News from the SVS

The SVS Foundation has expanded its mission to include not only support of basic and clinical science research grants but also programs that address patient education and disease prevention.

SVS has created a new staff position, SVS Foundation Development Manager, to provide support in fundraising to further the new work.

Sally Benson, a Certified Fundraising Executive, joined the SVS staff in Chicago earlier this month to take on this important job; she will handle donor relations, grants, marketing and communications, individual giving and planned giving for the SVS Foundation. She earlier worked for the American College of Surgeons and at American Health Information Management Association. She may be reached at 312-334-2339 or at [email protected]. 

The SVS Foundation has expanded its mission to include not only support of basic and clinical science research grants but also programs that address patient education and disease prevention.

SVS has created a new staff position, SVS Foundation Development Manager, to provide support in fundraising to further the new work.

Sally Benson, a Certified Fundraising Executive, joined the SVS staff in Chicago earlier this month to take on this important job; she will handle donor relations, grants, marketing and communications, individual giving and planned giving for the SVS Foundation. She earlier worked for the American College of Surgeons and at American Health Information Management Association. She may be reached at 312-334-2339 or at [email protected]. 

The SVS Foundation has expanded its mission to include not only support of basic and clinical science research grants but also programs that address patient education and disease prevention.

SVS has created a new staff position, SVS Foundation Development Manager, to provide support in fundraising to further the new work.

Sally Benson, a Certified Fundraising Executive, joined the SVS staff in Chicago earlier this month to take on this important job; she will handle donor relations, grants, marketing and communications, individual giving and planned giving for the SVS Foundation. She earlier worked for the American College of Surgeons and at American Health Information Management Association. She may be reached at 312-334-2339 or at [email protected]. 

CHICAGO, Ill., June 15, 2017 – New leaders were elected at the annual business meeting June 3 of the Society for Vascular Surgery during the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego, Calif. They are:

Dr. R. Clement Darling III, president. Dr. Darling, who served as president-elect during the past year, has been active in the leadership of the society for more than 26 years, serving on numerous SVS committees, on the board of directors and on the executive committee. Dr. Darling is president of The Vascular Group, Albany, N.Y.; director of The Institute for Vascular Health and Disease and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He also is a professor of surgery at Albany Medical College.

Dr. Michel S. Makaroun, president-elect. Dr Makaroun served as SVS vice president during the past year. He has been active in the SVS since 1997 and served as secretary from 2013-2016.  He is a Distinguished Fellow of the SVS and is a professor of surgery and of clinical and translational science at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dr. Kim J. Hodgson, vice president. Dr. Hodgson previously has served three terms as treasurer for the SVS as well as on several committees and the SVS board of directors. He was the inaugural editor of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP) and continued in that role for two more editions. He is chair of the division of vascular surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill., where he holds the David Sumner endowed chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and has served for six years on the Vascular Surgery Board.

Dr. Ronald Fairman, chair, SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman, now immediate past president of the SVS, has moved over to his new role as chair of the SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman will oversee the foundation’s competitive, peer-reviewed, grant-making initiatives, which are made possible by contributions from members, medical societies and corporations. Dr. Fairman is chief of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Medicine, in Philadelphia. He has a dual faculty appointment, as Clyde F. Barker - William Maul Measey professor of surgery and professor of radiology.

Dr. Samuel R. Money, treasurer. Dr. Money is a professor of surgery in the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to being a vascular surgeon, Dr. Money holds an M.B.A. He has held leadership roles in numerous professional societies.

In addition, Dr. Ali AbuRahma will continue as the Society secretary. Dr. AbuRahma is a professor of surgery, chief of vascular and endovascular surgery and director of the vascular surgery fellowship and integrated residency programs at West Virginia University, Charleston, W.Va.  He also serves as the medical director of the vascular laboratory and co-director of the Vascular Center of Excellence at Charleston Area Medical Center. In addition to his role as secretary, Dr. AbuRahma has served on the SVS board of directors, the Foundation board and several other committees.

As part of the changing of the guard, the SVS Appointments Committee also has welcomed dozens of new members to the Society’s councils and committees.

CHICAGO, Ill., June 15, 2017 – New leaders were elected at the annual business meeting June 3 of the Society for Vascular Surgery during the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego, Calif. They are:

Dr. R. Clement Darling III, president. Dr. Darling, who served as president-elect during the past year, has been active in the leadership of the society for more than 26 years, serving on numerous SVS committees, on the board of directors and on the executive committee. Dr. Darling is president of The Vascular Group, Albany, N.Y.; director of The Institute for Vascular Health and Disease and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He also is a professor of surgery at Albany Medical College.

