News from the SVS

The Society for Vascular Surgery is now accepting nominations for its three highest honors.

SVS Lifetime Achievement Award

The SVS Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that the Society bestows upon a member. Selection for this honor recognizes an individual’s outstanding and sustained contributions to the profession and SVS as well as exemplary professional practice and leadership. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

The SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery honors individuals whose contribution has had a transforming impact on the practice or science of vascular surgery. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Distinguished Fellow

The title of “Distinguished Fellow of The Society for Vascular Surgery” may be granted to members who have distinguished themselves by sustained contributions to vascular surgery through research, teaching, clinical and/or creative accomplishments. Active, Senior or International Members of the Society may apply for this designation. Honorary Members automatically receive the designation of Distinguished Fellow.

Learn more here.

The Society for Vascular Surgery is now accepting nominations for its three highest honors.

SVS Lifetime Achievement Award

The SVS Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that the Society bestows upon a member. Selection for this honor recognizes an individual’s outstanding and sustained contributions to the profession and SVS as well as exemplary professional practice and leadership. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

The SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery honors individuals whose contribution has had a transforming impact on the practice or science of vascular surgery. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Distinguished Fellow

The title of “Distinguished Fellow of The Society for Vascular Surgery” may be granted to members who have distinguished themselves by sustained contributions to vascular surgery through research, teaching, clinical and/or creative accomplishments. Active, Senior or International Members of the Society may apply for this designation. Honorary Members automatically receive the designation of Distinguished Fellow.

Learn more here.

The Society for Vascular Surgery is now accepting nominations for its three highest honors.

SVS Lifetime Achievement Award

The SVS Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that the Society bestows upon a member. Selection for this honor recognizes an individual’s outstanding and sustained contributions to the profession and SVS as well as exemplary professional practice and leadership. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

The SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery honors individuals whose contribution has had a transforming impact on the practice or science of vascular surgery. View complete award details. Then use the online form to nominate a colleague.

SVS Distinguished Fellow

The title of “Distinguished Fellow of The Society for Vascular Surgery” may be granted to members who have distinguished themselves by sustained contributions to vascular surgery through research, teaching, clinical and/or creative accomplishments. Active, Senior or International Members of the Society may apply for this designation. Honorary Members automatically receive the designation of Distinguished Fellow.

Learn more here.

The election of the 2016 SVS Nominating Committee is now complete. The Committee will determine the slate of officers for election in June 2016.

2016 SVS Nominating Committee

• Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., past president, committee chair

• Dan Clair, M.D., at large member elected by SVS members

• Peter Lawrence, M.D., immediate past president

• Linda Harris, M.D., elected by Board of Director members from affiliated vascular societies

• Matthew Sideman, M.D., elected by SVS Council chairs to represent the four SVS Councils

The election of the 2016 SVS Nominating Committee is now complete. The Committee will determine the slate of officers for election in June 2016.

2016 SVS Nominating Committee

• Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., past president, committee chair

• Dan Clair, M.D., at large member elected by SVS members

• Peter Lawrence, M.D., immediate past president

• Linda Harris, M.D., elected by Board of Director members from affiliated vascular societies

• Matthew Sideman, M.D., elected by SVS Council chairs to represent the four SVS Councils

The election of the 2016 SVS Nominating Committee is now complete. The Committee will determine the slate of officers for election in June 2016.

2016 SVS Nominating Committee

• Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., past president, committee chair

• Dan Clair, M.D., at large member elected by SVS members

• Peter Lawrence, M.D., immediate past president

• Linda Harris, M.D., elected by Board of Director members from affiliated vascular societies

• Matthew Sideman, M.D., elected by SVS Council chairs to represent the four SVS Councils

Donors who want to receive a 2015 tax deduction should make their 2015 contribution to the SVS Foundation before Dec. 31, just a little over a week from publication of this newsletter. (Always consult with an accountant or tax professional regarding tax deductions.)

Donors who want to receive a 2015 tax deduction should make their 2015 contribution to the SVS Foundation before Dec. 31, just a little over a week from publication of this newsletter. (Always consult with an accountant or tax professional regarding tax deductions.)

Donors who want to receive a 2015 tax deduction should make their 2015 contribution to the SVS Foundation before Dec. 31, just a little over a week from publication of this newsletter. (Always consult with an accountant or tax professional regarding tax deductions.)

SVS members are invited to discover common ground between vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons in treating cardiovascular problems at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 52nd Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 23-27, 2016

Slated for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, is a session for members of both societies: “SVS @ STS: Sharing Common Ground for Cardiovascular Problems.” Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons will provide perspectives on the contemporary management of type B aortic dissection, as well as the management of patients with thorocoabdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Special room pricing at designated hotels expires Jan. 4. Participants must register for the meeting prior to making hotel reservations.

