News from the SVS

The SVS Patient Safety Organization has announced the winners of the 2016 VQI Participation Awards. This program, in its second year, recognizes the importance of active participation in the Vascular Quality Initiatives (VQI) as a critical component of the quality improvement mission. VQI centers may receive up to three “stars,” based on the extent of their participation in three areas: long-term follow-up (LTFU) reporting, regional quality group meetings, and vascular procedure registries.

The SVS Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is very encouraged by the 2016 results. Of the 316 eligible centers, 42 received three stars; 71, two stars; and 89, one star. Both the number and percentage of centers earning three stars increased, compared with last year.

Long-term follow-up reporting is one of the most important factors in the program. It demonstrates a commitment to monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of vascular treatment, assessing potential problems and providing optimal medical management. LTFU allows a more meaningful assessment of patient outcomes and quality than just perioperative outcomes and is a cornerstone of the VQI. The median reporting rate for LTFU increased from 57 percent in 2015 to 68 percent in 2016.

The second area, physician and staff attendance at regional quality group meetings, is critical to drive discussions of outcome variation and to encourage multicenter participation in outcomes analysis and quality improvement efforts. The third measure provides increased opportunities for learning and improvement.

To learn more about VQI, visit vsweb.org/VQI or contact Jim Wadzinski at [email protected].


 

The SVS Patient Safety Organization has announced the winners of the 2016 VQI Participation Awards. This program, in its second year, recognizes the importance of active participation in the Vascular Quality Initiatives (VQI) as a critical component of the quality improvement mission. VQI centers may receive up to three “stars,” based on the extent of their participation in three areas: long-term follow-up (LTFU) reporting, regional quality group meetings, and vascular procedure registries.

The SVS Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is very encouraged by the 2016 results. Of the 316 eligible centers, 42 received three stars; 71, two stars; and 89, one star. Both the number and percentage of centers earning three stars increased, compared with last year.

Long-term follow-up reporting is one of the most important factors in the program. It demonstrates a commitment to monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of vascular treatment, assessing potential problems and providing optimal medical management. LTFU allows a more meaningful assessment of patient outcomes and quality than just perioperative outcomes and is a cornerstone of the VQI. The median reporting rate for LTFU increased from 57 percent in 2015 to 68 percent in 2016.

The second area, physician and staff attendance at regional quality group meetings, is critical to drive discussions of outcome variation and to encourage multicenter participation in outcomes analysis and quality improvement efforts. The third measure provides increased opportunities for learning and improvement.

To learn more about VQI, visit vsweb.org/VQI or contact Jim Wadzinski at [email protected].


 

The SVS Patient Safety Organization has announced the winners of the 2016 VQI Participation Awards. This program, in its second year, recognizes the importance of active participation in the Vascular Quality Initiatives (VQI) as a critical component of the quality improvement mission. VQI centers may receive up to three “stars,” based on the extent of their participation in three areas: long-term follow-up (LTFU) reporting, regional quality group meetings, and vascular procedure registries.

The SVS Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is very encouraged by the 2016 results. Of the 316 eligible centers, 42 received three stars; 71, two stars; and 89, one star. Both the number and percentage of centers earning three stars increased, compared with last year.

Long-term follow-up reporting is one of the most important factors in the program. It demonstrates a commitment to monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of vascular treatment, assessing potential problems and providing optimal medical management. LTFU allows a more meaningful assessment of patient outcomes and quality than just perioperative outcomes and is a cornerstone of the VQI. The median reporting rate for LTFU increased from 57 percent in 2015 to 68 percent in 2016.

The second area, physician and staff attendance at regional quality group meetings, is critical to drive discussions of outcome variation and to encourage multicenter participation in outcomes analysis and quality improvement efforts. The third measure provides increased opportunities for learning and improvement.

To learn more about VQI, visit vsweb.org/VQI or contact Jim Wadzinski at [email protected].


 

SVS members, spread the word: Educational opportunities for vascular nurses and technologists await at the Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35th Annual Convention.

The convention will be April 4-7 in Nashville, Tenn., and will offer information for the basic to expert practitioner. To learn more, visit vsweb.org/SVNConvention.


 

SVS members, spread the word: Educational opportunities for vascular nurses and technologists await at the Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35th Annual Convention.

The convention will be April 4-7 in Nashville, Tenn., and will offer information for the basic to expert practitioner. To learn more, visit vsweb.org/SVNConvention.


