The Wound Center

Offering the latest advancements and modalities in wound healing

The Wound Center at GBMC takes a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to wound care. Our patients have access to experts in vascular surgery, podiatry, infectious disease, and plastic surgery, as well as our highly experienced nursing team.

The Center utilizes the newest clinical tools in wound healing along with traditional clinical practices. We focus on the whole body throughout the healing process. This includes nutritional assessment and counseling, diabetic education, pain management, and patient and caregiver counseling.

Patients who benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy will receive a comprehensive evaluation to assess appropriateness of this therapy. They will be treated seamlessly in one of our six hyperbaric oxygen chambers following national guidelines. GBMC boasts some of the best healing rates in the Baltimore area.

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Our Team

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Jennifer A. Heller, MD, RPVI, FACS

Medical Director, GBMC Wound Center; Director, Vein Center

Dr. Heller is the Director of the Vein Center at GBMC and Medical Director of the GBMC Wound Center. She previously served as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and as Director of the Johns Hopkins Vein Centers. A graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Heller completed her surgical residency, including a year as Administrative Chief Resident, at Boston University Medical Center. She completed her Vascular Surgery fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

The healthcare team consists of highly trained specialists in the fields of vascular surgery, plastic surgery, general surgery, podiatry, and internal medicine allowing for a more comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. Each physician has been specialty-trained in wound management.

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Our Services

Wound Center staff will develop a treatment program based on the patient's individual needs. This program will include regular visits to the Wound Center to provide treatment, evaluate progress and make any changes needed to improve the healing process. The Center utilizes the newest clinical tools in wound healing along with traditional clinical practices including:

Wound dressings
Debridement
Compression therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Prescriptive growth factors
Bio-engineered skin grafting
Edema management
Non-invasive vascular assessment

Patient care will focus on a whole body approach to wound healing including:

Nutritional assessment and counseling
Diabetic education
Patient and caregiver counseling
Pain management
Special needs for pressure relief including beds, seat cushions and footwear.

Under Pressure: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Explained

"The goal was to work quickly to save the tissue and prevent further damage. I had Ms. Campbell start hyperbaric oxygen therapy that afternoon."

Read Kelly's Story

New Patient Information

When you come in, you will meet with our staff for a consultation, including an examination and medical history evaluation. Your physician along with our wound care team will establish a treatment plan. Information regarding your progress will be submitted to your physician on an ongoing basis. Depending on your situation, you may require additional non-invasive tests that provide information about blood flow in the wound area.

What you need to bring for your appointment:

Any medical records regarding your current wound or related condition (lab tests, vascular studies, x-rays, or wound cultures)
All medications you are currently taking in their original containers, including aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
A list of all medication or food allergies
If you require oxygen, please bring an adequate supply
Bring insurance cards and forms
If you have diabetes, bring a snack and your medication
Name, address and telephone number of the physician(s) you currently see
A legal guardian MUST accompany patients who are unable to comprehend or sign appropriate forms
If you have an Advanced Directive, please bring a copy with you
Reading material. Your first visit will last 1 ½ to 2 hours

Once you arrive:

One of our RN/Case Managers will introduce herself, review your prior medical history, photograph and measure your wound and provide you with additional information regarding the remainder of your visit. A physician specialty-trained in wound management will develop a plan of care with you to ensure maximum healing of your wound.

Patient Testimonials

“I was seen at the wound clinic for my first time. The staff was wonderful. The nurse Mary Hoover made me feel comfortable and at ease. I was seen by Dr. Belgin. He explained why my foot had swollen and what caused the infection. He was able to trim away some callused area and referred me back to Podiatry for a follow up and new orthotics. I was able to wear a shoe for the first time in 3 months. Thank you, Wound Center!!”

— Submitted by grateful patient M.H.

“The care is wonderful. The nurses and other providers are caring, thoughtful, and excellent caregivers.”

— Submitted by grateful patient D.F.

“Such a caring and knowledgeable staff. Impressed that everyone spoke to my daughter who has disabilities and gave her time to respond. I feel more equipped about taking care of her wound.”

— Submitted by anonymous patient

“So so grateful for all the nurses and especially Dr. Belgin for the wonderful care my husband has received since we've been coming here! It's been a long 3 years and they made it all worth it in the end. Thank you!!”

— Submitted by anonymous patient