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About the Speaker: Dr. Rene Amaya earned his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency in pediatrics at Phoenix Children’s Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He completed his fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Board-certified in pediatric infectious diseases by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Amaya expanded his scope of practice in 2013 to include pediatric wound care. He currently provides hospital-based consultations in both pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric wound care across five hospitals in the Houston area. He currently serves as Director of Infectious Disease and Wound Care for the Pediatrix Medical Group, Gulf Coast Division. Dr. Amaya is a Board Member of the International Society for Pediatric Wound Care. Much of his research focuses on neonatal wounds. He has authored numerous scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed journal articles, and textbook chapters, including contributions to both editions of Neonatal and Pediatric Wound Care textbooks. He is a frequent speaker at national and international wound care conferences and seminars. Outside of medicine, Dr. Amaya maintains a balanced lifestyle through yoga, Pilates, and swimming. He is also a certified yoga instructor.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

About the Speaker: Olivia Payton, BSN, RN, CWOCN, has a nursing career driven by a passion for wound, ostomy, and continence care and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based practice. Payton graduated from Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2014 and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University in 2018. Payton’s interest in wound care began during her nursing school clinical rotations, where she was inspired by the Wound Care Team at the University of Virginia Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH). After graduation, she joined the LTACH team, gaining valuable experience caring for patients with complex wounds and medical needs. She then transitioned to an Internal Medicine practice, where she worked alongside a geriatrician for two and a half years. During this time, Payton completed her BSN while continuing to develop her passion for wound care and the unique challenges faced by aging populations. Payton later worked in a Vascular Surgery clinic for two years, performing wound care and assisting with in-office surgical procedures. This experience further strengthened her clinical skills and reinforced her desire to specialize in wound management. When an opportunity became available to join the hospital's Wound, Ostomy, and Continence program, Payton embraced it despite being six and a half months pregnant at the time. It was a pivotal career decision that reflected my dedication to the specialty she loves. Since then, Payton has earned her Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) certification and has been providing specialized care in the acute care setting. At time of this recording, Payton serves as the Supervisor of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Department, where she has the privilege of leading a talented team while advancing quality patient care, staff education, and evidence-based practice initiatives. WOC nursing is more than a profession for Payton; it is a lifelong passion. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of patients through prevention, treatment, education, and advocacy. Payton finds great fulfillment in supporting patients and caregivers through some of their most challenging healthcare experiences and in empowering nursing teams to deliver the highest standard of specialized care. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: View patient resources for ostomy services and products: wocn.org/education-resources/patient-resources Use UOAA’s Support Group Finder to help you easily locate in-person and virtual ostomy support groups across the United States: ostomy.org/support-group-finder   About the Speaker: Janet Stoia-Davis, RN, CWOCN, FCN, has enjoyed over 40 years’ in WOC Nursing. Although her early nursing career focus was critical care as a certified critical care registered nurse she certified as a CWOCN in 1985. In 1996, she embarked in a private WOC practice, first as a partnership and then as sole proprietor practicing across the continuum with a focus on ostomy care coupled with a passion for patients attaining their desirable quality of life. Janet worked in outpatient ostomy clinics serving different populations and challenges... adding a bit of spice to her practice and recently retired from patient care. Janet lectured nationally and internationally, published on Quality of Life of People Living with an Ostomy and co-authored both a home study course on Wound Management & Healing and an educational video on Common Perineal Skin Injuries, and. She participated in Ostomy and Incontinence Associated Dermatitis research and actively participated with WOCN and industry to move ostomy care forward. Her peers awarded her the PCR ET Nurse of the Year Award in 1996, PCR President’s Award in 2000 and PCR Professional Educational Award in 2004. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Learn more about the Global Research into Intestinal Failure and Fistulae (GRIFF) Collaborative Contact Dr. John Monson, Ginny Hanchett, or the GRIFF team directly to learn how you can contribute: Dr. John Monson: [email protected] Ginny Hanchett: [email protected] GRIFF Collaborative: [email protected]  Check out the WOCNext® 2026 session, “Complicated, Costly & Consequential: Rethinking Care for Enterocutaneous Fistula & Intestinal Failure in Fragmented Systems” Learn more about the inclusion of ostomy and urological devices in the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program   About the Speakers: Virginia (Ginny) Hanchett, APRN-BC, DCNP, COCN, CWCN, works as a senior nurse practitioner and has been practicing in the field of WOC nursing for over 26 years and is proudly employed at the University of Rochester. She runs a program called Ostomy Services which focuses on outpatient long term management of patients with ostomies and fistulae. In this practice there are over 2,000 active patients including those with chronic fistulae and she understands the barriers to providing comprehensive care and product reimbursement with this group of specialized patients. She joined the collaborative efforts of The Global Research into Intestinal Failure and Fistulae in 2025. John Monson, MD, FRCSI (Hon), FRCSEng, FRCSEd (Hon), FRCS Glas (Hon), FASCRS, FACS, MAMSE, is a Professor of Surgery and a colon and rectal surgeon, and fellowship trained in surgical oncology, vascular surgery and colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Monson served as the Director of the Intestinal Failure Program at North Shore University Hospital, Long Island. Before joining Northwell Health in 2024 Dr. Monson served as Chair of the Digestive Health and Surgery Institute and Chief of Colorectal Surgery AdventHealth, Central Florida and was a Professor of Surgery at Loma Linda Medical School and University of Central Florida. He was the founder and Clinical Director of the Surgical Health Outcomes Consortium (SHOC) at AdventHealth, Orlando. Prior to moving to Orlando in 2016, Dr. Monson became Chief of the University of Rochester, School of Medicine Division of Colorectal Surgery and Vice Chair of its Department of Surgery in 2008. He was the founder and Director of the Surgical Health Outcomes and Research Enterprise (SHORE) as well as Vice-Chairman for Research. Dr. Monson, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, served as a Professor of Surgery, Head of the Academic Surgical Unit, and Deputy Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Hull in England between 1993 and 2008 before relocating to Rochester, New York. A world-renowned Colorectal surgeon, Dr. Monson, is a key opinion leader in the field of cutting-edge treatments for bowel cancer and his expertise includes a vast experience of complex re-operative surgery for intestinal failure and enterocutaneous failure. Dr. Monson is a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and served two terms as Chair of the ASCRS Research Committee and a member of the Foundation Board. He is also currently a member of the Rectal Cancer Committee having previously served on the IBD, International Relations, Membership, Standards and Public Relations Committees as well as the Executive Council. In addition, he was a co-founder of National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer and currently serves as the Vice-Chairman. He is a Co-Editor for Diseases of Colon and Rectum and Digestive Surgery and serves on multiple editorial boards including Annals of Surgery and the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. He is a Fellow of all Four Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the British Isles (and Honorary Fellow of three) and is an Honorary Fellow of the ASGBI and the Society of University Surgeons. He has published more than 400 scientific papers, 150 book chapters and 8 books. His current research continues to focus on health care delivery and the implementation of change within health care systems with a particular emphasis on cancer care. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Pressure Distribution Properties in Wound Dressings Using Heel and Sacrum Indenters Under Clinically Relevant Loads – Advances in Skin & Wound Care May 2025 Evaluation of Shear Force Redistribution and Microclimate in Foam Dressings Indicated for Pressure Injury Prevention – Advances in Skin & Wound Care May 2025 Moisture-Responsive Thermal Conductivity Properties of Hydrofiber Versus Polyurethane Foam: Implications for Pressure Injury Prevention Moisture-Responsive Friction Adaptability: Rethinking the Conventional Skin Silicone Interfaces in Pressure Injury Prevention Dressing Designs ConvaFoam® Redefining Foam Redefining Superior Performance ConvaFoam® Clinical Studies About the Speaker: Evan Call MS, CSM (NRM), is a Research/Testing Scientist and 30-year Faculty Member at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He has performed research and published in Hospital support surfaces, wheelchair cushions, patient transfer devices, pharmaceutical, cardiology, sterile and pressure injury (ulcer) areas. Evan holds 21 Patents, has authored 56 peer reviewed journal articles. He enjoys working with students in research and as an educator. Evan has worked as Director of a Test Laboratory that provides medical device testing to support surface, wheelchair cushion, pharmaceutical, vascular access, incontinence, and tissue interface industries. EC Service Test Laboratory is certified under ISO 17025:2017 as a Test and Calibration Laboratory, scope includes wheelchair cushion testing. Evan has worked in International Standard development for Wheelchair Cushions, Support Surfaces, Dressings for Prevention, and performs Wound Dressing tests at the National and International level. He previously served three terms as a member of the Board of Directors of NPIAP and two terms as a Board Member of the IWII. Evan served as the Co-Chair of the NPIAP S3I for 9 years. Evan has just retired from Weber State University, and his hobbies include furniture making, gardening, and fishing with his grandchildren. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Reducing Ileostomy Postoperative Complications Due to Dehydration: A Quality Improvement Project – JWOCN May/June 2026 Redefining the High-Output Stoma and Its Bearing on Clinical Practice Results of an International Consensus Panel – JWOCN September/October 2025 High-output stoma management: an overview – BJS September 2025 About the Speakers: Tara Beuscher, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN, NPD-BC, WOCNF, is certified in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence care and is an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has an ostomy and wound care clinic practice at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, where she sees individuals with fecal and urinary diversions for any diagnosis as well as malignant wounds. Dr. Beuscher has worked in a variety of settings including acute, long term acute,  home, ambulatory and community settings. Dr. Beuscher also teaches ostomy care to first year medical students and surgical residents. Duke is the first medical school in the country to incorporate ostomy care within the formal curriculum. This model curriculum was featured at the American College of Surgeons Surgical Simulation Summit in March 2026. Amanda Eltz, DNP, FNP-C, CWOCN, works as a nurse practitioner with the Duke Colorectal division. Prior to this, she served as a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurse for 8 years. Her career has mainly focused on the care of ostomy patients, running an outpatient ostomy clinic before moving into her APP role. Her DNP quality improvement project focused on dehydration in the ileostomy patient and was instrumental in improving patient postoperative outcomes in her current role. She has authored and co-authored wound and ostomy related manuscripts. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her granddaughters. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Dr. Loan Lam is the founder of Aetherus Wound and Lymphatics, a specialty edema and wound center dedicated to treatment, research, and education of nonhealing wound and complex edema disorders with associated skin complications. She graduated from Rice University, received her medical degree from Barry University, and completed her podiatric surgical residency at Yale New Haven Health System in New Haven, CT. She is certified in wound, hyperbaric medicine, and lymphedema therapy. She has authored several articles in peer-reviewed journals, presented numerous wound conference research posters, is a principal investigator for multiple clinical research trials, and is a national and international speaker on behalf of several organizations. Dr. Lam is a member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, National Lymphedema Network, Wound Healing Society, Wound Care Collaborative Community, American Professional Wound Care Association, and Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing. She is a long-time volunteer and board member of the American Cancer Society. She also serves on the board of the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation.   Besides medicine, her wonderful family, multiple pets, and family farm, her other loves include running races and playing amateur hockey. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Learn more about the 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing Learn more about the 3M™ Cavilon™ Advanced Skin Protectant WOCNext 2026 registrants can watch the Symposia Session on-demand through September 15: (S01) Simplifying Clinical Workflow with Novel All-in-One Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Dressing supported by Solventum About the Speaker: Catherine Milne, MSN, APRN, ANP/ACNS-BC, CWOCN-AP, WOCNF, is an Advanced Practice WOC Nurse practicing across the continuum in a variety of clinical settings. Focusing on wound and skin outcomes, Cathy conducts clinical research, lectures nationally and internationally, and has published numerous articles and two textbooks. In addition, Cathy is a clinical instructor for the Yale School of Nursing. She served on the AAWC Board and now is President of the newly formed Coalition for At-Risk Skin (CARS). She recently participated in an expert panel developing consensus statements for best practices addressing antimicrobial resistance in wound care. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Read Repositioning Guidelines to Decrease Pressure Injury in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project in the July/August 2024 issue of JWOCN and watch the accompanying video abstract. About the Speaker: Margaret Birdsong, DNP, CPNP, CWOCN, is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Margaret has been a dedicated member of the Division of Pediatric Surgery since 2000. She has been a Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) since 2002 and serves as the primary wound care consultant for the pediatric hospital. In 2020, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she works closely with Dr. Isam Nasr in the Colorectal Center, where she is also certified in biofeedback therapy. Margaret has presented nationally on a range of topics, including general pediatric surgery, wound and ostomy care, and pediatric continence management. Her clinical and academic work focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients with complex surgical and continence needs. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) Find an ostomy support group near you Ostomy Awareness Day / World Ostomy Day The Youth Rally Friends of Ostomates Worldwide-USA (FOW-USA) Ostomy 101   About the Speaker: Eva Philippe, BSN, RN, CWON, graduated as a nurse in 2012 from Saddleback College in CA. She then went on to complete a BSN program through University of Texas, Arlington. She realized her passion and interest in the role wound and ostomy while completing her capstone BSN project on healthcare staff’s impact on patients’ adaptation to ostomy in the early post-op phase. She completed her wound training through University of Washington and ostomy training through Emory University in 2019. She currently works at Fred Hutch Cancer Care clinic in Seattle, WA. This is an outpatient oncology clinic where she works in the CWON role supporting patients with ostomy needs and a wide variety of wound etiologies (oncological and other). This is a small team of CWONs working in collaboration with over 20 teams of oncology subspecialties as well as surgical teams. Eva also works at Evergreen Healthcare in Washington in both the inpatient setting and outpatient wound and ostomy clinic where she collaborates with a larger team of infectious disease and various providers and nurses to the full scope of the role.  