Humanitarians
Heather L. Hettrick,
PT, PhD, CWS, AWCC, CLT-LANA, CLWT, CORE
Heather has dedicated her entire professional career to integumentary function and dysfunction, becoming a key opinion leader on integumentary function, repair and regeneration, as well as wound, lymphedema and burn management.
About Dr. Hettrick
Heather Hettrick is a Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Dr. Hettrick has been a licensed physical therapist since 1995. She received her PhD in physical therapy in 2003 and has dedicated her entire professional career to integumentary function and dysfunction, becoming a key opinion leader on integumentary function, repair and regeneration, as well as wound, lymphedema and burn management. Dr. Hettrick’s diverse clinical background is complemented by experience in research, professional writing and publication, speaking on the national and international circuit, volunteering on professional board organizations, consulting, lobbying for legislative change on Capitol Hill, organizing humanitarian work in Haiti, and creating entrepreneurial endeavors and medical devices for wound management. She is a Certified Wound Specialist (CWS), Advanced Wound Care Certified (AWCC), Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), and internationally dual certified in Lymphedema and Wound Care (CLWT). She is LANA credentialed by the Lymphology Association of North America.
Dr. Hettrick is also a Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation Expert (CORE) and Experiential Learning Fellow. She has attended over 90 continuing education courses, authored over 30 journal articles, published 6 book chapters, and presented over 200 professional programs and conference presentations on various integumentary related topics. Dr. Hettrick is a Past President of the American Board of Wound Management and is a past Board and Executive Committee member of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care. She is currently on the board of the World Alliance of Wound and Lymphedema Care, advisory board for the Why Wound Care Campaign and Editorial Board for Today’s Wound Clinic. Additionally, she is on the planning committee for the American Vein and Lymphatic Society as well as Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, and Faculty/Director of Wound Education for the International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute.
Tell Us About Yourself
A physical therapist since 1995, I have been very fortunate to have had a wonderful career focusing on integumentary dysfunction. I’ve learned so much from every opportunity that has presented itself to me. Currently, I am a Professor in the physical therapy program at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I have twin boys who are seniors in high school and a two-year-old Morkie named Winston.
What was your path to wound care?
During PT school, I had a 3-hour lecture on burns and was fascinated! I was able to do an acute care rotation at Harborview Burn Center in Seattle and it was an incredible 6 weeks! That started the beginning of my interest in all things integumentary. I started working at a local burn center prior to graduation, and worked in the burn unit and outpatient burn clinic for several years while being crossed-trained in wound management. In 2001, I became lymphedema certified, which seemed to bring everything full circle. I have focused my entire career on integumentary dysfunction and have been fortunate to have many unique and exciting opportunities over the past 28 years.
What’s the most challenge part of your job?
There have been many challenges along the way, but I have learned from every one of them. Currently, I would say the biggest challenge is the difficulty for PTs to remain in wound management. While we are certainly an essential part of the team, reimbursement challenges and recognition of our value has been difficult.
How are you helping to change the field of wound care?
I feel my biggest contribution has been through education. I have taught many PT students at Azusa Pacific, NYU, Drexel, University of New Mexico, and NSU over the course of my career. I’ve also had many opportunities to present nationally and internationally, as well as publish extensively on related topics. My main goal is to help people appreciate the inter-relatedness of the VAIL (venous, arterial, integumentary, and lymphatic systems). These are not siloed systems, but instead work in unison to maintain health. When one system is impaired, the others are likely disrupted as well. My hope it to make a positive change the field of wound care by tearing down the siloes.
What does being a Difference Maker mean to you?
It means helping people see things differently or understand things in a way that makes brings them excitement and passion. I love when students say, ‘I never thought of a career in wound care, but it is fascinating!’ It also means helping people learn and understand in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them. When I speak at conferences, it’s so rewarding when I hear attendees say, ‘now I get it!’ or ‘now I understand!’ I also feel I can be a difference maker through research and publication. Contributing large and small collectively is being a difference maker.
What advice would you give someone pursuing wound care?
Go for it! If you want an exciting and rewarding career, wound care is it! Where else can you interact with the body’s largest organ and see the difference you are making? Not to mention the ability to help save lives and limbs while restoring a patients’ function. There’s just nothing more rewarding!
Tell us a story that reminds you why you pursued your career?
It was my experience at Harborview Burn Center as a PT student. I learned so much during those 6 weeks, both from the amazing team at the burn center and from the patients. I felt that I had found my calling. There’s not a single day of my professional career that I regret and I am so grateful to the many organizations, people, mentors, and patients that have taught me so much over the years.