 

SVS members, spread the word: Educational opportunities for vascular nurses and technologists await at the Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35th Annual Convention.

The convention will be April 4-7 in Nashville, Tenn., and will offer information for the basic to expert practitioner. To learn more, visit vsweb.org/SVNConvention.


 

“The Matrix” is more than a movie. It’s also part of the May 3 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

“Matrix Revolution: Vascular Repair and Regeneration,” is the title of the Translational Panel at VRIC, to be moderated by SVS President Ronald Fairman, MD.  Christopher K. Breuer, MD, will speak on “Development of Tissue Engineered Grafts for Use in Congenital Heart Surgery” and Jeffrey Lawson will discuss “Human Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels: Clinical Experience in Dialysis Access and Arterial Disease.”

“The Matrix” is more than a movie. It’s also part of the May 3 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

“Matrix Revolution: Vascular Repair and Regeneration,” is the title of the Translational Panel at VRIC, to be moderated by SVS President Ronald Fairman, MD.  Christopher K. Breuer, MD, will speak on “Development of Tissue Engineered Grafts for Use in Congenital Heart Surgery” and Jeffrey Lawson will discuss “Human Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels: Clinical Experience in Dialysis Access and Arterial Disease.”

“The Matrix” is more than a movie. It’s also part of the May 3 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.

“Matrix Revolution: Vascular Repair and Regeneration,” is the title of the Translational Panel at VRIC, to be moderated by SVS President Ronald Fairman, MD.  Christopher K. Breuer, MD, will speak on “Development of Tissue Engineered Grafts for Use in Congenital Heart Surgery” and Jeffrey Lawson will discuss “Human Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels: Clinical Experience in Dialysis Access and Arterial Disease.”

For all members who work with vascular nurses: please encourage them to attend the upcoming Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35^th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The education is sure to benefit the entire office.

SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling III will speak at one of the sessions.

It's the premiere meeting for vascular nurses to facilitate networking and professional development. Be sure to forward information along to any and all vascular nurses and techs in your organization.

The convention will be April 4-7 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and is geared to vascular nurses, nurse practitioners, vascular techs, cardiovascular nurses and nurses/techs working in cath labs, angio suites or endovascular operating rooms. 

For all members who work with vascular nurses: please encourage them to attend the upcoming Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35^th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The education is sure to benefit the entire office.

SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling III will speak at one of the sessions.

It's the premiere meeting for vascular nurses to facilitate networking and professional development. Be sure to forward information along to any and all vascular nurses and techs in your organization.

The convention will be April 4-7 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and is geared to vascular nurses, nurse practitioners, vascular techs, cardiovascular nurses and nurses/techs working in cath labs, angio suites or endovascular operating rooms. 

For all members who work with vascular nurses: please encourage them to attend the upcoming Society for Vascular Nursing’s 35^th Annual Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The education is sure to benefit the entire office.

SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling III will speak at one of the sessions.

It's the premiere meeting for vascular nurses to facilitate networking and professional development. Be sure to forward information along to any and all vascular nurses and techs in your organization.

The convention will be April 4-7 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and is geared to vascular nurses, nurse practitioners, vascular techs, cardiovascular nurses and nurses/techs working in cath labs, angio suites or endovascular operating rooms. 

The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to announce the launch of its very own member affinity program, offering members access to best-in-class products and services coupled with special member discounts.

“These plans are a significant expansion of our member benefits, designed specifically to simplify your lives and protect your practices and businesses,” said SVS President Dr. Ronald Fairman. “We’re pleased to offer them and hope you take advantage of them.” 

The portfolio includes a number of insurance, financial and private-practice related products that will assist members in their day-to-day lives. The result: a selection of financial and practice solutions to protect and benefit your families, incomes, practices, offices and staff – even your own slice of cyberspace.

For more information, including the list of options, visit vsweb.org/AffinityProgram, call 855-533-1776 or email [email protected].

The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to announce the launch of its very own member affinity program, offering members access to best-in-class products and services coupled with special member discounts.

“These plans are a significant expansion of our member benefits, designed specifically to simplify your lives and protect your practices and businesses,” said SVS President Dr. Ronald Fairman. “We’re pleased to offer them and hope you take advantage of them.” 

The portfolio includes a number of insurance, financial and private-practice related products that will assist members in their day-to-day lives. The result: a selection of financial and practice solutions to protect and benefit your families, incomes, practices, offices and staff – even your own slice of cyberspace.

