NextGen
European Wound Care Leaders Programme
About the initiative
The NextGen European Wound Care Leaders Programme is an initiative designed to foster a new generation of European leaders in wound care. By implementing the programme, EWMA aims to equip new talents in wound management with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive innovation and excellence within EWMA and the broader healthcare community.
The programme focuses on identifying, nurturing, and preparing young professionals in wound care for future leadership roles, with a primary focus on the level of experience in research or clinical practice, rather than a specific biological age group. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, provides mentorship, and creates pathways to potential leadership positions within EWMA as well as health care organisations across Europe. Candidates for the programme are selected based on their passion for wound care, interdisciplinary mindset, leadership potential, and commitment to EWMA’s mission. The selection process also values diverse backgrounds to enrich the learning experience and promote inclusivity.

Apply to become a part of the programme
The programme will run biannually. For the initial programme maximum three European mentees will be selected.
Applicants are required to showcase their qualifications, achievements, and aspirations. A committee constituted by representatives from the EWMA Council reviews the applications and selects the most promising candidates.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following to be considered for the NextGen European Wound Care Leaders Programme:
- Completed application form outlining motivation, experience, and aspirations. Download the application form here!
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic, clinical, and leadership experience.
- List of publications (if applicable) to demonstrate research contributions.
- Letter(s) of recommendation from professional mentors or colleagues.
Please note: To apply for the NextGen European Wound Care Leaders Programme, you must be a current EWMA member and based in Europe.
Programme
The two-year intensive programme will include a general series of activities for the members of the NextGen European Wound Care Leaders group, as well as individual mentorship and the possibility to add activities to individual programmes, depending on the relevance, funding needs and EWMA’s possibility to support these additional activities. Mentees will be asked to do a professional and leadership portfolio for mentors to track their progress. By the end of the programme, all members of the group will receive a certificate with a description of their individual programme and achievements during this.
The general programme will include:
- Minimum four meetings (online or face-to-face during the EWMA Conference for all members of the group and mentors, for general sharing of experiences and discussions)
- Individual meetings with a dedicated mentor (frequency subject to agreement between mentor and mentee).
- Participation in and presentation (if relevant) at the annual EWMA conference
- Participation in one of the masterclasses held in conjunction with the annual EWMA Conference.
Based on the individual needs of the mentee, the programme may also include additional activities such as:
- Education and professional development through specialised training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
- Participation in other wound care related conferences.
- A stay at a wound center meeting the specific training needs of the individual candidate.