Los Angeles, CA

The 2008 Diabetic Foot Global Conference, better known as DFCon, was declared a "massive success" by co-chairs George Andros, MD, renowned Los Angeles vascular surgeon, and David G. Armstrong, DPM and PhD, professor of surgery and director of the William M. Scholl College’s Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.

With 850 delegates from all 50 states and more than 50 nations, the annual meeting serves as a foremost gathering place for disseminating new research and practical knowledge regarding the fight against diabetes-related amputations.

Andros and Armstrong also participated in a special live satellite link from the conference with about two dozen TV and radio stations across the country that reached more than one million audience members.

"Every 30 seconds someone loses a leg due to diabetes," noted Armstrong, "This meeting, in bringing top physicians, surgeons, nurses and therapists together, has become a rallying point to help change that interval."

Advances discussed at this year's meeting included technology ranging from stem cell therapy to heal wounds and improve vascular disease to special thermometers that identify potentially amputation-causing wounds of the foot.

"The real advance that DFCon offers is to advance a team approach," Armstrong added. "With podiatry, vascular surgery, diabetology, primary care, nursing and others working together, we can finally see that we're making a difference." 

DFCon also presented its 2008 Edward James Olmos Award for Advocacy in Amputation Preventions to Benjamin A. Lipsky, MD, of the University of Washington and the VA Puget Sound Acute Care System in Seattle, Washington.

Contact:

Walt Ulbricht

Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

847-578-8848 (o) 330-651-1476 (c)

walter.ulbricht@rosalindfranklin.edu

Life in Discovery

About Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Formed in 1912 as the Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, offering a doctor of medicine program through the Chicago Medical School and doctor of podiatric medicine program through the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.

RFUMS also offers a range of degrees through its College of Health Professions, including nurse anesthesia, nutrition, physical therapy and physician assistant, and advanced biomedical degrees through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

There are more than 15,000 RFUMS graduates in the United States and worldwide.