Dear Readers,

     I write this as I am returning from Mérida, Yucatán México, where I was honored to participate in the Secund Congreso Internacional de la Asociación Mexicana para el Cuidado Integral y Cicatrización de Heridas (AMCICHAC). Dr. José Contreras Ruiz and his organizing committee did an excellent job organizing and directing only their second national wound care meeting. I am very impressed and excited for this multispecialty group of wound care providers. They have committed themselves to “wound care education, clinical practice of wound care, research, public policy regarding wound care, and interaction with the international wound care community.”¹ The enthusiasm and knowledge of this year’s participants truly shows a commitment to these goals.

     The 4-day program covered subjects including reading and interpreting the literature, management of stomas, evaluation of wounds, compression therapy, cellular and molecular biology in wound healing, management of ischemic limbs, and controversies in wound infections. One of the highlights was a session entitled, Cases Which Have Taught Me the Most. Seven of us were asked to present a case whose management has taught us something significant about caring for patients with wounds. It was interesting that even though we had never discussed what we would present, each case dealt with a different facet of wound care. Dr. Ruiz and the Mexican Association are to be congratulated for an outstanding meeting and commitment to improving the care of wounds in their country.

     I encourage you to support this meeting. All the lectures given in Spanish are translated into English for those of us who are linguistically challenged. There is an opportunity to submit posters for the meeting. This year’s meeting was well supported by industry in the form of booths in the exhibition hall. Many familiar industry names were present, and they brought their modern wound care products to the clinicians in Mexico. Other companies whose products are unique to Mexico were present, and provided an educational experience for me to learn about products I have not used. An attendee will have a chance to broaden his or her nonscientific educational horizons through tours of the local attractions and Mexico’s historical sites arranged by the meeting planners. Although the location of next year’s meeting has not yet been announced, I am sure it will be in a lovely location as the past two meetings have been. I encourage you to attend and support our fellow wound care practitioners.

     You can learn more about the society and its future meetings at their website: www.amcichac.com. I assure that when you tell your friends you have been to a meeting of the AMCICHAC, everyone will want to know the details!

     As my thoughts turn to worldwide wound care education, I point out the articles in this issue by Dr. Geyer and Dr. Serena, who have traveled to other parts of the world sharing their wound care knowledge and learning from those whom they are teaching. As both authors point out, these trips have changed their lives and given them a new perspective on how thankful we should be for what we have. It should also remind us that we have an obligation to share our knowledge and skills with all who need them, no matter where they live and work.

     I hope you will join the effort to help our brothers and sisters in wound care wherever they may be. As the authors have pointed out, it will change your life as well.