The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) has appointed Dr. Karen A. Wientjes, a professor of physical therapy at Neumann, as the organization’s Exam Chair.

A resident of Kennett Square, Wientjes has taught at Neumann for 25 years. She has been a Certified Wound Specialist through the ABWM since 1999 and served as the organization’s president from 2020 to 2022.

The role of the Exam Chair for ABWM is focused on overseeing the integrity, fairness, and effectiveness of the certification examination process for the ABWM’s three certifications: Certified Wound Care Associate™ (CWCA®), Certified Wound Specialist® (CWS®) and Certified Wound Specialist Physician® (CWSP®). 

“I have been participating in the ABWM exam committees for several years,” says Wientjes. “My nerdy side thoroughly enjoys the whole process of item writing, reviewing the psychometrics, and building exams that ensure a high standard for credentialing wound care providers. I am honored to continue to work with the ABWM and serve in this new position.”

Wientjes stays involved in clinical practice as a Certified Wound Specialist® at Optimum Physical Therapy Associates and as a consultant to area hospitals. She has provided physical therapy services through mission work in Peru and Haiti and presents nationally and internationally on topics related to wound healing and physical therapy. 

Her areas of research include wound measurement, biophysical agents, and integrative approaches to healing. She emphasizes a mind-body approach to healing and helps her patients optimize their outcome through a holistic plan of care.

“Dr. Wientjes has served almost every office and capacity that the ABWM has, and we are excited to have her wealth of clinical and academic experience and knowledge to lead ABWM‘s exam development,” said ABWM executive director, Christopher M. Murphy.

The purpose of the American Board of Wound Management is to establish and administer a certification process to elevate the standard of care across the continuum of wound management. The Board is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach in promoting prevention, care and treatment of acute and chronic wounds.

Wientjes graduated with a physical therapy degree from the University of Scranton in 1994, a master’s degree in integrative health from West Chester University in 2003, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Neumann University in 2007.