San Antonio, TX – October 6, 2025 — Returning to his roots, David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), delivered the General Surgery Grand Rounds at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)—the very institution where his academic and surgical journey began three decades ago.
After his surgery residency at Detroit’s Monsignor Clement Kern Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Armstrong completed his fellowship in diabetic limb preservation and reconstructive surgery at UTSA in 1996 and subsequently joined the faculty through 2000. His return marked a powerful moment of continuity—bridging generations of educators, clinicians, and students in the pursuit of preventing amputations and improving lives.
“Standing in front of my mentor, mentees, clinical and research partners, and two of our three daughters was indescribable.” said Prof. Armstrong. “To share that space again—where so much of my professional and personal foundation was built—was nothing short of life affirming.”
Among those in attendance was Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless, DPM, Professor Emeritus at UTSA and one of Dr. Armstrong’s earliest mentors. Together, the two have helped shape generations of podiatric and surgical leaders. Also present were Dr. Lori Pounds, MD, and Dr. Lee Rogers, DPM, representing UTSA’s interdisciplinary commitment to limb preservation. Still also present were Professors Lawrence A. Lavery, his former research partner, and Robert G. Frykberg.
Dr. Armstrong’s Grand Rounds lecture, titled “Team, Tools, and Technology to Prevent the Preventable: Amputations in Diabetes,” explored emerging strategies and technologies to address the global burden of diabetic foot disease. He emphasized how mentorship, collaboration, and innovation remain essential in advancing patient care.
“Our goal is to prevent the preventable—through teamwork, technology, and trust,” Armstrong reflected. “This visit reminded me that mentorship isn’t just about teaching; it’s about building bridges across time and disciplines.”
Adding a deeply personal touch to the occasion, Dr. Armstrong’s daughter Alexandria Armstrong, DPM, chief resident in podiatric medicine and surgery at UTSA, and Natalie Armstrong, a PhD candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, were in attendance—continuing the family’s legacy in academic medicine and public health.
About Dr. David G. Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong is a global leader in diabetic limb preservation and wound healing. He directs the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) and the NSF-funded Center to Stream Healthcare in Place (C2SHiP) at USC, pioneering wearable technologies and home-based care systems to prevent amputations worldwide.
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