Northern Health clinicians have showcased their expertise in chronic wound care on the international stage, presenting research at the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) 2026 Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Held from 23-27 September, the Congress brought together more than 5,000 delegates from 71 countries, including Northern Health’s Dr Nikki Frescos, Tim Butters, Podiatrist, and Dr Carol Chong, Geriatrician.

Representing teams from the Craigieburn Community Hospital Chronic Wound Clinic and Podiatry Clinics, the trio shared Northern Health research and expertise with wound care professionals from around the world.

In a special moment for Northern Health, Dr Frescos was selected as Australia’s flagbearer for the Congress opening ceremony, recognising her many years of advocacy and leadership in chronic wound care across Australia and the Pacific Islands.

“It was an incredible honour to represent Australia at the opening ceremony and to see wound care professionals from around the world come together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for patients,” Dr Frescos said.

During the Congress, Dr Frescos delivered five oral presentations covering the psychological impact of wound-related pain, diabetes-related foot disease in the Western Pacific, antimicrobial stewardship education, wound care from an Australian and Pacific Islands perspective, and strategies to address diabetic foot disease across the Pacific Islands.

She also facilitated a workshop on evidence-based assessment of the diabetic foot, moderated seven sessions and served as a judge for oral presentations.

Mr Butters presented his ongoing research comparing plantar foot pressures across three different orthotic devices used to offload plantar ulcerations at the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

“Having the opportunity to present our research internationally, while also learning from clinicians and researchers working in different health systems, was incredibly valuable,” Mr Butters said.

“It gives us new perspectives and ideas that we can bring back to Northern Health and apply to the care we provide to our patients.”

Dr Chong and Mr Butters also presented research conducted through the Craigieburn Chronic Wound Clinic examining the incidence of micronutrient deficiencies in patients living with chronic wounds.

Dr Chong said sharing locally led research on an international stage was an important opportunity to contribute to the wider conversation about chronic wound care.

“Chronic wounds can be complex, and research helps us better understand the many factors that may influence healing,” Dr Chong said.

“It was wonderful to share the work being undertaken at Craigieburn with an international audience and to learn from colleagues around the world. Ultimately, that exchange of knowledge is about helping us continue to improve care and outcomes for our patients.”

The Congress provided the Northern Health team with an opportunity to exchange ideas, hear about emerging wound care research and strengthen connections with clinicians and researchers internationally.

Their strong representation at WUWHS 2026 highlights the research, clinical expertise and commitment to evidence-based care within Northern Health’s wound care services, and the contribution our staff are making to improving wound care locally and beyond.