Wound Clinic

Education & Qualifications:

Suzanne Vogelsmeier completed her undergraduate studies in nursing at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and practiced as an ICU nurse for 15 years. She also holds a Master's Degree in Nursing from the Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Suzanne developed a Specialty in Wound Care and became certified as a Wound Care Specialist (CWS). She has worked exclusively in Wound Care for the past five years. She is a member of the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM); the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC); and the Missouri Nurses Association.

At the Fitzgibbon Wound Clinic, Suzanne will provide wound care under the directions of Brian Brizendine, M.D., Roy Elfrink, M.D., and Marcia Moore, M.D.

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Why wound care?

Wound healing usually occurs naturally and without problems. However, sometimes it becomes a complicated process which requires specific and unique treatment and care.

At any given time, almost five million Americans suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds. These may be associated with complications from diabetes and other vascular disorders. Other may include pressure sores and traumatic wounds.

At Fitzgibbon Wound Care, our multi-disciplinary team approach to wound healing offers benefits to both the individual and healthcare providers.

The team assesses wounds and makes a determination regarding treatment based upon advanced medical technology, and we coordinate care of any other primary or underlying medical conditions. We utilize the most up-to-date approaches to wound healing and remain current on new scientific advances in wound care.

Patient and family education is provided as an important component of the healing process. Patients may arrange a consultation with our team or be referred by a physician or other healthcare provider.

If you have a wound that hasn't healed in 30 days, you could benefit from Fitzgibbon Wound Care.

What keeps wounds from healing properly?

Chronic and non-healing wounds can result from a number of factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, and immobility (which can lead to pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores).

People with diabetes are at particular risk. If you have a wound or other sore that won't heal, you are not alone. Approximately 3 million to 5 million Americans experience this condition.

Our specialized staff has extensive training and expertise in wound healing and provides support to patients, their families and caregivers through comprehensive educational programs.

The types of wounds that can benefit from therapies used at Fitzgibbon Wound Care include:

diabetic foot ulcers
venous stasis ulcers
wounds caused by circulatory problems
pressure sores
burns
wounds resulting from incision breakdown following surgery
wounds related to lower extremity edema
wound related to injuries

Are there additional factors?

Other factors that may affect the body's response to wound healing include:

Chronic Diseases

Various disease processes, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, anemia, and respiratory conditions may negatively impact the wound healing process by decreasing oxygen or blood flow to the area. Careful management of any disease is important to maximize wound healing.
Drug Therapies

Various types of medications impact the wound healing process.
Age

Development of wounds occurs more frequently in the elderly and may take longer to heal.
Body Build

A person who is obese may not have proper blood supply as fat tissue may be unable to deliver the nutrients needed for wound healing.

People who are thin or emaciated may not have the nutritional elements needed for wound healing.
Nutrition

Nutrients and fluids are essential to provide the body with energy for cellular repair and healing. People who are nutritionally compromised may experience impaired healing.

Introducing Fitzgibbon Wound Care

Fitzgibbon Wound Care is housed in the Fitzgibbon Outpatient Clinic, located inside Fitzgibbon Hospital at 2305 South Highway 65 in Marshall, Missouri.

Suzanne Vogelsmeier, ANP, BC, CWS, will provide wound care under the direction of Brian Brizendine, M.D., Roy Elfrink, M.D., and Marcia Moore, M.D.

Suzanne completed her undergraduate studies in nursing at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and practiced as an ICU nurse for 15 years. She also holds a Master's Degree in Nursing from the Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Suzanne developed a Specialty in Wound Care and became certified as a Wound Care Specialist (CWS). She has worked exclusively in Wound Care for the past five years. She is a member of the American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM); the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC); and the Missouri Nurses Association.