Thursday, May 7th at 5pm PT | 8pm ET
Explore the biological drivers of osteoarthritis through the lens of chronic inflammation and tissue repair. Learn the role of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, in the healing cascade, review the evidence supporting leukocyte-rich PRP, and discover clinical considerations for optimizing outcomes and expanding treatment strategies beyond traditional models.
Objectives
Review the drivers of osteoarthritis (OA) and the similarities with a chronic wound
Present the evidence that suppressing inflammation accelerates OA
Explain the critical role of leukocytes, and specifically neutrophils, in promoting healing
Discuss clinical evidence and indications for leukocyte-rich PRP and the value to patients outside of a traditional insurance framework
MEET THE PRESENTERS
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Thomas Buchheit, MD
Dr. Thomas Buchheit completed his residency in anesthesiology and perioperative care at the University of California, San Francisco, and his fellowship in interventional pain management at Wake Forest University. During the first decade of his career, he cared for patients with spine and joint disease in private practice.
In 2010, he moved his practice to Duke University, where he began studying nerve injury pain and served as Chief of Pain Medicine. During his academic career, Dr. Buchheit investigated the immune basis of pain relief following injury and the mechanisms behind regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, and autologous conditioned serum. He has led several studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
In 2025, Dr. Buchheit founded Triangle Regen Medicine and Biologics Center in Chapel Hill, NC, to bring a wide range of regenerative therapies to patients. He now serves as an adjunct associate professor at Duke and continues to work with scientists at the Center for Translational Pain Medicine.
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Ariana DeMers, DO, RMSK
Dr. Ariana DeMers is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and regenerative medicine expert dedicated to redefining how musculoskeletal and longevity care are delivered. As the founder of the Joint Vitality Institute at Restore Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, she has pioneered a patient-centered approach that blends orthobiologic precision, hormonal optimization, and lifestyle medicine to help patients stay active, age vibrantly, and avoid unnecessary surgery.
A recognized leader in the field, Dr. DeMers serves as Chief of Medical Education for APEX Biologix, Vice President of the International Association of Regenerative Medicine & Education Society (IARMES), and past president and board member of the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation. Her mission extends beyond clinical excellence - she empowers physicians worldwide to build sustainable, ethical, cash-based practices through her educational platforms The Business of Orthobiologics (BOB), TrueMD, PRP Now, and the Orthobiologic Practice Launch System.
Known for her clarity, innovation, and integrity, Dr. DeMers has trained thousands of clinicians in ultrasound-guided injection techniques, PRP dosing, and evidence-based orthobiologic protocols. She is a frequent national and international speaker, advisor to leading biologic and device companies.
Through her integrated ecosystem of clinics, courses, and collaborations, Dr. DeMers is shaping the next era of regenerative orthopedics - one defined by scientific excellence, patient empowerment, and physician freedom.