Julie Baker, RN, BSN was selected to participate in UAB Medicine’s highly competitive Wound Scholar Advanced Program. Julie has been a member of the University of Alabama in Birmingham’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for five years. As a clinical care coordinator for the department’s Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Danielle Powell, MD, Julie’s role at Spain Rehabilitation Center allows her to extend wound care to patients in the adult spina bifida clinic as well as the cancer rehabilitation program.

Because UAB is passionate about continuing to develop a culture of clinical excellence in all aspects of patient and family care services, one area identified for having tremendous potential to impact quality of care is with adults who have wound or skin care needs. As a result, the Wound Scholar Program was developed by UAB Hospital’s Wound Ostomy and Continence Team (WOCT) to empower frontline staff to meet the growing need for wound care prevention and treatment at the bedside.

“Many of my patients have wounds or are at risk for developing skin care needs. This program will train me to assist my team and support patients and their families on the path to a quicker recovery. Ultimately, the knowledge I gain will equip me to disseminate new and best practices regarding wounds to additional providers and staff here in PM&R. I look forward to being a resource in wound care for my colleagues,” stated Baker.

This 18-month professional development program has been designed to identify champions in wound care, formally develop an in-depth knowledge of caring for the hospitalized adult requiring wound care treatment or prevention, and implement evidence-based principles as part of care for this target population. The program provides formal education for participants and challenging opportunities for improving the care of adults with wounds, pressure injuries, and preventive needs at UAB Hospital.