Skip to main content

University of Arizona Department of Surgery Hosts 2025 Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC) Face-to-Face Meeting

Nov. 4, 2025
Mirror Lab

The Gurtner Lab and the University of Arizona Department of Surgery were grateful to host the 2025 Diabetic Foot Consortium (DFC) Face-to-Face Meeting in Tucson, Arizona. This annual gathering brought together leading national investigators, clinical research coordinators, and representatives from the consortium to advance the science and coordination of diabetic foot ulcer research across the United States. The DFC is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Advancing the Next Cycle of Consortium Science

Throughout the full-day meeting, attendees engaged in discussions focused on strengthening the Consortium’s scientific direction and operational foundation as it prepares for its next cycle of funding. Investigators convened to reflect on the group’s scientific accomplishments to date, share insights from biomarker and wound healing studies, and identify key priorities for accelerating clinical translation.

Breakout sessions provided space for deeper collaboration across core focus areas, including:

  • Data integration and AI-driven modeling
  • Clinical trial development and interventions
  • Patient and provider perspectives in study design
  • Site operations, coordinator support, and protocol optimization

Strengthening Collaboration Across Sites

One of the most valuable aspects of the face-to-face meeting was the opportunity for investigators and coordinators to meet in person, exchange best practices, and build connections that strengthened the Consortium as a whole. Discussions on data integration, protocol clarity, and cross-site support helped align efforts and set the stage for a successful and productive Cycle 3.

A Visit to the University of Arizona

We are grateful to all participating institutions, CRCs, committee leads, and NIDDK and NIH partners for joining us in Tucson. Hosting this year’s meeting highlighted the University of Arizona’s growing role in diabetic foot research and its commitment to innovation in wound healing, imaging, clinical trials, and translational science.

The Gurtner Lab extends its thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful meeting.
We look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to improve the lives of patients with diabetic foot disease!