Wounds Australia is pleased to congratulate members Professor Philip Russo and Dr Hailey Donnelly, who have been appointed to represent Wounds Australia in the author group developing a European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Surgical Complications document.

Following an expression of interest process, Wounds Australia endorsed both members to the EWMA project editors, who welcomed them to the international author group.

The project will bring together leading clinicians and researchers from around the world to develop evidence-informed guidance on surgical wound complications, supporting best practice and improved patient outcomes. 

 Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff said the appointments reflected the strength of Australian expertise and the calibre of Wounds Australia's membership.

"We're incredibly proud to see two of our members contributing to an international project that will help shape future guidance on surgical wound complications," Mr Antcliff said. "Professor Russo and Dr Donnelly each bring highly respected expertise in their respective fields, and their appointments highlight the important contribution Australian clinicians and researchers continue to make to the global wound care community."

Prof. Russo (pictured) is internationally recognised for his expertise in infection prevention, surveillance and surgical site infections. His appointment reflects his extensive experience in healthcare-associated infection research and his commitment to improving patient care through evidence-based practice.

Dr Donnelly (pictured) is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, early career researcher and post-doctoral researcher whose work focuses on the role of nutrition in wound healing, particularly diabetes-related foot ulcers. Her appointment will help ensure nutrition is recognised as a key component of preventing and managing surgical wound complications.

Dr Donnelly said she was excited to contribute nutrition expertise to the international project.

"As an Accredited Practising Dietitian, I find nutrition is often an overlooked contributor to timely wound healing," Dr Donnelly said. "I am excited to help ensure it is appropriately integrated alongside other key strategies for improving surgical site complications.

"I'm thrilled to work alongside an incredible panel of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition expertise and help develop practical, translatable solutions."

Prof. Russo said he was looking forward to contributing his expertise while collaborating with colleagues from a range of disciplines.

"Whilst most of my work has focused on the prevention, classification and surveillance of surgical site infections, I am looking forward to learning more about the role of nutrition in wound management," Prof. Russo said. "More recently, I have been involved in several co-designed projects that have emphasised the important role consumers play in healthcare research and its translation into practice. 

"I look forward to contributing to this project and working with the other members of the author group." 

Wounds Australia congratulates Professor Russo and Dr Donnelly on their appointments and looks forward to their contribution to this important international project.