Approximately 2 million Americans develop foot ulcers each year, a condition that is very difficult and expensive to treat, which means hundreds of thousands of individuals don't get the care they need. In Arvada, Colorado, Dr. Traci Kimball, aka The Wound Wizard®, leads The WISH Clinic® with a clear and unwavering mission to help people with conditions like these and to provide whole-person integrated skin healing and wound care.
"Skin is our largest organ, it tells a story about our health," Dr. Kimballi emphasizes. With nearly two decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing holistic and medical precision in wound care. The WISH Clinic® embodies this philosophy, focusing on treating patients as whole individuals rather than isolated symptoms.
A Life of Compassionate Care
Dr. Kimball's journey to founding The WISH Clinic® started long before her medical career. As an only child, she spent her days caring for her pets and dreaming of becoming a veterinarian or marine biologist. Her parents' careers in healthcare and her father's meticulous work as a master body mechanic left a deep impression. "I saw how they combined science and empathy in their professions—it made me realize the power of caring for the whole person, not just the symptoms," she reflects.
Her mother played a pivotal role, encouraging her to focus on human care. "She told me, 'Animals are important, but fur babies need someone who will fight for them,'" she shares. This advice ignited her passion for medicine, particularly for patient-centered, harm-free care.
Building The WISH Clinic
In 2014, Dr. Kimball made the bold decision to leave a stable management role to chase her vision of whole-person wound care. It wasn't an easy transition. She spent years honing her expertise in both clinical and administrative settings, earning an MBA from the University of Denver in 2023 to solidify her leadership.
The WISH Clinic opened its doors, and the approach was unique, not just for the treatments offered but for the philosophy behind them. The clinic combines medical expertise with a network of specialists, from podiatrists and plastic surgeons to trauma psychologists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that every patient receives care tailored to their physical, emotional, and even social needs.
"We're not just treating wounds; we're treating the whole person," Dr. Kimball explains. "That means addressing food insecurity, behavioral health, and even the psychological toll that chronic conditions can have on someone."
The Power of Whole-Person Care
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kimball and her team proved the effectiveness of whole-person care and innovated under challenging circumstances. They adapted quickly, utilizing virtual interdisciplinary meetings and equipping nurses with telemedicine support for bedside care. This approach, tested through a beta program, demonstrated the viability of interdisciplinary care and produced key data supporting its success.
WISH's goal to become a first-in-class, value-based care model akin to the PACE program funded by Medicare and Medicaid enables a patient-centered focus, free from the financial constraints of fee-for-service (FFS) systems. Unlike FFS, which burdens providers with pre-approvals and insurance complexities, WISH can prioritize care without questioning medical necessity.
"My experience has shown the stark contrast between value-based care and FFS models," she says. "PACE supports care without barriers, while FFS restrictions can lead to unnecessary suffering. This disparity fuels my passion for patient-centered care."
Utilizing Advanced Tools for Optimal Outcomes
The WISH Clinic incorporates state-of-the-art tools like Kylon® for compassionate debridement and VaporOx for accelerated healing, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in wound care technology. These tools enhance treatment effectiveness and align with the clinic's philosophy of addressing both immediate and long-term patient needs.
Navigating Systemic Challenges
Dr. Kimball highlights another systemic issue: restrictive policies forcing patients to purchase overpriced supplies not covered by insurance, leading to subpar treatment choices. "It's disheartening when patients can't access what they need despite paying premiums," she shares.
Determined to preserve patient dignity and health, Dr. Kimball often negotiates directly with suppliers, becomes a distributor, or starts crowdfunding campaigns to offset financial burdens. "My goal is to preserve limbs, restore health, and keep patients thriving. Current policies often undermine those efforts."
A Holistic Vision at The Wish Clinic
Since its founding in 2014, The WISH Clinic has integrated an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with specialists across fields to address the full spectrum of patient needs, physical, emotional, and social. "We're not just treating wounds; we're addressing food insecurity, behavioral health, and the psychological toll of chronic conditions," Dr. Kimball explains.
Despite facing insurance barriers and excessive costs, Dr. Kimball continues to innovate. Her clinic combines advanced outpatient care with education and research initiatives, including a clinical exercise program using cutting-edge technology like the Infinadeck treadmill.
Education and Advocacy
The WISH Clinic is also a training site for medical and nursing programs, instilling in future clinicians its patient-first philosophy. Beyond the clinic and the tools mentioned above, Dr. Kimball has developed a product line, including EMERALD WC™ and CUTANACAE™ products, which harness natural healing mechanisms through plant-based, botanical medicines.
For this Wound Wizard®, healthcare isn't just about healing wounds but restoring lives. "Our mission is to help people reach their fullest potential, regardless of systemic barriers. That's what WISH stands for," she says.
Dr. Kimball's unwavering commitment to whole-person care underscores her belief that healthcare should transcend financial constraints and systemic challenges, ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.
Learn more about The WISH Clinic today!
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