Caption: Chandan K. Sen, director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and Bartley Griffith Professor of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, received the American Diabetes Association’s Roger Pecoraro Award for his NIH-supported research on diabetic foot ulcers, a leading cause of amputations.
By Kat Procyk
Chandan K. Sen, director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and Bartley Griffith Professor in Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, received the Roger Pecoraro Award from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for his contribution in the treatment, prevention and management of diabetes-related foot complications. The award, part of the 2026 National Scientific and Health Care Achievement awards, is one of ADA’s highest honors.
Sen, who is also the associate vice chancellor for life sciences innovation and commercialization, health sciences, has led a number of National Institutes of Health-sponsored biomarker studies on diabetic wounds. Most recently, as part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease-sponsored Diabetic Foot Consortium, he led a biomarker study that predicts recurring diabetic foot ulcers. These ulcers often lead to amputations, which Sen notes are emotionally and economically difficult on both patients and their families.
“Major amputation often signals a life expectancy worse than breast, prostate or colorectal cancer,” Sen said. “Five‑year survival after nontraumatic above‑the‑knee amputation is approximately 35–50%, depending on comorbidities, cause and access to rehabilitation.”
Sen advocates for targeted community engagement to support populations most vulnerable for diabetes and its complications. Black Americans with diabetes, for example, are at much higher risk for foot ulcers and amputations. Sen and his team visit various churches and other community spaces in Pittsburgh to provide foot checks, listen to patient stories and develop solutions.
“An amputation doesn’t just affect one person, but ripples through an entire family,” Sen said. “No matter how advanced the science is, we can’t fully know what patients and families carry inside. That’s why bonding, understanding, communication and engagement is critical.”
Sen added that the recognition reflects the “exceptional” ecosystem at Pitt’s School of Medicine—from bench to bedside technology—powered by inspiring patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
The award will be presented to Sen at ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions in June 2026.