Comprehensive Wound Care Program
Expert Care for Pediatric Wounds
Comprehensive Wound Care Program
The Comprehensive Wound Care Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers children and their families comprehensive care from a multi-disciplinary team of nationally recognized clinicians with expertise in chronic and non-healing wounds.
This program is unique in central Ohio dedicated to pediatric patients, from infants to young adults.
Conditions We Treat
The Comprehensive Wound Care Program is built around a compassionate, comprehensive and consolidated approach to care for patients with difficult-to-manage wounds.
- Pressure wounds
- Osteomyelitis
- Surgical care for hidradenitis suppurativa
- Refractory pilonidal disease
- Wounds with prolonged time to healing such as from trauma or surgery
- Skin wounds associated with inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions or immunocompromised states.
Meet Our Team
Multidisciplinary care for pressure wounds and osteomyelitis including plastic surgery, infectious disease, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition, wound ostomy nursing, psychology and social work.
Director of Comprehensive Wound Program
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Gregory Pearson, MD
Gregory D. Pearson, MD, is director of the Center for Complex Craniofacial Disorders and an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at The Ohio State University. He is a member of the Cleft Lip and Palate Team and Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Pearson obtained his medical degree from The Ohio State University and also completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at The Ohio State University. He then completed a craniofacial fellowship at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Jennifer Heinmiller, APN
Pediatric Infectious Disease
Jason Newland, MD
Jason Newland, MD, Med, is division chief of Infectious Diseases and an associate investigator in the Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s. Dr. Newland is also professor at The Ohio State University and holds the Cramblett Endowed Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Wound Ostomy Nursing Team
- Jennie Hoffman, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CPN
- Danielle Buker, BSN, RN, CWOCN
- Logan Stover, BSN, RN, CWON
- Megan Kaufman, BSN, RN, CWON
- Meghan Fisher, BSN, RN, CWON
- Erika Roberts, MSN, RN
Related Specialties
Treatments
Children with chronic pressure wounds or osteomyelitis (infections of the bone due to open wounds, traumatic event, or spread from nearby infection) require more focused and comprehensive management to support both healing and long-term function.
These conditions are complex, frequently develop in children with underlying medical or mobility challenges, and demand coordination between medical, surgical, and rehabilitative specialties.
Treatment for Pressure Wounds
Pediatric pressure wounds result from prolonged pressure, shear, or friction on the skin. This can occur with there is limited mobility due to another condition, event, or a prolonged hospitalization. Treatment for pressure wounds focuses on pressure relief, nutritional optimization, infection management, wound protection and surgical intervention such as wound debridement or flap reconstruction.
Treatment for Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can occur from open wounds, trauma, or spread from nearby infection. Often, osteomyelitis appears as a small wound that waxes and wanes in terms of healing but stays present for a long time. Treatment to preserve or restore function typically involves coordinated prolonged antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement, and rehabilitation support.
Coordinated Treatment Plans
Complex conditions require detailed care plans from multiple specialists. Your child's treatment may include care from:
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgeons provide expertise in wound assessment, debridement, and closure. They determine if reconstructive procedures are necessary, including flap coverage to restore soft tissue protection.
Infectious Disease
Infectious disease specialists guide cultures and imaging to find bacteria or other causes of infection and provide guidance on antibiotics or medications needed to treat the wound.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Therapists design individualized plans to reduce pressure exposure, improve mobility, and strengthen control. This includes assistance with existing or new adaptive equipment that may be needed.
Nutrition
Nutritionists evaluate deficiencies of protein, vitamin, and caloric deficiencies that impair wound healing, and provide tailored nutrition plans to support tissue repair.
Wound Nursing
Specialty trained nursing staff provide wound assessments and dressing. They also help train caregivers on proper wound hygiene and dressing changes at home.
Psychology
Psychologists address the specific emotional impact chronic wounds, pain, and long-term care that may affect a growing child or adolescent. They support coping strategies for both the patient and family.
Why Choose Us
A Uniquely Comprehensive Pediatric Program
We offer the only comprehensive pediatric wound care program in the region dedicated exclusively to infants, children, and adolescents. Families and referring providers can be confident that care is delivered by specialists who understand how wounds affect growing bodies—and how to treat them appropriately at every stage of childhood.
Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Care in Fewer Visits
The program brings together all necessary pediatric specialists in a coordinated, team-based model, reducing the burden of multiple appointments across different locations. Patients have the opportunity to be evaluated by wound care experts, surgeons, nurses, therapists, and other relevant specialists within a streamlined care plan. This approach not only improves communication across the care team but also minimizes disruptions to family life while accelerating decision-making and treatment.
Long-Term Partnership and Ongoing Support
Wound care is rarely a one-time intervention, and Nationwide Children’s is committed to supporting patients and families throughout the entire healing journey. The program provides ongoing follow-up, education, and long-term management for chronic or complex wounds.