SVS members are invited to discover common ground between vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons in treating cardiovascular problems at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 52nd Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 23-27, 2016

Slated for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, is a session for members of both societies: “SVS @ STS: Sharing Common Ground for Cardiovascular Problems.” Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons will provide perspectives on the contemporary management of type B aortic dissection, as well as the management of patients with thorocoabdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Special room pricing at designated hotels expires Jan. 4. Participants must register for the meeting prior to making hotel reservations.

SVS members are invited to discover common ground between vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons in treating cardiovascular problems at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 52nd Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 23-27, 2016

Slated for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, is a session for members of both societies: “SVS @ STS: Sharing Common Ground for Cardiovascular Problems.” Cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons will provide perspectives on the contemporary management of type B aortic dissection, as well as the management of patients with thorocoabdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Special room pricing at designated hotels expires Jan. 4. Participants must register for the meeting prior to making hotel reservations.

Most of us like to start off a new year with good intentions. If you have been wondering how you can contribute to your profession, here is a suggestion:

Become a faculty advisor to a student interest group.

Around the U.S. and Canada, only 19 universities have faculty-supported Vascular Student Interest Groups, and yet this is one of the best ways to help usher in the next generation of vascular surgeons. In some cases, there may be students who want to start a chapter, but they cannot find a faculty member to be their advisor.

Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum, can provide students with early exposure to surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

Student groups like to invite speakers to discuss the field, join faculty and physicians on rounds, have mixers and mentorship events, and set up simulation labs and skills workshops.

“With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, we’re facing a significant shortage of vascular surgeons in the future. This program represents a real opportunity to stimulate interest in our specialty among dedicated and enthusiastic medical students,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students in V-SIG organizations are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

To volunteer or for more information, email: [email protected]

You can see who has already volunteered and learn more about the program here. 

This toolkit for students has information on what groups do. 

Most of us like to start off a new year with good intentions. If you have been wondering how you can contribute to your profession, here is a suggestion:

Become a faculty advisor to a student interest group.

Around the U.S. and Canada, only 19 universities have faculty-supported Vascular Student Interest Groups, and yet this is one of the best ways to help usher in the next generation of vascular surgeons. In some cases, there may be students who want to start a chapter, but they cannot find a faculty member to be their advisor.

Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum, can provide students with early exposure to surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

Student groups like to invite speakers to discuss the field, join faculty and physicians on rounds, have mixers and mentorship events, and set up simulation labs and skills workshops.

“With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, we’re facing a significant shortage of vascular surgeons in the future. This program represents a real opportunity to stimulate interest in our specialty among dedicated and enthusiastic medical students,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students in V-SIG organizations are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

To volunteer or for more information, email: [email protected]

You can see who has already volunteered and learn more about the program here. 

This toolkit for students has information on what groups do. 

Most of us like to start off a new year with good intentions. If you have been wondering how you can contribute to your profession, here is a suggestion:

Become a faculty advisor to a student interest group.

Around the U.S. and Canada, only 19 universities have faculty-supported Vascular Student Interest Groups, and yet this is one of the best ways to help usher in the next generation of vascular surgeons. In some cases, there may be students who want to start a chapter, but they cannot find a faculty member to be their advisor.

Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum, can provide students with early exposure to surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

Student groups like to invite speakers to discuss the field, join faculty and physicians on rounds, have mixers and mentorship events, and set up simulation labs and skills workshops.

“With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, we’re facing a significant shortage of vascular surgeons in the future. This program represents a real opportunity to stimulate interest in our specialty among dedicated and enthusiastic medical students,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students in V-SIG organizations are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

To volunteer or for more information, email: [email protected]

You can see who has already volunteered and learn more about the program here. 

This toolkit for students has information on what groups do. 

With the help of medical students affiliated with an SVS student group, 15 people were identified with potential vascular issues – including six with possible life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms – at a screening event in November.

Nearly 30 first- and second-year medical students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and 14 physician assistant students at the university helped screen more than 130 patients at the Vascular Surgery Department’s free abdominal aortic aneurysm screening event.

The med students are part of the medical school’s V-SIG chapter, or Vascular Surgery Interest Group. Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum can provide students with early exposure to vascular surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

SVS has 19 such groups in the United States and Canada and offers help to students who would like to start a chapter. “With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, there is a growing vascular surgical manpower need in this country. It is our hope that activities like this will introduce young, passionate and enthusiastic medical students to consider a career as a vascular surgeon while performing a public service,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students such as these in Arkansas are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

During the AAA event, the patients received a blood pressure check, answered a questionnaire on symptoms of carotid stenosis and peripheral arterial disease and also received an abdominal ultrasound.

