About the Wound Healing Society

Founded in 1989, WHS is the premier scientific organization uniting wound healing researchers, clinicians, and scientists around a single mission: advancing the science that heals wounds.

About Us

Where Wound Healing Science Meets Clinical Practice

The Wound Healing Society brings together the full spectrum of wound care, from bench scientists studying tissue regeneration to clinicians treating chronic wounds every day. We are the connective tissue between discovery and practice, and have been since 1989.

Our Story

The Wound Healing Society was founded in 1989 by Thomas K. Hunt, MD and a group of pioneering researchers who believed wound healing deserved its own scientific home. From that first gathering, WHS has grown into the premier international organization for wound healing science and clinical practice.

“WHS has given me so much—some of my closest friends, incredible mentors, and unwavering career support. Undoubtedly, my WHS colleagues have advocated for me during study section reviews and tenure evaluation. More than anything, WHS has made me a better scientist through honest, rigorous scientific conversations—and a better clinician, even though my patients are very different from those most WHS clinicians treat. The WHS community is truly unique and unlike any other society I belong to.

I believe the strength of WHS lies in our deep sense of community. As our field continues to grow and evolve, and our Society along with it, I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead. I’m proud to serve as your President this year, and to work alongside our exceptional Executive Board, Board of Directors, and—most importantly—you, our members, in advancing our mission: to improve wound healing outcomes through science, professional education, communication, and advocacy.”

Susan W. Volk VMD, PhD, Dipl ACVS

President, Wound Healing Society

By the Numbers

For more than three decades, WHS has brought together the researchers and clinicians advancing wound healing science from the bench to the bedside.

Members Across Disciplines

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Countries Represented

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Articles in issues of Wound Repair and Regeneration Published

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Annual Meeting Attendees

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Years of Wound Healing Research

Our History

35 Years of Advancing Wound Care

From a small group of dedicated scientists to an international society, here is how WHS grew to become the fields’ premier organization.

May 1989

WHS Is Founded

A group of pioneering clinicians and researchers establishes WHS as the first scientific society dedicated entirely to wound healing research.

Early 1993

A Journal Is Born

Wound Repair and Regeneration launches as the field’s flagship peer-reviewed journal, becoming the leading publication in wound healing science.

2007

SAWC Partnership

WHS co-locates its annual meeting with SAWC, one of the nation’s leading wound care conferences, dramatically expanding the society’s reach to practicing clinicians.

2010s

Guidelines &
Education

Landmark clinical guidelines are published. Advances in Wound Care launches in 2012. The Young Professionals Network and Wound Healing U expand the community and deepen member education.

Today

1175+ Members. One Mission.

WHS is the premier international organization for wound healing research, home to two respected journals, robust grants and fellowships, and a growing community built for the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Explore Our Organization

Learn more about who we are, what drives our science, and how WHS is shaping the future
of wound healing research and clinical practice.

Mission & Vision

WHS exists to advance wound healing science and bring its findings into clinical practice. Our mission unites basic researchers, translational scientists, and clinicians around a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Leadership

Meet the researchers and clinicians who guide WHS. Our leadership represents the full breadth of the wound healing field, from basic science to clinical practice, and brings decades of combined expertise to the organization.

History

Founded in 1989, WHS has spent more than three decades building the scientific home that wound healing research deserves. Explore how the society grew from a founding vision into the premier international organization in the field.

Bylaws & Governance

WHS is governed by its members and guided by transparent, peer-driven principles. Review our bylaws and organizational structure to understand how decisions are made and how the society is accountable to its community.

Contact

Have a question about membership, the annual meeting, research grants, or partnership opportunities? Our team is here to help.

Fellows & Recognition

Meet the researchers and clinicians who have been honored for their outstanding contributions to wound healing science and to the WHS community.

Ready to Get Involved?

Join a community of wound healing researchers and clinicians who are advancing the science that improves patient lives. There is a place for you at WHS.