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Top Docs Radio features healthcare providers and professionals sharing their expertise to “Get the Word Out” about a variety of health problems, treatments and community concerns to elevate our community’s well-being.

Treating Diabetic Ulcer Patients

According to recent data from the CDC, diabetes affects over 25.8 million people in the US (roughly 8% of the population).  Coupled with data that shows another 79 million persons in the US have pre-diabetes (A1C levels above normal) or 35% of the population.  Obviously, it’s a serious problem.  Diabetes is a major contributor to stroke, heart disease and peripheral vascular disease (PAD).  Roughly 1:6 diabetics will develop a diabetic ulcer on their foot or lower extremity and many of them will ultimately require amputation of part of the foot or leg.  After amputation for an ulcer, studies have shown diabetics’ 5 year mortality rates rise significantly — to as high as 45-60%.  It is critical that these patients receive rapid, aggressive care from a spectrum of specialists who must each address the various factors contributing to the ulcer.

Our guests this week include three such specialists who treat diabetic ulcer patients in their practice every day.  They will give insight about the role they play in saving the diabetic ulcer patient’s limb (and possibly their life).

The host of Top Docs Radio is Charles “CW” Hall with Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia.

Dr. Shamir Bhikha, DPM

• Doctorate with Honors, Podiatric Medicine, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine
• Residency, Inova Fairfax Hospital 2010-13 & Limb Salvage Center at Georgetown University Hospital 2013
• Skilled in Sports Medicine/Trauma to the foot/ankle, Podopediatrics and Reconstructive foot/ankle surgery
• Comprehensive training in diabetic limb salvage, plastic surgery and wound care

Dr. Andrew Pugliese, MD

• Doctorate in Medicine, St. George University School of Medicine
• Fellowship, Infectious Disease, Winthrop University Hospital
• Triple Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease
• Pioneer in non-surgical treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis and president of Sinus Solutions

Dr. Uthan Vivek, MD

• Doctorate in Medicine, Madras Medical College, India
• Board Certified in General Surgery and Vascular & Endovascular Surgery
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Vascular Fellow, Wayne State, Detroit
• General Surgery, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center, New York
• Certified in Vascular Sonography, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Specialist in endovascular procedures for peripheral arterial disease/varicose veins, management of carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis, diabetic foot ulcers and dialysis access