Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux Named 2026 PAD Wound Care Specialist of the Year by Global PAD Association

Patient-Nominated Global PAD Impact Award Shines a Light on Peripheral Artery Disease During PAD Awareness Month

Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux, Medical Director and Founder of The Wound Treatment Center at Opelousas General has been named  2026 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Wound Care Specialist of the Year by Global PAD Association as part of the 2026 Global PAD Impact Awards, a patient-nominated recognition program honoring physicians, healthcare teams, researchers, innovators, and organizations helping to change the future of PAD care.

The award is being announced during PAD Awareness Month, creating an opportunity to raise awareness of a cardiovascular disease that remains widely underrecognized despite its potentially devastating consequences. Peripheral Artery Disease is caused by plaque buildup that reduces blood flow, most commonly to the legs, and is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, loss of mobility, amputation, and death.

“Too many people still do not know what PAD is until the disease has already changed their lives,” said Kym McNicholas, Founder and CEO of Global PAD Association. “These awards give us a chance to recognize the people and teams making a difference while also helping patients understand the warning signs, the importance of early diagnosis, the value of walking and medical management, and the need to understand their options when PAD becomes advanced.”

The Global PAD Impact Awards grew from the experiences and nominations of patients and families living with PAD. The program recognizes excellence across the full continuum of care, including prevention, diagnosis, walking and exercise therapy, cardiovascular risk reduction, revascularization, wound care, limb preservation, multidisciplinary care, research, innovation, and compassionate patient support.

Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux is receiving 2026 PAD Wound Care Specialist of the Year in recognition of his unwavering commitment to quality patient care. He has dedicated his life to the treatment of complex wounds, preventative care, and limb preservation. He upholds the value of clinical excellence and a deep belief that every patient deserves the best opportunity to heal, recover, and live fully.

AWARD CRITERIA

• Advancing innovative wound care therapies for patients with peripheral artery disease and chronic limb-threatening ischemia
• Demonstrating exceptional collaboration with multidisciplinary limb preservation teams
• Delivering compassionate, patient-centered wound care focused on long-term healing and quality of life
• Embracing emerging technologies and evidence-based treatment strategies to improve outcomes
• Helping patients preserve mobility, independence, and dignity through successful wound healing
• Providing outstanding continuity of care throughout the healing journey
• Inspiring confidence and hope through exceptional patient experiences
• Making a meaningful impact on patients referred through the Global PAD Association network

About the 2026 Global PAD Impact Awards

The Global PAD Impact Awards celebrate physicians, care teams, researchers, innovators, and organizations whose work is advancing Peripheral Artery Disease care and improving the lives of patients around the world. The awards are patient-nominated and are designed to celebrate excellence, elevate education, and help patients find hope through knowledge.

About Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a form of cardiovascular disease in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow, most often to the legs. Symptoms can include leg pain or cramping with walking, reduced walking distance, numbness or weakness, cold feet, color changes, and wounds on the feet or toes that are slow to heal. Advanced PAD can progress to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which can place a limb and a patient’s life at risk.

About the Global PAD Association

The Global PAD Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, improving education, supporting patients, advancing access to expert care, and helping people living with Peripheral Artery Disease navigate diagnosis and treatment. Through its free Leg Saver Hotline, educational programming, physician network, walking initiatives, and clinical trial navigation, the organization works to save life and limb.

MEDIA INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE

Interviews may be available with [RECIPIENT / ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE] and Kym McNicholas of the Global PAD Association to discuss the award, PAD awareness, warning signs, patient experiences, advances in care, and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.

RECIPIENT / ORGANIZATION MEDIA CONTACT

Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux

Medical Director/Founder

The Wound Treatment Center at Opelousas General 

337-948-5100

kerrythibodeaux@opelousasgeneral.com

www.thewoundtreatmentcenter.com

GLOBAL PAD ASSOCIATION MEDIA CONTACT

Kym McNicholas

Founder & CEO, Global PAD Association

Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)

Email: kym@padhelp.org

PADhelp.org

Disclaimer

The Global PAD Impact Awards are based on patient nominations and experiences shared with the Global PAD Association. The awards are intended to recognize contributions to PAD care and should not be considered an endorsement of any physician, healthcare organization, product, device, treatment, or therapy. Every patient’s medical condition is different, and outcomes can vary. Patients should consult their own healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for them. To discuss seeking another opinion and learn which specialists might evaluate a particular presentation of PAD, call the Global PAD Association’s free Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS.

About The Wound Treatment Center, LLC

The Wound Treatment Center LLC has been providing advanced, cutting-edge wound care to Acadiana for over 30 years. We use a multidisciplinary approach to wound healing and provide patients with access to state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy and advanced treatment modalities. Visit us at www.thewoundtreatmentcenter.com

About Opelousas General Health System

Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare through its strong commitment and high standards.  Central to the success of OGHS's commitment to excellence is the presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel who provide professional treatment in a caring environment.  Serving as the region's referral medical center, OGHS is a 171-bed, full service medical center, and the area's most comprehensive community healthcare facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at www.opelousasgeneral.com.