCWS
Northborough, MA
Serving since 2019
Naz Wahab
Board Member
MD FAAFB FAPWCA FACCWS
Henderson, NV
Serving since 2017
General Mission of the College
Educational Mission of the College
FAQ’s
Do I need to be a member to take a course?
No. However, members receive a discounted rate.
What are the steps I need to take or how do I become eligible to become qualified to join the College?
First, obtain certification in one of the Certifying Agencies recognized by the College. Next, Click Here and follow the directions.
What can The American College of Clinical Wound Specialists offer me?
The College is uniquely positioned to provide networking and collaboration with fellow certified practitioners AND provide both the resources and access to quality scientifically-based education for those that are seeking to become certified or advance as a Fellow of the College.
What can the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists do for me as a wound care practitioner?
The College is a unifying body of interdisciplinary wound care practitioners, seeking to provide their patients with the most relevant and current wound care. As a member of the College, you will have access to and be able to network with fellow providers both in your discipline and across disciplines. The College will notify you of cutting-edge educational presentations available in your region. Having a voice in the leadership of the College, an opportunity to serve on committees or task forces will help shape the future of wound care and the College.
What can the College do for me as a Fellow of the College of Clinical Wound Specialists® (FACCWS)?
The presence of the College of Clinical Wound Specialists® is a collaborative of those certified in wound care by recognized and accredited programs, including the CWS® designation. The College serves to maintain the validity of specialty certification and to empower the professionals who have attained this level of education. By uniting as Fellows, the College will enhance our ability to work to increase provider relations, educate the public, and lobby Congress/CMS to recognize the designations of wound care specialist. CWS®, WCC®, ABWMS®, CWCA®, CWSP®, WCC®, CWOCN®, CWCN®, CWON®, CWOCN-AP®, CWCN-AP®, CWON-AP® are desirable credentials when considering rendering payment for the care of patients with wounds. Additionally, the College, by virtue of truly being multi-disciplinary, bridges many of the wound care societies, organizations and industry providers as an advocacy arm. Together we can accomplish changes in wound care practice, policy and payment.
Does the College publish a Journal?
Yes, the College does publish the Journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists.
Services
What We Can Do For You
Check out what we’re up to at Wound Industry News! A members-only repository that details new advancements, events, and anything else noteworthy in Wound care!