She participates in two local ostomy support groups: North Sound Ostomy Support Group and Greater Eastside Ostomy Support Group. Additionally, Eva has periodically attended Youth Rally since 2019. Eva is passionate about teaching. She has given presentations at the University of Washington nursing conferences and precepted clinical students from various programs. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

About the Speaker: Dr. Abigail Chaffin is a Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tulane University. She is also the Program Director of the Tulane University/Ochsner Clinic Plastic Surgery residency program. She currently serves the Medical Director of the MedCentris Wound Healing Institute at Metairie. Dr. Chaffin is Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is Board-Certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is also Board-Certified by the American Board of Wound Medicine & Surgery, and the American Board of Wound Healing. Dr. Chaffin is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is also a Certified Wound Specialist Physician. Due to her clinical and research excellence in wound medicine, she has been honored to be named as a Master of the American Professional Wound Care Association. Dr. Chaffin is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She then received M.D. degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. After this, she completed a five-year residency in General Surgery at the Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center program.  She then completed a two-year fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tulane University, serving as well as Chief Administrative Resident. Dr. Chaffin has been in practice for over 18 years. She focuses her practice on wound medicine and wound reconstructive surgery, in addition to general reconstructive plastic surgery. She has a particular clinical interest in complex wound surgical reconstruction. She has been honored to receive a Top Doctor award by New Orleans Magazine for the past seven years. As well, she has received the New Orleans Magazine Exceptional Women in Medicine award for the past four years. Dr. Chaffin has published over 65 peer-reviewed publications in wound medicine and plastic surgery. She is a section editor for the ePlasty journal for the reconstructive surgery section. She also serves as an invited peer-reviewer for the Advances in Skin and Wound Care journal, the Journal of Wound Care, and the International Journal of Tissue Repair. She has served as Primary Investigator or Co-Investigator for numerous clinical trials at Tulane University.  She is on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Tissue Repair. She is an internationally and nationally recognized speaker at scientific conferences, and she frequently serves as a course faculty member and speaker for wound medicine scientific meetings including the Boswick Wound and Burn Symposium, the CAMPs Summit, SIITRAL, and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care. She is a Board Examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  She serves as committee chair for several national plastic surgery societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons. For ACEPS, she currently serves as Chair of the Research Committee. Dr. Chaffin is currently the Chair of the Assembly of State and Regional Societies for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and she is presently serving as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Board of Directors. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: View the in-person event schedule View the virtual event schedule Register for WOCNext through June 2, 2026, at 12 PM ET Download the WOCNext app to plan your conference experience Explore the 2026 accepted abstracts Attending for the first time? Check out the First-Time Attendee Guide Learn more about keynote speaker Siri Lindley in her documentary, Tri Me: The Siri Lindley Story About the Speaker: Brooke Passy, CMP, DES, is the Director of Events and Industry Relations for the WOCN® Society. She has been a part of the WOCN team for almost two decades and has worked in all areas of the meeting planning process. Brooke is a certified CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and DES (Digital Event Strategist) certification. Brooke's dedication to customer service and execution of events comes from her varied professional background of multiple years working in the food industry and experience in the performing arts. Brooke believes that running an event is just like a show; everyone must do their part and work together to create a seamless experience for the attendee/audience. No matter what, Brooke always knows that "the show must go on!" Brooke is always honing her ability to multitask while working mostly remote and juggling work, her twin children, and a puppy. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by  The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Abstract: Pressure Injury Prevention in the Oncology Population ePoster: Pressure Injury Prevention in the Oncology Population Wound Treatment Associate (WTA®) Program Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN®)   About the Speaker: Dr. Lisa Marie Grubb is a wound, ostomy, and continence nurse and nursing leader at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she focuses on improving skin and wound outcomes for complex patient populations. Her work centers on pressure injury prevention, where treatment-related skin changes, immobility, nutrition challenges, and device use can quickly increase risk. With decades of nursing experience and a strong background in quality improvement and clinical education, she partners with bedside teams to translate evidence into practical prevention strategies that fit real-world workflows.