Dr. Michel S. Makaroun, president-elect. Dr Makaroun served as SVS vice president during the past year. He has been active in the SVS since 1997 and served as secretary from 2013-2016.  He is a Distinguished Fellow of the SVS and is a professor of surgery and of clinical and translational science at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dr. Kim J. Hodgson, vice president. Dr. Hodgson previously has served three terms as treasurer for the SVS as well as on several committees and the SVS board of directors. He was the inaugural editor of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP) and continued in that role for two more editions. He is chair of the division of vascular surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill., where he holds the David Sumner endowed chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and has served for six years on the Vascular Surgery Board.

Dr. Ronald Fairman, chair, SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman, now immediate past president of the SVS, has moved over to his new role as chair of the SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman will oversee the foundation’s competitive, peer-reviewed, grant-making initiatives, which are made possible by contributions from members, medical societies and corporations. Dr. Fairman is chief of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Medicine, in Philadelphia. He has a dual faculty appointment, as Clyde F. Barker - William Maul Measey professor of surgery and professor of radiology.

Dr. Samuel R. Money, treasurer. Dr. Money is a professor of surgery in the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to being a vascular surgeon, Dr. Money holds an M.B.A. He has held leadership roles in numerous professional societies.

In addition, Dr. Ali AbuRahma will continue as the Society secretary. Dr. AbuRahma is a professor of surgery, chief of vascular and endovascular surgery and director of the vascular surgery fellowship and integrated residency programs at West Virginia University, Charleston, W.Va.  He also serves as the medical director of the vascular laboratory and co-director of the Vascular Center of Excellence at Charleston Area Medical Center. In addition to his role as secretary, Dr. AbuRahma has served on the SVS board of directors, the Foundation board and several other committees.

As part of the changing of the guard, the SVS Appointments Committee also has welcomed dozens of new members to the Society’s councils and committees.

CHICAGO, Ill., June 15, 2017 – New leaders were elected at the annual business meeting June 3 of the Society for Vascular Surgery during the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego, Calif. They are:

Dr. R. Clement Darling III, president. Dr. Darling, who served as president-elect during the past year, has been active in the leadership of the society for more than 26 years, serving on numerous SVS committees, on the board of directors and on the executive committee. Dr. Darling is president of The Vascular Group, Albany, N.Y.; director of The Institute for Vascular Health and Disease and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery at Albany Medical Center Hospital. He also is a professor of surgery at Albany Medical College.

Dr. Michel S. Makaroun, president-elect. Dr Makaroun served as SVS vice president during the past year. He has been active in the SVS since 1997 and served as secretary from 2013-2016.  He is a Distinguished Fellow of the SVS and is a professor of surgery and of clinical and translational science at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dr. Kim J. Hodgson, vice president. Dr. Hodgson previously has served three terms as treasurer for the SVS as well as on several committees and the SVS board of directors. He was the inaugural editor of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP) and continued in that role for two more editions. He is chair of the division of vascular surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill., where he holds the David Sumner endowed chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and has served for six years on the Vascular Surgery Board.

Dr. Ronald Fairman, chair, SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman, now immediate past president of the SVS, has moved over to his new role as chair of the SVS Foundation. Dr. Fairman will oversee the foundation’s competitive, peer-reviewed, grant-making initiatives, which are made possible by contributions from members, medical societies and corporations. Dr. Fairman is chief of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Medicine, in Philadelphia. He has a dual faculty appointment, as Clyde F. Barker - William Maul Measey professor of surgery and professor of radiology.

Dr. Samuel R. Money, treasurer. Dr. Money is a professor of surgery in the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to being a vascular surgeon, Dr. Money holds an M.B.A. He has held leadership roles in numerous professional societies.

In addition, Dr. Ali AbuRahma will continue as the Society secretary. Dr. AbuRahma is a professor of surgery, chief of vascular and endovascular surgery and director of the vascular surgery fellowship and integrated residency programs at West Virginia University, Charleston, W.Va.  He also serves as the medical director of the vascular laboratory and co-director of the Vascular Center of Excellence at Charleston Area Medical Center. In addition to his role as secretary, Dr. AbuRahma has served on the SVS board of directors, the Foundation board and several other committees.

