David Armstrong Delivers Inspirational Keynote at Shijiazhuang International Diabetes Conference

19. May 2025

Shijiazhuang, China – May 16, 2025The global campaign to eliminate preventable amputations gained momentum this month as Professor David G. Armstrong, Founding President of the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), delivered a powerful keynote at the 11th Shijiazhuang International Diabetes Conference.

Hosted by The Second Hospital of Shijiazhuang, the event welcomed over 1,000 clinicians, scientists, and public health leaders focused on the intersection of diabetes care and limb preservation.

In his keynote, titled The Diabetic Foot and Wound Healing: Looking Back to Look Forward,” Professor Armstrong, who also serves as Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the University of Southern California, explored the historical and technological evolution of diabetic foot care.

“It is a profound honor to stand here in China with colleagues dedicated to preventing avoidable amputations,” said Prof. Armstrong.

“We are building bridges—clinical, cultural, and scientific—to help people live longer and walk farther. Shijiazhuang is now firmly on the global map of diabetic limb preservation.”

David Amstrong delivers keynote

Uniting Global Thought Leaders 

The conference’s theme of international collaboration was echoed by an impressive roster of global speakers,  including:

  • Professor Marg McGill, AM (Australia), President of the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region, presenting on national foot care models.
  • Professor Vanessa Nube (University of Sydney), addressing equitable delivery of foot care services.
  • Professor Carlo Fornaini (Italy), highlighting the role of laser therapy in oral health for people with diabetes.
  • Professor Dirk Hochlenert (Germany), outlining Germany’s national chronic disease management programs.
  • Dr. Peter Lin (Canada), discussing the emerging impact of microplastics on peripheral artery disease.

The event also celebrated China’s leadership in diabetic research, featuring sessions on kidney disease, biomechanics, digital health, stem cell therapy, and vascular innovation. 

Hosting Professor Armstrong is a milestone for Shijiazhuang’s role in global health innovation,” said Prof. Wuquan Deng, conference co-chair.

ALPS Momentum for Global Limb Preservation Continues

ALPS continues to amplify international collaboration by awarenes and oureach as well as through its flagship conference DFCon, the premier interdisciplinary gathering on diabetic limb salvage. 

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher,  limb preservation advocate or organisation, or innovative healthcare company, there are powerful ways for you to contribute to our mission.

Become a Member & Join us for DFCon

Join a dynamic and growing global network of healthcare professionals committed to interdisciplinary collaboration. ALPS members gain access to a professional networking platform, exclusive educational content, clinical resources, and leadership opportunities. Members get a 10% discount on their DFCon registration fee. 

🔗 Become a Member Today


Partner with Us

Strategic partnerships are at the heart of ALPS’s work. If your organization is focused on healthcare innovation, diabetes care, wound healing, or public health, we invite you to collaborate on educational programs, advocacy initiatives, or research projects. Let’s create impact together.

🔗 Learn About Strategic Partnerships


Exhibit or Sponsor at DFCon

The Diabetic Foot Conference (DFCon) is the most influential event in limb preservation in North America. As a sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll showcase your solutions to a global audience of clinicians, scientists, and decision-makers, and be recognized as a leading  agent in transforming diabetic foot care.

🔗 Explore DFCon Sponsorship Opportunities


David Amstrong delivers keynote
David Amstrong delivers keynote

Related Articles

Q&A: Meet the High School Innovator Exhibiting an AI-Powered Diabetic Foot Screening Solution at DFCon 2026

Inspired by his grandfather’s diabetes-related amputation, teenage prospect, Eshaan Naik is tackling one of the most overlooked complications of diabetes. As founder and CEO of SoleIQ Health, he is developing an AI-powered platform that uses smartphone imaging to help identify diabetic foot risks before ulcers develop.
Ahead of exhibiting at DFCon 2026, Naik discusses the personal experience that sparked his interest in limb preservation, why he believes prevention is the future of diabetic foot care, and how technology can help bridge the gap between clinical visits. He also shares his vision for using AI to expand access to monitoring and support earlier intervention for patients at risk of ulceration and amputation.
In this Q&A, Naik reflects on building SoleIQ, learning from clinician feedback, and the opportunity to connect with the researchers, physicians, and innovators working to improve outcomes for patients with diabetic foot disease.

read more

ALPS and PFA Unite to Advance Global Pedorthic and Diabetic Foot Care

The American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS) and the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) have announced a new affiliation aimed at strengthening collaboration in lower limb health and advancing pedorthic care worldwide. By bringing together expertise in limb preservation, diabetic foot care, and patient mobility, the partnership will support education, interdisciplinary care, and knowledge sharing across both organisations. Together, ALPS and PFA are committed to improving patient outcomes, preventing avoidable limb loss, and raising awareness of the vital role pedorthists play in the continuum of care.

read more

Shape the Future of Diabetic Foot Care: Submit Your Abstract for DFCon

Submit Your Abstract for DFCon 2026. Join ALPS at DFCon. If you submit your abstract and you can join a growing international effort to improve outcomes and prevent amputations.
Presenting at DFCon offers a chance to showcase your research, connect with experts, and build momentum for your career in this important field.

read more