WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine hosts inaugural PRESENT Pacific Conference

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine (WesternU CPM), in partnership with PRESENT e-Learning Systems, hosted the inaugural PRESENT Pacific Conference on Nov. 8-9, 2025, bringing a state-of-the-art, interactive, CME-accredited educational experience to its Pomona, California campus and providing a strong new addition to podiatric education on the West Coast.  

The conference welcomed 32 exhibitors and more than 90 registrants, including students, residents, faculty, and clinicians, for a weekend of high-yield lectures, case presentations, surgical pearls, and interactive Q&A sessions. The educational program included several nationally-recognized leaders in podiatric medicine and limb preservation, including Dr. Robert Frykberg, Dr. Thomas Chang, Dr. Arman Kirakosian, and Dr. Roya Mirimiran, whose expertise and mentorship added tremendous value to the event.  

The conference was co-chaired by CPM Associate Professor and Continuing Education Director Adrienne Estes, DPM ’13, MS, FACFAS, DABPM, and CPM Dean Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM, who helped shape a program rooted in evidence-based practice and emerging innovations in podiatric medicine. WesternU CPM Project Manager Carolina Banuelos coordinated logistics, including scheduling, support, and on-site operations, which ensured the event ran smoothly and professionally from start to finish.  

The two-day event featured an impressive lineup of national key opinion leaders representing top teaching institutions across the country. Educational sessions highlighted best practices and advancements in surgical procedures, advanced wound care technologies, vascular interventions, dermatology of the lower limb, biomechanics, biologic therapies, off-loading strategies, and compression therapy techniques.  

A total of 21 speakers contributed to the program, five of whom were CPM faculty and four of whom were WesternU CPM alumni. Their involvement strengthened professional connections and demonstrated the College’s ongoing impact on the field. Although the conference was designed for practicing podiatric physicians and surgeons, WesternU CPM students were invited to attend and gained invaluable experience by participating in lectures and hands-on workshops alongside experienced clinicians.  

“The success of the inaugural PRESENT Pacific Conference underscores WesternU CPM’s commitment to advancing podiatric medicine through innovative educational experiences, clinical excellence, and collaborative learning opportunities,” Estes said. “We wanted to set a strong foundation in the first year, and we are making plans to expand the program for 2026. We want to continue to grow as an academic leader in the field and showcase WesternU as a destination for learners seeking advanced training from high-level clinical educators.”