Honoring Excellence in Limb Preservation
The 25th Anniversary edition of the Diabetic Foot Conference (DFCon), hosted by the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), concluded with resounding success – highlighted by an inspiring award ceremony honoring the brightest minds and most impactful innovations in diabetic limb preservation.
From foundational research to clinical breakthroughs and interdisciplinary leadership, the 2025 DFCon Awards celebrated the global momentum toward ending preventable amputations.
DFCon 2025 Award Winners
Best Scientific Abstract Award: Sean Lanting
Poster Title: Does Cutaneous Microvascular Disease Affect Diabetes-Related
Foot Ulcer Healing?
“The sheer scope of possibilities for prevention of foot complications and associated impact, and appreciating that this is within reach with continued research and application, globally, is exciting. I was delighted to share our review of the role of microvascular dysfunction in DFU healing, and overjoyed to receive the award for best scientific abstract on behalf of my colleagues (Ally McIllhatton, Robert Fitridge and Vivienne Chuter), which validates our desire to continue research in this area.”
Best Poster Award – Karthikgeyan Munesveran
Poster Title: Efficacy of Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride (DACC) Coated Dressings with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in Post-Surgical Diabetic Foot Wounds
“Heartfelt appreciation to the Woodlands Health Vascular Surgery Team for their support in this impactful project. With advancements in wound care, we have the power to save limbs and save lives. This collaborative, synergistic approach will undoubtedly benefit many patients.”
Young Investigator Award – Aminreza Khanda
Poster Title: Predictors of Dropouts in Wound Care Studies: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Offloading
Best Clinical Abstract Award – Ariel Cohen
Poster Title: Therapy With BX211 Bacteriophage Shows Efficacy in Staphylococcus aureus Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis (DFO): Results From a Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
ALPS Traveling Fellow 2025
At DFCon it was also announced that Sara Mahmood, DPM, has been named the honour of being the 2025 American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS) Traveling Fellow.
The ALPS Traveling Fellowship provides a unique mentorship opportunity for clinicians with a strong interest in limb salvage. This fellowship fosters global collaboration and provides hands-on learning experiences in interdisciplinary limb preservation care. Learn more: ALPS Traveling Fellowship
Edward James Olmo Award 2025
A centerpiece of DFCon each year is the presentation of the Edward James Olmos Award for Advocacy in Amputation Prevention. The award is named in honor of the celebrated actor and director Edward James Olmos, who has been active in raising awareness of the ravages of diabetes and the importance of limb preservation in the Latino community. This year’s conference recognized Professor José Luis Lázaro Martínez as the 2025 recipient.
A Full Professor at Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Director of its Diabetic Foot Unit, Professor Lázaro-Martínez is a global leader in diabetic foot care. He also chairs the Diabetic Foot Committee of the European Wound Management Association and serves as Honorary President of D-Foot International.
With more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and over 400 international lectures, his work has shaped interdisciplinary care models that improve outcomes and reduce amputations.
“I am truly honored to receive this award, which I share with all colleagues and institutions working to advance diabetic foot care worldwide. This recognition strengthens my commitment to research and innovation to prevent avoidable amputations and improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” shares Professor Lázaro-Martínez.
About DFCon and Abstract Submissions
DFCon is the premier interdisciplinary diabetic foot conference in North America, hosted annually by the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS). It brings together global experts in podiatry, vascular surgery, wound care, and related specialties to share innovations, research, and strategies that improve patient outcomes and prevent amputations.
Each year, ALPS invites researchers and clinicians to submit abstracts for poster or oral presentation. Accepted abstracts are automatically considered for awards, including the Best Scientific Abstract, Best Clinical Abstract, Best Poster, and Young Investigator Award. Each award includes a $500 prize.
An opportunity to present your work to a global audience.
Submit your abstract, connect with peers, and contribute to advancing limb preservation worldwide.