“Any patient with a positive screening for carotid stenosis or PAD then underwent an Ankle-Brachial Index test and an ultrasound of their carotid arteries,” said Collins Scott, V-SIG member.

After the screening tests were completed, patients could visit the “Ask the Doctor” area to discuss test results with a vascular surgery resident. Screeners saw more than 130 patients during the four-hour event. “In 15 patients we identified nine with carotid stenosis, three with peripheral arterial disease and six with AAAs,” Scott said. All were scheduled for a later appointment and further follow-up with the Vascular Surgery Department.

The 40 students who helped out had had a previous training session on performing ABI test and were able to screen patients for PAD and carotid stenosis, as well as check blood pressures.

Students were able to learn from the clinicians working the event, including the two leaders – and SVS members – Drs. Mohammed Moursi and Matthew Smeds, Scott said.

“Every student contributed to this significant public health intervention that helped not only the Vascular Surgery Department but also citizens of the state of Arkansas,” he said.

For more information on VSIG programs, including a toolkit for creating a group, visit www.vsweb.org/VSIG.

With the help of medical students affiliated with an SVS student group, 15 people were identified with potential vascular issues – including six with possible life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms – at a screening event in November.

Nearly 30 first- and second-year medical students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and 14 physician assistant students at the university helped screen more than 130 patients at the Vascular Surgery Department’s free abdominal aortic aneurysm screening event.

The med students are part of the medical school’s V-SIG chapter, or Vascular Surgery Interest Group. Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum can provide students with early exposure to vascular surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

SVS has 19 such groups in the United States and Canada and offers help to students who would like to start a chapter. “With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, there is a growing vascular surgical manpower need in this country. It is our hope that activities like this will introduce young, passionate and enthusiastic medical students to consider a career as a vascular surgeon while performing a public service,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students such as these in Arkansas are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

During the AAA event, the patients received a blood pressure check, answered a questionnaire on symptoms of carotid stenosis and peripheral arterial disease and also received an abdominal ultrasound.

“Any patient with a positive screening for carotid stenosis or PAD then underwent an Ankle-Brachial Index test and an ultrasound of their carotid arteries,” said Collins Scott, V-SIG member.

After the screening tests were completed, patients could visit the “Ask the Doctor” area to discuss test results with a vascular surgery resident. Screeners saw more than 130 patients during the four-hour event. “In 15 patients we identified nine with carotid stenosis, three with peripheral arterial disease and six with AAAs,” Scott said. All were scheduled for a later appointment and further follow-up with the Vascular Surgery Department.

The 40 students who helped out had had a previous training session on performing ABI test and were able to screen patients for PAD and carotid stenosis, as well as check blood pressures.

Students were able to learn from the clinicians working the event, including the two leaders – and SVS members – Drs. Mohammed Moursi and Matthew Smeds, Scott said.

“Every student contributed to this significant public health intervention that helped not only the Vascular Surgery Department but also citizens of the state of Arkansas,” he said.

For more information on VSIG programs, including a toolkit for creating a group, visit www.vsweb.org/VSIG.

With the help of medical students affiliated with an SVS student group, 15 people were identified with potential vascular issues – including six with possible life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms – at a screening event in November.

Nearly 30 first- and second-year medical students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and 14 physician assistant students at the university helped screen more than 130 patients at the Vascular Surgery Department’s free abdominal aortic aneurysm screening event.

The med students are part of the medical school’s V-SIG chapter, or Vascular Surgery Interest Group. Such dedicated interest groups, as well as a dedicated liaison or forum can provide students with early exposure to vascular surgery, help students get involved in vascular-related research and service activities earlier in their medical career and obtain valuable career mentorship.

SVS has 19 such groups in the United States and Canada and offers help to students who would like to start a chapter. “With an aging population at risk for vascular diseases, there is a growing vascular surgical manpower need in this country. It is our hope that activities like this will introduce young, passionate and enthusiastic medical students to consider a career as a vascular surgeon while performing a public service,” said SVS President Dr. Bruce A. Perler. “Medical students such as these in Arkansas are getting valuable learning experience and exposure to the specialty.”

During the AAA event, the patients received a blood pressure check, answered a questionnaire on symptoms of carotid stenosis and peripheral arterial disease and also received an abdominal ultrasound.

“Any patient with a positive screening for carotid stenosis or PAD then underwent an Ankle-Brachial Index test and an ultrasound of their carotid arteries,” said Collins Scott, V-SIG member.

