UPMC Horizon's new Wound Care Center will begin seeing patients on Thursday, bringing the expertise of internationally recognized wound care specialist Dr. Thomas Serena to Mercer County.

With more than 10 million Americans suffering from some type of chronic wound, wound care is a rapidly growing specialty. The Wound Care Center at UPMC Horizon addresses the needs of patients who suffer from chronic wounds, including those related to diabetes, circulatory disorders and pressure-related ulcerations.

Serena, the center's medical director, is founder and medical director of Penn North Centers for Advanced Wound Care. He operates six wound care centers in western Pennsylvania.

Serena's involvement in clinical research will provide patients access to traditional wound care treatment, as well as the newest available therapies.

Also part of the Wound Care Center team is Becky Fry, clinical coordinator. She received her nursing degree in 1975 from Sharon Regional School of Nursing and a bachelor's in nursing from LaRoche College, Pittsburgh, in 2000.