Academy of Wound Healing in Oxford (UK) and University of Providence in Montana (USA) offer a 1-year postgraduate degree M.Sc. in Wound Healing commencing Fall Semester 2022.
CURRICULUM
FOR
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
WOUND HEALING
Wound healing is a dynamic, complex, and highly regulated mechanism of tissue repair and regeneration involving cellular and molecular processes that include cell migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis and deposition, and re-epithelialization. In-depth discussion of the sequence of molecular and cellular events in skin wound healing including: (i) blood clotting; (ii) vascular response; (iii) inflammation; (iv) scar formation; (v) epithelial healing; (vi) contraction; and (vii) scar remodeling. Fall Semester. 3 credits
Chronic Wound Pathophysiology. How the immunological response to biofilms causes tissue damage and impair healing. Microbiology of wounds. Inflammatory mediators. Growth factors. How protease activity in chronic-wound fluids of pressure ulcers influences the rate and extent of healing. Fall Semester. 3 credits
Wound bed preparation, including a systematic review of treatment options including enzymatic, autolytic and mechanical debridement. Complications of debridement. Biofilm-based wound care strategies. Fall Semester. 3 credits
Communication skills required for the practice of all healthcare professions, including word roots, prefixes, suffixes and combining forms of medical terms. Emphasis on medical terminology of the cardiovascular system, especially diseases of the peripheral vasculature. Fall Semester. 3 credits
Legal and ethical issues are central to all healthcare professions. This course will examine topics such as the sanctity of human life, confidentiality, professional relationships, and what constitutes malpractice. Emphasis will be placed upon the rights, duties, and professional responsibilities under the law. Special emphasis will be placed on learning the moral lessons and ethical tenants taught by the Catholic Church. Exercises are used to develop critical thinking and skill in evaluating and resolving ethical dilemmas encountered in all healthcare professions. Fall Semester. 3 credits
Relationship between hyperglycemia and delayed wound healing. Role of chemokines, free radicals, and oxidative stress in delayed healing. Interventions that may improve the prognosis for diabetic patients. Use of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative therapy. Spring Semester. 3 credits
Decubitus ulcers (also commonly known as “bedsores,” “pressure ulcers” and “dermal ulcers”) occur when the skin breaks down from constant pressure, especially from sitting or lying in one position for an extended period. The pressure cuts off the blood supply to the underlying skin, fat, and muscle. These sores usually occur over bony prominences. This course presents an in-depth practical discussion of risk factors, stages of progression, prevention, and treatment strategies. Spring Semester. 3 credits
Pathogenesis of leg venous ulcers including cellular and molecular mechanisms at work in delayed wound healing. The role of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Use of compression therapy, advanced wound care dressings, antimicrobials, antiseptics, and medications. Endovenous interventions such as ablation, ligation, subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery, and sclerotherapy. Spring Semester. 3 credits
In-depth discussion of the selection of wound dressings, including advanced wound care dressings and case studies. Spring Semester. 3 credits
Case reports and directed self-study as preparation for Board Certification Examinations administered by the American Board of Wound Healing, including the Certified Skin & Wound Specialist exam for non-physicians and the Physician Certification in Wound Care for licensed physicians. Spring Semester. 3 credits