As part of the changing of the guard, the SVS Appointments Committee also has welcomed dozens of new members to the Society’s councils and committees.

The third version of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program – commonly known as VESAP3 – will be discontinued on Sept. 1.

Starting July 1, this resource is available for half-price. Sales of VESAP3 will end Aug. 1, with access continued until Sept. 1. Costs for the comprehensive package are: $200 for candidates, $250 for members and $300 for non-members. Cost per module is $27 for candidates, $32 for members and $37 for non-members.

VESAP4, with expanded and updated content, a simplified, user-friendly navigation system AND a mobile app (Apple products only) will launch in August. Cost will be $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. 

For more information, email [email protected]. 

The third version of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program – commonly known as VESAP3 – will be discontinued on Sept. 1.

Starting July 1, this resource is available for half-price. Sales of VESAP3 will end Aug. 1, with access continued until Sept. 1. Costs for the comprehensive package are: $200 for candidates, $250 for members and $300 for non-members. Cost per module is $27 for candidates, $32 for members and $37 for non-members.

VESAP4, with expanded and updated content, a simplified, user-friendly navigation system AND a mobile app (Apple products only) will launch in August. Cost will be $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. 

For more information, email [email protected]. 

The third version of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program – commonly known as VESAP3 – will be discontinued on Sept. 1.

Starting July 1, this resource is available for half-price. Sales of VESAP3 will end Aug. 1, with access continued until Sept. 1. Costs for the comprehensive package are: $200 for candidates, $250 for members and $300 for non-members. Cost per module is $27 for candidates, $32 for members and $37 for non-members.

VESAP4, with expanded and updated content, a simplified, user-friendly navigation system AND a mobile app (Apple products only) will launch in August. Cost will be $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. 

For more information, email [email protected]. 

Learn what you need to know about coding changes at the 2017 Coding and Reimbursement Workshop for vascular surgeons, set for Oct. 13-14 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago.

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or the staff of SVS members; $955 for non-members and $250 for residents and trainees.

The intensive two-day program is designed to address 2017 updates, including changes to endovascular stent placement outside the lower extremity and PQRS as well as coding for intravascular embolization and retrograde intrathoracic carotid stenting. Additionally, the course will review the proposed updates for 2017 with a focus on reporting standards for interventional and open surgical procedures.

An optional workshop on Evaluation and Management (E&M) coding will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 13. Cost is $100 for SVS members and staff, $125 for non-members and $50 for residents and trainees. Register and learn more at the link above.

Learn what you need to know about coding changes at the 2017 Coding and Reimbursement Workshop for vascular surgeons, set for Oct. 13-14 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago.

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or the staff of SVS members; $955 for non-members and $250 for residents and trainees.

The intensive two-day program is designed to address 2017 updates, including changes to endovascular stent placement outside the lower extremity and PQRS as well as coding for intravascular embolization and retrograde intrathoracic carotid stenting. Additionally, the course will review the proposed updates for 2017 with a focus on reporting standards for interventional and open surgical procedures.

An optional workshop on Evaluation and Management (E&M) coding will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 13. Cost is $100 for SVS members and staff, $125 for non-members and $50 for residents and trainees. Register and learn more at the link above.

Learn what you need to know about coding changes at the 2017 Coding and Reimbursement Workshop for vascular surgeons, set for Oct. 13-14 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago.

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or the staff of SVS members; $955 for non-members and $250 for residents and trainees.

The intensive two-day program is designed to address 2017 updates, including changes to endovascular stent placement outside the lower extremity and PQRS as well as coding for intravascular embolization and retrograde intrathoracic carotid stenting. Additionally, the course will review the proposed updates for 2017 with a focus on reporting standards for interventional and open surgical procedures.

An optional workshop on Evaluation and Management (E&M) coding will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 13. Cost is $100 for SVS members and staff, $125 for non-members and $50 for residents and trainees. Register and learn more at the link above.

This year we have photographic proof – VRIC is a great experience for researchers. Invigorating discussions, great speakers, inspiration, new ideas – it was all part of the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis. See our photo album on Flickr or watch the slide show version on YouTube.

This year we have photographic proof – VRIC is a great experience for researchers. Invigorating discussions, great speakers, inspiration, new ideas – it was all part of the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis. See our photo album on Flickr or watch the slide show version on YouTube.

