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My DLS/WHF 2026 Experience by Sophie Bilik, MS
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
MD/MBA Candidate | Class of 2028
"Attending the 2026 Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference and Wound Healing Foundation Annual Meeting in Washington, DC as a recipient of the Wound Healing Foundation with Integra Foundation Preceptorship Award was an incredibly rewarding experience.
I was honored to be selected as one of four preceptorship award recipients and grateful for the opportunity to attend a meeting that brought together clinicians, researchers, and trainees dedicated to advancing wound healing science and patient care.
Throughout the conference, I enjoyed attending sessions that highlighted both the translational and clinical aspects of wound healing research. One of the sessions I found particularly interesting was the Science of Wound Healing abstract session, which focused on mechanisms driving chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and tissue repair. The Ehrlich Rising Star Lecture by Dr. Mateusz Wietecha on dysfunctional immune cell interactions in diabetes-impaired wound healing was especially insightful and provided valuable perspective on the role of immune dysregulation in chronic wounds.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the “Discussion and LIVE Case Check In: MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Operating Room” session. The incorporation of real-time operating room cases and discussion of surgical management and technique created a uniquely immersive educational experience. It was especially impactful to see how multidisciplinary communication, clinical decision-making, and translational research intersect directly in patient care, allowing both scientists and clinicians to visualize how research findings are translated into operative and therapeutic strategies in real time.
I also attended the WHF Keynote Address and T.K. Hunt Lecture by Anish Konkar, PhD, on harnessing GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon biology to improve health outcomes. Following the session, preceptorship recipients were given the opportunity to meet with Dr. Konkar and discuss our experiences and interests within the wound healing field, at the T.K. Hunt Meet and Greet with the Keynote Speaker. It was a valuable opportunity to hear his perspective on translational research, scientific innovation, and the future directions of wound healing therapeutics in a more personal and interactive setting.
In addition to the scientific programming,
I valued the opportunity to connect with other students, trainees, clinicians, and researchers who share an interest in wound healing and translational medicine. The conference strengthened my interest in the field and gave me a broader perspective on the future directions of wound healing research and innovation.
I am very grateful to the Wound Healing Foundation and Integra Foundation for supporting my attendance through this preceptorship award.
The experience was both educational and inspiring, and I look forward to continuing to explore opportunities in translational and clinical research moving forward."
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