About the Conference
At this conference you will learn about cutting-edge treatments for burns and wounds, including advanced dressings and biologic therapies. The latest approaches to burn resuscitation, fluid management, and wound care will be discussed, alongside innovations in surgical techniques and infection control. Pain management strategies and comprehensive rehabilitation methods will be highlighted.
The conference will also cover updates from clinical trials and research, as well as ethical and psychological considerations in burn care. Networking and interdisciplinary collaboration will be emphasized to improve patient outcomes and streamline care.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for physicians, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, child life specialists, and students who specialize or treat adults and children who have experienced chemical, electrical and thermal burns.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Utilize successful burn prevention education strategies.
- Apply burn wound care techniques that have proven successful at other burn centers.
- Implement new critical care techniques performed successfully at other burn centers.
- Apply successful nursing practices from other burn centers.
- Discuss successful research in pain and psychosocial treatments in patients with burn injuries.
- Discuss successful quality improvement projects in care of the burn injury patient to develop and improve their own practice.
Rehabilitation Track for PT/OT
Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 24-26
The Rehabilitation Track of the 2025 Midwest Regional Burn Conference will offer attendees invaluable insights into the latest advancements and best practices in burn rehabilitation. They will learn about innovative therapeutic techniques, comprehensive care strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance patient recovery and quality of life. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges faced in burn rehabilitation. This track promises to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve outcomes for burn survivors and advance the field of burn care.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for physical therapists, occupational therapists, child life specialists, and students who specialize or treat adults and children who have experienced chemical, electrical and thermal burns.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss successful research in pain and psychosocial treatments in patients with burn injuries.
- Discuss successful quality improvement projects in care of the burn injury patient to develop and improve their own practice.
- Develop collaboration with other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans that address both physical and psychological needs.
- Apply trauma-informed care and psychological support into rehabilitation to address the emotional and mental health needs of burn patients.
Pre-Conference
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) Instructor Course – half day (morning or afternoon session)
Faculty – Mark Johnston, RN, BSN
The ABLS Instructor course provides participants successfully completed the with the knowledge to deliver ABLS Provider content and education through mini simulations, case studies, and micro-teaching sessions.
A Course Coordinator and a Course Medical Director work with the American Burn Association in organization of the course. Instructor Courses include participation by National Faculty and an ABLS Educator. Instructors must be observed by National Faculty in the first two ABLS Provider Courses they teach and be approved by a fully-certified ABLS Instructor.
Target Audience
This course designed for those physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have experience in daily patient management of burn injuries. The American Burn Association maintains the records of all persons who take the ABLS Instructor Course and provides a certificate of completion as an ABLS Certified Instructor.
Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Define teaching and learning
- Explain the relationship of the definitions of teaching and learning to a philosophy of teaching
- Describe four teaching strategies and their application to the instructional sessions included in the ABLS Course
- Describe three components of the lecture
- Identify three levels of cognitive questions and give two examples of each
- Describe the relationship of the group discussion and the medical problem-solving process teaching strategies to the case study and case simulation sessions in the ABLS Course
- Review four concepts concerning the adult learner
- Demonstrate teaching skills: microteaching, case study and case simulation sessions
Accreditation
The ABA designates this continuing medical education activity for up to 4.5 credit hours in Category 1 of the Physician’s Recognition Award of the American Medical Association. This program also has been approved by AACN Certification Corporation guidelines for 4.5 contact hours, CERP Category B, File number 00019936.
Prerequisites
- Must have an active ABA membership
- ABLS Certified for a minimum of one (1) year. (Must have completed the ABLS Live course no less than 12 months prior to the Instructor Course). ABLS NOW© Certification is not sufficient to become an instructor.
- Hold a clinical degree (physician, nurse, advanced practice professional [PA, NP], OT, PT) with a minimum of 3 years of experience working at a burn center OR be a paramedic affiliated with an ABA Burn Center through regular participation in the burn center’s programs. An exception to being affiliated with a Burn Center may be granted to military personnel.
- If you hold a clinical degree not listed here, a letter of intent to the ABLS committee and a letter of support from your Burn Medical Director are required for consideration of your candidacy by the committee.
CBRN Nursing Burn Certification – All Day
Faculty – Cari Zelmann, BSN RN CBRN
Cari Zellmann began her nursing career in Dallas, Texas, with a Critical Care and Trauma Nurse Internship. During her internship she received intensive training and exposure to multiple ICU and ED specialties. There Cari developed a deep interest in burn care, leading her to accept a position in the Burn ICU at Parkland Hospital. At Parkland she was trained and raised as a true burn nurse, managing critically ill patients with complex burn injuries in both the pediatric and adult populations.
Over the years, Cari has expanded her experience as a travel nurse, working in various burn units across the country. These experiences have deepened her knowledge of the burn population, expanded her clinical skills, and provided her with a broader perspective on best practices in burn care.
A passionate advocate for nursing education, Cari has actively contributed to the profession through precepting and leading unit-based education committees. In 2022, she began working with Solheim Enterprises and the American Burn Association as a Burn Content Expert to author the first-ever CBRN review course. The course was published in 2023, prior to the release of the beta CBRN exam, and was revised in 2024. This comprehensive course, which resulted from years of practical experience and research, has become a valuable resource for nurses pursuing their Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) certification.
About the course
Join Solheim Enterprises for an expertly designed review course that will give you the tools and knowledge you need for success! Our comprehensive program covers key topics including Pathophysiology, Acute Care, Wound Management, Pain and Agitation Treatment, Psychosocial Support, and more. With insights from top burn-care nurses and a strategic partnership with The American Burn Association, you’ll get in-depth preparation for the CBRN Exam, enhanced by lectures, multimedia, personal stories, and challenge questions.
Accreditation
Since 2004, Solheim Enterprises has been a leader in exam preparation, and now, with the CBRN Exam Review Course, we offer one of the first on the market tailored to BCEN’s CBRN Content Outline. Plus, earn 14.5 contact hours, approved by the Oregon Nurses Association, with certification valid until 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and advance your nursing career—enroll today!
Provided by the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery and Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP)
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Veronica Watson at watsonv@surgery.wisc.edu or Nikki Towell at NTowell@uwhealth.org