This year we have photographic proof – VRIC is a great experience for researchers. Invigorating discussions, great speakers, inspiration, new ideas – it was all part of the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis. See our photo album on Flickr or watch the slide show version on YouTube.

Have VAM at your fingertips with the Mobile App. You can:

• Take your MOC assessment tests via a link within the app
• Access all abstracts, schedules and speaker bios 
• Create your own agenda of sessions and events
• Bookmark abstracts of interest 
• View maps 
• View attendees and private message them
• Share photos and status updates …
• ... and much more

There’s a version for iPhones and one for Android phones. 

Have VAM at your fingertips with the Mobile App. You can:

• Take your MOC assessment tests via a link within the app
• Access all abstracts, schedules and speaker bios 
• Create your own agenda of sessions and events
• Bookmark abstracts of interest 
• View maps 
• View attendees and private message them
• Share photos and status updates …
• ... and much more

There’s a version for iPhones and one for Android phones. 

Have VAM at your fingertips with the Mobile App. You can:

• Take your MOC assessment tests via a link within the app
• Access all abstracts, schedules and speaker bios 
• Create your own agenda of sessions and events
• Bookmark abstracts of interest 
• View maps 
• View attendees and private message them
• Share photos and status updates …
• ... and much more

There’s a version for iPhones and one for Android phones. 

Something new has been added to this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting: icons identifying sessions of interest to two specific audiences: young surgeon attendees and community practice surgeons.

These curated sessions – identified by the Young Surgeons Committee and the Community Practice Committee – cover everything from abstracts to workshops, with breakfast and concurrent sessions and postgraduate courses in between.  

The “young surgeon” sessions are generally aimed at young vascular surgeons – those still in training and those who have entered practice in the last few years, said YSC Chair Dr. Natalia Globova.

“Due to the many high-quality presentations and abstracts at the VAM, it can be challenging to select the sessions to attend to take full advantage of the programming, especially for those attendees who have only recently started coming to the meeting,” she said. The committee, she said, “hopes that this special ‘Young Surgeon’ designation will make the VAM easier to navigate.”

The Community Practice Committee similarly worked to identify sessions of particular interest to community-practice members.

“More than half of our membership is in private practice,” noted Committee Chair Dr. Richard Lynn, himself a community practitioner. “Topics such as wound care and limb management – the focus of the joint postgraduate course with the American Podiatric Medical Association – not to mention pedal/alternative access and billing and coding issues definitely impact us and our practices. Special designations in the program book lets our members maximize their time at VAM.”

Something new has been added to this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting: icons identifying sessions of interest to two specific audiences: young surgeon attendees and community practice surgeons.

These curated sessions – identified by the Young Surgeons Committee and the Community Practice Committee – cover everything from abstracts to workshops, with breakfast and concurrent sessions and postgraduate courses in between.  

The “young surgeon” sessions are generally aimed at young vascular surgeons – those still in training and those who have entered practice in the last few years, said YSC Chair Dr. Natalia Globova.

“Due to the many high-quality presentations and abstracts at the VAM, it can be challenging to select the sessions to attend to take full advantage of the programming, especially for those attendees who have only recently started coming to the meeting,” she said. The committee, she said, “hopes that this special ‘Young Surgeon’ designation will make the VAM easier to navigate.”

The Community Practice Committee similarly worked to identify sessions of particular interest to community-practice members.

“More than half of our membership is in private practice,” noted Committee Chair Dr. Richard Lynn, himself a community practitioner. “Topics such as wound care and limb management – the focus of the joint postgraduate course with the American Podiatric Medical Association – not to mention pedal/alternative access and billing and coding issues definitely impact us and our practices. Special designations in the program book lets our members maximize their time at VAM.”

Something new has been added to this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting: icons identifying sessions of interest to two specific audiences: young surgeon attendees and community practice surgeons.

These curated sessions – identified by the Young Surgeons Committee and the Community Practice Committee – cover everything from abstracts to workshops, with breakfast and concurrent sessions and postgraduate courses in between.  

The “young surgeon” sessions are generally aimed at young vascular surgeons – those still in training and those who have entered practice in the last few years, said YSC Chair Dr. Natalia Globova.

“Due to the many high-quality presentations and abstracts at the VAM, it can be challenging to select the sessions to attend to take full advantage of the programming, especially for those attendees who have only recently started coming to the meeting,” she said. The committee, she said, “hopes that this special ‘Young Surgeon’ designation will make the VAM easier to navigate.”