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Explore the WOCN® Society Mentor Match Program and sign up as a mentor or mentee Join the WOC Nurse Week 2026 celebrations and events About the Speakers: Derik Alexander, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CWOCN, CFCN, has been a member of the WOCN Society for over years. He is a WOC Nurse Practitioner at Dignity Health Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He currently serves as President-Elect of the WOCN Society. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix (2009), as well as completion of the Emory University Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurse Education program. Ferne Elsass, MSN, RN, CPN, CWON, WOCNF, is an experienced Clinical Instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry. She is a skilled pediatric registered nurse with certifications in Pediatrics and Wound and Ostomy care, and has a strong clinical focus on pediatric wound and ostomy services. Ferne has presented on pediatric wound care locally, nationally, and internationally and is a published content expert in the field. She has also served on the Mid-Atlantic Chapter WOCN board in multiple roles over a 10-year period and currently supports the board as Past President. Emilee Bartolo, BSN, RN, CWOCN, is a WOC nurse practicing in the outpatient setting at a suburban wound clinic, where she has worked for over 15 years. Prior to this role, she spent 10 years in home health care. She obtained her WOC certification in July 2003. Emilee is actively involved in the WOCN Society through national and chapter volunteer roles. She previously served as Chair of the Membership Engagement Committee, where she helped develop the Mentor Match Program launched in 2025. Vashti Livingston, MS, RN, CWOCN, has been a member of the WOCN Society for over 20 years. She has served as a WOC nurse co-facilitator for an ostomy support group for two decades and has worked for 21 years at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in the Urology Ambulatory Division, primarily supporting urological outpatient clients. She has served two terms as a Director of the WOCN Society and has contributed to numerous committees and projects. Her experience also includes serving as an editor of a peer-reviewed journal and committee member of the International WCET Norma Gill Foundation. Vashti has presented at 11 international conferences on ostomy care and WOC practice, in addition to numerous local and regional presentations across the U.S. She has precepted and mentored numerous WOC nurses over the past 20 years and remains active in community initiatives promoting bladder and colon cancer awareness. She co-facilitates an online bladder cancer support group and volunteers with the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). She has also served as a clinical expert on two ostomy online forums and as a clinical advisor for ostomy products and services for three major companies. She is currently a speaker for Coloplast’s ostomy division.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Resources: Sign up to “Go Back to Your Roots” and use your expertise to inspire current nursing students by sharing your gratifying role as a certified ostomy nurse. You’ll get access to an official toolkit to help you start planting seeds. Visit the UOAA website at ostomy.org for additional ostomy information.   About the Speakers Jeanine Gleba, as the Director of Advocacy for the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), awareness and advocates for those who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Jeanine has her Masters degree in Education and over 19 years of experience of grassroots organizing including spearheading the efforts behind the successful passage of a New Jersey law named for her daughter Grace, which benefits thousands of NJ children who have hearing loss. She is an award-winning advocate most recently being honored as the recipient of UOAA’s President Award in 2023. Jeanine believes in giving back to her community and has served in numerous roles including as an elected official: Deputy Mayor/Councilwoman for six years. She currently serves on the Digestive Disease National Coalition as Immediate Past Chairperson, and the NJ Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee as a Public Member. Jeanine is passionate about inspiring others to self-advocate and make a positive change in their own lives, as well as in the lives of others. Joanne Burgess, BSN, RN, CWOCN, has served in multiple care settings during her career including acute care, outpatient ostomy services, and industry. She has been an active leader within the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), serving two years on the Board of Directors and nearly a decade as co-chair of the Advocacy Committee. Joanna helped create the Back to Your Nursing Roots project, a partnering project with the WOCN® Society. Her vision was driven by the national shortage of ostomy nurses and her commitment to inspiring nurses to enter the WOC specialty. She also has played a key role in developing the Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights (PBOR). A dual ostomate—living with a urostomy since age three and a colostomy since early adulthood—Joanna brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to her lifelong advocacy for high quality ostomy care and patient empowerment. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.