Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Fall 2017

FROM THE TIME we’re toddlers with scraped knees, we’re taught that wounds go away in time. Some injuries, however, require more than a bandage and time to get better. That’s where wound care experts come in. These health care professionals specialize in treating serious and hard-to-heal skin injuries, such as pressure ulcers (bedsores), diabetic foot problems and much more. A team approach Because a range of factors and medical conditions may affect wound healing, various medical professionals may be needed to provide wound care, including doctors, surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists and social workers. “Getting such expert care is especially important for people with limited mobility or health conditions that can impair normal healing, including diabetes and cancer,” says Bill Khoury, MD, medical director of the wound care and hyperbaric center at Adventist Health Glendale. “People with diabetes, for example, are at Bill Khoury, MD Help for hard-to-heal wounds increased risk for foot ulcers. If these wounds go un- treated and become infected, there’s a chance the foot or leg may need to be amputated.” Treatment of a foot wound in a person with diabe- tes might involve specialists who can remove dead skin and tissue from the wound—to help speed healing— and ensure that the wound is properly medicated and bandaged. Others involved in treatment might include a podia- trist (foot specialist), a physical therapist and a vascular surgeon to evaluate the blood vessels. Wound care experts evaluate each person’s needs and use a team approach to help ensure that injuries are treated properly. They also help educate people and give advice on caring for the wound at home. “Healing wounds quickly and preserving limbs are at the forefront of patient care at Adventist Health Glendale,” Dr. Khoury says. “We treat patients with a thorough evaluation from arrival to continuum of care upon returning home.” The Wound Care Center at Adventist Health Glendale is a leader in the community, with a wide range of spe- cialty physicians. Wound Care Center physicians are com- mitted to helping patients heal and preserving their limbs while using the most advanced technologies and methods. Qualified expert: Dr. Khoury Dr. Khoury is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine. He received his bachelor of science in biology from Loma Linda University–Riverside and his medical degree from Loma Linda University. He completed his internship and residency at King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works When patients have wounds that won’t heal, the hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) center at Adventist Health Glendale is used to provide extra oxygen to the bloodstream, tissues and cells. By elevating atmospheric pressure and increasing oxygen intake, HBOT enables oxygen to be absorbed through the lungs into the blood plasma to help rebuild damaged tissue and heal infections. Adventist Health Glendale has two hyperbaric chambers, each with room for two people. Treatment lasts 60 to 90 minutes, while the patient has options to read, listen to music or watch TV. Have a wound that just won’t heal? Call the Adventist Health Glendale Wound Care Center at (818) 409-6652 . TO L E A R N MO R E A B O U T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E O R TO F I N D A D O C TO R , V I S I T A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N D A L E . O R G 3 WOUND CARE