The Community Practice Committee similarly worked to identify sessions of particular interest to community-practice members.

“More than half of our membership is in private practice,” noted Committee Chair Dr. Richard Lynn, himself a community practitioner. “Topics such as wound care and limb management – the focus of the joint postgraduate course with the American Podiatric Medical Association – not to mention pedal/alternative access and billing and coding issues definitely impact us and our practices. Special designations in the program book lets our members maximize their time at VAM.”

The recent annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference featured the inaugural Alexander W. Clowes Distinguished Lecture. The invited presentation – planned to be a yearly event – honors the late Alexander Clowes, a vascular surgeon, scientist and SVS Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, and seeks to continue his considerable legacy.

The SVS Foundation has established a fund for donations to support the Clowes Distinguished Lecture in perpetuity. Learn more about the lecture, Dr. Clowes and how to contribute here.

The recent annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference featured the inaugural Alexander W. Clowes Distinguished Lecture. The invited presentation – planned to be a yearly event – honors the late Alexander Clowes, a vascular surgeon, scientist and SVS Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, and seeks to continue his considerable legacy.

The SVS Foundation has established a fund for donations to support the Clowes Distinguished Lecture in perpetuity. Learn more about the lecture, Dr. Clowes and how to contribute here.

The recent annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference featured the inaugural Alexander W. Clowes Distinguished Lecture. The invited presentation – planned to be a yearly event – honors the late Alexander Clowes, a vascular surgeon, scientist and SVS Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, and seeks to continue his considerable legacy.

The SVS Foundation has established a fund for donations to support the Clowes Distinguished Lecture in perpetuity. Learn more about the lecture, Dr. Clowes and how to contribute here.

SVS Past President Peter Gloviczki, MD, will perform his award-winning magic as the special guest at the SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) reception during the Vascular Annual Meeting.

All SVS members who have contributed to the PAC since January 2016 – including those who donate during VAM ‘17 -- are invited.

(The SVS PAC booth will be located outside the hall hosting the plenary sessions.)

Contributions can be made by mail with a personal check using the PAC donation form [PDF] or by credit/debit card at www.vascular.org/pac-donation. All SVS members who contribute to the PAC will receive pins, be recognized at the 2017 VAM and in the PAC Annual Report, in addition to being invited to the reception.

All PAC contributions are used to gain access to Congressional members and non-incumbent candidates in both political parties who make decisions about our issues. Although SVS has achieved many legislative victories, such as the repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula that determined Medicare reimbursement, we have important issues to support/oppose. These include repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board and preventing Medicare and imaging cuts.

SVS Past President Peter Gloviczki, MD, will perform his award-winning magic as the special guest at the SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) reception during the Vascular Annual Meeting.

All SVS members who have contributed to the PAC since January 2016 – including those who donate during VAM ‘17 -- are invited.

(The SVS PAC booth will be located outside the hall hosting the plenary sessions.)

Contributions can be made by mail with a personal check using the PAC donation form [PDF] or by credit/debit card at www.vascular.org/pac-donation. All SVS members who contribute to the PAC will receive pins, be recognized at the 2017 VAM and in the PAC Annual Report, in addition to being invited to the reception.

All PAC contributions are used to gain access to Congressional members and non-incumbent candidates in both political parties who make decisions about our issues. Although SVS has achieved many legislative victories, such as the repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula that determined Medicare reimbursement, we have important issues to support/oppose. These include repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board and preventing Medicare and imaging cuts.

SVS Past President Peter Gloviczki, MD, will perform his award-winning magic as the special guest at the SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) reception during the Vascular Annual Meeting.

All SVS members who have contributed to the PAC since January 2016 – including those who donate during VAM ‘17 -- are invited.

(The SVS PAC booth will be located outside the hall hosting the plenary sessions.)

Contributions can be made by mail with a personal check using the PAC donation form [PDF] or by credit/debit card at www.vascular.org/pac-donation. All SVS members who contribute to the PAC will receive pins, be recognized at the 2017 VAM and in the PAC Annual Report, in addition to being invited to the reception.

All PAC contributions are used to gain access to Congressional members and non-incumbent candidates in both political parties who make decisions about our issues. Although SVS has achieved many legislative victories, such as the repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula that determined Medicare reimbursement, we have important issues to support/oppose. These include repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board and preventing Medicare and imaging cuts.