After the screening tests were completed, patients could visit the “Ask the Doctor” area to discuss test results with a vascular surgery resident. Screeners saw more than 130 patients during the four-hour event. “In 15 patients we identified nine with carotid stenosis, three with peripheral arterial disease and six with AAAs,” Scott said. All were scheduled for a later appointment and further follow-up with the Vascular Surgery Department.

The 40 students who helped out had had a previous training session on performing ABI test and were able to screen patients for PAD and carotid stenosis, as well as check blood pressures.

Students were able to learn from the clinicians working the event, including the two leaders – and SVS members – Drs. Mohammed Moursi and Matthew Smeds, Scott said.

“Every student contributed to this significant public health intervention that helped not only the Vascular Surgery Department but also citizens of the state of Arkansas,” he said.

For more information on VSIG programs, including a toolkit for creating a group, visit www.vsweb.org/VSIG.

SVS members have until Dec. 31 to pay their 2016 dues. Members may pay their dues by logging onto their accounts online (link is below), even if they do not have a paper or electronic invoice. For more information, email [email protected].

To pay dues online, visit vsweb.org/SVSdues.

SVS members have until Dec. 31 to pay their 2016 dues. Members may pay their dues by logging onto their accounts online (link is below), even if they do not have a paper or electronic invoice. For more information, email [email protected].

To pay dues online, visit vsweb.org/SVSdues.

SVS members have until Dec. 31 to pay their 2016 dues. Members may pay their dues by logging onto their accounts online (link is below), even if they do not have a paper or electronic invoice. For more information, email [email protected].

To pay dues online, visit vsweb.org/SVSdues.

The abstract submission site for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions will be accepted through 3 p.m. CST Feb. 1, 2016.

Please note that a new policy is in place this year: All authors will need to complete a conflict of interest statement before an abstract can be submitted. Submitting authors will need to authorize the recording of content, in addition to supplying co-author institutional and contact information at the time of account creation.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

Housing and registration open March 3, 2016.

Abstracts may be submitted at vsweb.org/submitVAM2016.

The abstract submission site for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions will be accepted through 3 p.m. CST Feb. 1, 2016.

Please note that a new policy is in place this year: All authors will need to complete a conflict of interest statement before an abstract can be submitted. Submitting authors will need to authorize the recording of content, in addition to supplying co-author institutional and contact information at the time of account creation.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

Housing and registration open March 3, 2016.

Abstracts may be submitted at vsweb.org/submitVAM2016.

The abstract submission site for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting is now open. Submissions will be accepted through 3 p.m. CST Feb. 1, 2016.

Please note that a new policy is in place this year: All authors will need to complete a conflict of interest statement before an abstract can be submitted. Submitting authors will need to authorize the recording of content, in addition to supplying co-author institutional and contact information at the time of account creation.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

Housing and registration open March 3, 2016.

Abstracts may be submitted at vsweb.org/submitVAM2016.

• Attendees of the 2014 VAM have until Dec. 31 to claim the appropriate Continuing Medical Education credits. Visit 2014 VAM CME to record and print certificates.

• The SVS Coding Guide and SVU Coding Advisor Software combination is available in a one-year license and includes expert coding guidance for all of the peripheral vascular surgery and interventional codes, as well as information on component and bundled coding. Those with current subscriptions to the 2015 guide will be able to access it via the SVS website until Dec. 31.

• Attendees of the 2014 VAM have until Dec. 31 to claim the appropriate Continuing Medical Education credits. Visit 2014 VAM CME to record and print certificates.

• The SVS Coding Guide and SVU Coding Advisor Software combination is available in a one-year license and includes expert coding guidance for all of the peripheral vascular surgery and interventional codes, as well as information on component and bundled coding. Those with current subscriptions to the 2015 guide will be able to access it via the SVS website until Dec. 31.

• Attendees of the 2014 VAM have until Dec. 31 to claim the appropriate Continuing Medical Education credits. Visit 2014 VAM CME to record and print certificates.

• The SVS Coding Guide and SVU Coding Advisor Software combination is available in a one-year license and includes expert coding guidance for all of the peripheral vascular surgery and interventional codes, as well as information on component and bundled coding. Those with current subscriptions to the 2015 guide will be able to access it via the SVS website until Dec. 31.

Specific guidelines and other important information for submitting abstracts for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting are now available online. Submissions will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2015, through Feb. 1, 2016.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

Specific guidelines and other important information for submitting abstracts for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting are now available online. Submissions will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2015, through Feb. 1, 2016.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

Specific guidelines and other important information for submitting abstracts for the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting are now available online. Submissions will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2015, through Feb. 1, 2016.

VAM will be held from June 8 to 11; plenary and exhibits start June 9. The meeting will be at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.