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Heart and Vascular Institute

Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy

Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic

Three Disciplines, One Mission:
Limb Salvage

The Johns Hopkins Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Center of Excellence is a comprehensive, inpatient and outpatient service aimed at healing recurrent ulceration and decreasing the rate of major amputations in diabetic patients. The team is composed of vascular surgeons, surgical podiatrists, endocrinologists, wound care nurses, advanced practice staff, board-certified wound care specialists, orthopedic surgeons, infection disease experts, physical therapists and certified orthotists.

Since the clinic's inception in July 2012, we have performed more than 1,000 procedures aimed at limb preservation, and we have one of the lowest major amputation rates in the country.

Make an Appointment at Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center: 410-955-5165

Make an Appointment at Bayview Medical Center: 410-550-4335

“Dr. Abularrage and Dr. Sherman immediately impressed us by their aggressiveness in treating not just the outward signs of the foot wound but by searching for the root of the problem. What’s more is that the whole team — from the doctors, physician assistants and nurses, to the office staff — really takes time to get to know patients. It’s just another illustration of how this team goes the extra mile.”

Ron and Barb Pavlechko

Diabetic Foot Wounds Treatment | FAQ

Vascular surgeons Christopher Abularrage and Caitlin Hicks discuss the team's philosophy of care, treatment options, research and outcomes.

Watch on YouTube -

“The entire team, from surgeons to the office staff, are so personable and caring. I would highly recommend anyone having issues with their feet to go to the Johns Hopkins Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic for their expertise and unique treatment options. They are a few steps above anyone I’ve ever dealt with.”

Gregory Deanda

Patient StoriesCharles Power's Story

When Charles Power noticed two small ulcers on the outside of his right foot, he promptly sought help. After seeing other specialists, Mr. Power was eventually referred to Ronald Sherman, D.P.M., M.B.A., a podiatric surgeon on the Johns Hopkins Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic team. Dr. Sherman successfully performed surgery to remove the source of the ulcers and Charles is now living life normally.

Read More
diabetic foot and wound clinic - silhouette of man with wife walking dog in the woods

Our Team

Our pioneering surgeons, endocrinologists, podiatrists and wound nurses use their skills to develop personalized treatment plans for diabetic patients. Our experts come from a variety of departments and specialties at Johns Hopkins and are available to assist patients during every step of their journey.

Directors

  • Christopher Joseph Abularrage, MD

    • The Bertram M. Bernheim Professor of Surgery
    • Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Vascular Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Courtenay Mynnette Holscher, MD PhD

    • Assistant Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Vascular Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Nestoras Mathioudakis, MD MHS

    • Co-Medical Director of Johns Hopkins Medicine Diabetes Prevention & Education Program
    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Expertise: Endocrinology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Ronald L Sherman, DPM MBA

    • Podiatric Surgery
    • Assistant Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Podiatry, Orthopedic Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

Faculty

  • Amiethab Aiyer, MD

    • Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Expertise: Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Naomi Estolas De Tablan, DPM

    • Instructor in Orthopaedic Surgery

    Expertise: Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Podiatry

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • James Robert Ficke, MD

    • Robert A. Robinson Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
    • Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Expertise: Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Avi L. Ganti, MD

    • Assistant Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Vascular Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Caitlin Hicks, MD MS

    • Associate Fellowship Program Director, Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy
    • Associate Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Vascular Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Christopher Lippincott, MD MPH

    • Clinical Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria and Bronchiectasis
    • Assistant Professor of Medicine

    Expertise: Infectious Diseases

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, Lutherville, MD

  • Thomas Reifsnyder, MD

    • Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Associate Professor of Surgery

    Expertise: Vascular Surgery

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

  • Sudipa Sarkar, MD MSCI

    • Director, Inpatient Diabetes Management Service
    • Assistant Professor of Medicine

    Expertise: Endocrinology

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD

Clinical Staff

Asma Abeer, M.S., PA-C, Physician Assistant

Asma Abeer received her bachelor of science in biology and minor in gerontology at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She then obtained her master of science in physician assistant studies from DeSales University. Following graduation, Asma joined the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and has worked there since. Asma primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting, as well.
headshot of Asma Abeer

Michelle Bentkowski, PA-C, Physician Assistant

Michelle Bentkowski received her bachelor of science at Loyola University Maryland in 1988, and then obtained her degree and certification in physician assistant studies in 1992. Following graduation, she worked in emergency medicine for 14 years, before joining the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in 2006. She primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting, as well.  She was elected to the Miller Coulson Academy for Clinical Excellence in 2019.
headshot of Michelle Bentkowski

Kathryn Hines, M.S.H.S., PA-C, Director of Surgical Advanced Practice

Kathryn Hines is the director of surgical advanced practice and the administrative director for the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic. She completed a master’s degree in health sciences at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and her surgical residency for physician assistants at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was awarded Outstanding Surgical PA Resident of the Year. During her time with the Johns Hopkins surgical department, Ms. Hines was also co-director and instructor of the Advanced Surgical Training Program for PAs at George Washington University. Her research has been published in the Annals of Vascular Surgery and the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 
Kathryn Hines, MSHS, PA-C

Pete Holback, PA-C, Physician Assistant

Peter Holback received his bachelor of science degree at Towson University in Maryland in 1983. He then obtained his degree and certification in physician assistant studies in 1987. Following graduation, he worked in general surgery, then occupational medicine for 24 years, until joining the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in 2013. He primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting, as well.
headshot of Pete Holback

Mark Hopkins, PT, CPO, MBA, Physical Therapist and Prosthetist/Orthotist

Mark Hopkins, PT, CPO, MBA, is CEO and president of Dankmeyer, Inc., a licensed physical therapist in Maryland, and an ABC-certified prosthetist/orthotist with 29 years of experience in clinical practice, clinical research, and physical therapist education and training. He has adjunct faculty appointments in the Johns Hopkins Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the University of Maryland Medical School Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. He also is a guest lecturer at several local and regional physical therapy programs, including the University of Delaware. He is active in professional continuing education seminars and training for physicians and physical therapists. He obtained his PT degree from the University of Delaware, prosthetist training at Northwestern University and his MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the International Society of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and the Amputee Coalition.
Mark Hopkins

DeEtta McKnight, B.S.N., R.N.

DeEtta McKnight earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from State University of New York at Brockport. Prior to joining the Vascular Service at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she was a home care nurse for over 30 years. As a Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) and Ostomy Treatment Associate (OTA), she served a wide variety of complex needs for patients in the community. With her vast experience and nursing expertise, she is a vital part of the vascular team. She specializes in wound care and limb preservation in the Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic.
headshot of DeEtta McKnight

Diabetes Self-Management Training Program Nurse Educators

Gene Arnold, M.S., RD, CDCES

Diabetes Self-Management Training Program Director
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
Gene Arnold, MS, RD, CDCES

Dina Beckett, M.S.N., R.N., CDCES

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Dina Beckett, MSN, RN, CDCES

Patient Information About the Clinic

Our Locations

Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center

601 N. Caroline St.
8th Floor, Department of Surgery
Baltimore, MD 21287
Phone: 410-955-5165
The Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

4940 Eastern Ave.
Bayview Medical Office, 3rd Floor Vascular Surgery Clinic
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-4335
bayview hospital