For more information, including the list of options, visit vsweb.org/AffinityProgram, call 855-533-1776 or email [email protected].

The Society for Vascular Surgery is proud to announce the launch of its very own member affinity program, offering members access to best-in-class products and services coupled with special member discounts.

“These plans are a significant expansion of our member benefits, designed specifically to simplify your lives and protect your practices and businesses,” said SVS President Dr. Ronald Fairman. “We’re pleased to offer them and hope you take advantage of them.” 

The portfolio includes a number of insurance, financial and private-practice related products that will assist members in their day-to-day lives. The result: a selection of financial and practice solutions to protect and benefit your families, incomes, practices, offices and staff – even your own slice of cyberspace.

For more information, including the list of options, visit vsweb.org/AffinityProgram, call 855-533-1776 or email [email protected].

The SVS has been in the news lately, thanks to outreach efforts and assistance from the Public and Professional Outreach Committee -

• Our thanks to Dr. Ali AbuRahma for being the source in our press release for February Heart Month, “’Heart Disease’ Can Also Affect Your Feet, Kidneys and Brain.” It was picked up by several prominent national outlets, including WebMD, HealthDay, MedlinePlus, The HealthCast, Drugs.com, and MedicineNet. Here is an example.
   
• Thanks to SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling, Dr. Philip P. Goodney and Marie Rossi, RN, president of the Society for Vascular Nursing, for weighing in on quitting smoking before surgery in this press release that was picked up by the AMA Alliance.

The SVS has been in the news lately, thanks to outreach efforts and assistance from the Public and Professional Outreach Committee -

• Our thanks to Dr. Ali AbuRahma for being the source in our press release for February Heart Month, “’Heart Disease’ Can Also Affect Your Feet, Kidneys and Brain.” It was picked up by several prominent national outlets, including WebMD, HealthDay, MedlinePlus, The HealthCast, Drugs.com, and MedicineNet. Here is an example.
   
• Thanks to SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling, Dr. Philip P. Goodney and Marie Rossi, RN, president of the Society for Vascular Nursing, for weighing in on quitting smoking before surgery in this press release that was picked up by the AMA Alliance.

The SVS has been in the news lately, thanks to outreach efforts and assistance from the Public and Professional Outreach Committee -

• Our thanks to Dr. Ali AbuRahma for being the source in our press release for February Heart Month, “’Heart Disease’ Can Also Affect Your Feet, Kidneys and Brain.” It was picked up by several prominent national outlets, including WebMD, HealthDay, MedlinePlus, The HealthCast, Drugs.com, and MedicineNet. Here is an example.
   
• Thanks to SVS President-Elect Dr. R. Clement Darling, Dr. Philip P. Goodney and Marie Rossi, RN, president of the Society for Vascular Nursing, for weighing in on quitting smoking before surgery in this press release that was picked up by the AMA Alliance.

Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.

Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.

Apply by March 1 for the 2017 Women's Leadership Training Grant, designed to develop strong women leaders in vascular surgery. Three awards of $5,000 each are geared to levels of experience: 0-five years out of training; six to 10 years out and more than 10 years out of training.

March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.

One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.

March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.

One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.

March 1 is just eight days away – and that’s the deadline for applying to become a member of SVS. Applications will be considered during the Vascular Annual Meeting (May 31 to June 3) in San Diego.

One longtime member of more than 10 years would tell potential applicants that joining SVS is “instrumental for their careers and the future of vascular surgery. SVS is an important organization that supports all vascular surgeons, private and academic." Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.

The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.

The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.

The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.

The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.

The Society for Vascular Surgery is accepting nominations for its three highest honors until March 1. Recipients will be recognized at the 2017 Vascular Annual meeting.

The awards are the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award; SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery and the SVS Distinguished Fellow designation. More information is available here.

Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.

The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.

Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.

Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.

The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.

Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.

Are you not yet a member? Have you been putting off applying? Do you know someone else who would be a great addition to the Society for Vascular Surgery? Be part of something amazing. Apply to join the SVS – but do it soon, before March 1.

The Society votes on membership applications only once each year, during the Vascular Annual Meeting. At that time, decisions will be made on all those applications submitted by March 1; any that come in after that date will have to wait for the 2018 VAM.

Application materials and more information, including membership benefits, are here.