DARCO

Clinical Advisory Board

Clinical Assistant Professor, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

DPM, Scott Orthopedic, a Member of Marshall Health Network

Huntington, WV

Associate Dean for Research at College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Charleston, SC

Dr. Kelechi received a BSN from Kent State University, MSN in Gerontological Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, and PhD from the University of South Carolina. She became a certified wound care nurse in 1996. Her research focuses on symptom and self-management interventions for chronic venous disease (CVD) and recurring leg ulcers. She developed a non-pharmacologic wound prevention model that includes monitoring skin temperature with infrared thermometers and applying of a cooling pack over skin affected by CVD, both of which have demonstrated significant patient benefits in reducing ulcer recurrence. She also studied different types of lower leg exercises to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Her most recent work has uncovered a profile of 18 genes associated with loneliness and prolonged healing of leg and foot ulcers. Her research team developed a loneliness intervention that will be implemented in future studies. Her research has significantly shaped clinical nursing practice and advanced the science of improving chronic ulcer outcomes. 

Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Greenville, SC

Dr. Robert J. Klein is a highly respected physician, surgeon, and educator with over 33 years of experience in wound healing, limb preservation, and foot surgery. He currently serves as Division Chair of Wound Care for Prisma Health and as President of the American Board of Wound Management. Dr. Klein is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Wound Management, reflecting his commitment to advancing patient care through clinical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration. 

In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Klein is deeply engaged in medical education and innovation. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson University. He works closely with students and faculty on teaching, research, and evidence-based wound care practices. Dr. Klein has also completed a Strategic Healthcare Leadership certificate program with Cornell University, further enhancing his ability to lead and innovate in complex health systems. 
 
Dr. Klein has contributed extensively to the scientific community through peer-reviewed manuscripts, national and international presentations, and participation in consensus documents on wound care. His expertise has also been featured on national television. 
 
Outside of medicine, Dr. Klein has served as a Blue and Gold Officer for the United States Naval Academy and is a two-time Ironman triathlon finisher, completing Ironman Texas and Ironman Chattanooga. 

HIMG, Marshall Health, Department of Orthopaedics

Huntington, WV

Dr. Peterson is a DPM and Assistant Professor specializing in podiatry and provides patient care at HIMG in Huntington, WV. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Rosalind Franklin University College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, and completed his residency at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan. Dr. Peterson is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and is dedicated to delivering high-quality care to patients with a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.  His clinical interests include foot and ankle care and podiatry.

Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Charleston, SC

Dr. Rahn A. Ravenell specializes in foot and ankle surgery, diabetic limb salvage, and preventative diabetic foot care. He completed his residency in podiatric medicine and surgery at Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia after receiving his doctorate of podiatric medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. 

Dr. Ravenell's research interests include both conservative and surgical care of bunions, heel pain, arthritis of the foot and ankle, and pediatric and adult flatfoot reconstruction. He is a co-founder of the International Limb Salvage Foundation, which was established to educate and train doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria in the art of diabetic limb salvage. He has led diabetic foot and ankle workshops in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Ravenell is past chairman of The Podiatry Institute, Diplomat of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a member of The American Podiatric Medical Association, and fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 

Independent Clinical and Legal Consultant, Retired from 25 years of Clinical Practice

Louisiana

Myra Varnado is a well experienced Registered Nurse with an extensive background in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (WOCN) and Foot Care Nursing. Twenty five years of that time has been focused on the Prevention and Management of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA) found chiefly among Diabetic and other Neuropathic involved disease states, and impaired Vascular diagnoses..  

Myra's DM Foot education and training occurred with the Carville LEAP Program MD's and staff, in setting up a limb salvage program for the entire LSU Charity Health System. In less than 5 years time, this program reduced LEA by >50% at some sites. Myra participated in a wide range of Research studies and has written numerous clinical publications,  including Texts, and Clinical Practice Guidelines for the WOCN Society since 2001.