Society News

Infection transmission from duodenoscopes is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices.

As previously shared with our members late last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on preliminary data from manufacturer testing of duodenoscopes following reprocessing (cleaning). The report showed that, in about 5% of cases, samples tested positive for “high concern” bacteria after the scopes had been reprocessed as recommended. According to FDA, these are bacteria that are more often associated with disease. The final results and more granular detail are expected later this year.

This is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices. Duodenoscopes are necessary for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed in patients with diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder and obviates the necessity for more morbid surgical and radiologic procedures.

A recent article in The New York Times reviewing this issue largely understated the value of duodenoscopes and the procedure for which they are used. This is a potentially life-saving procedure for nearly 700,000 patients each year in the United States. When a doctor recommends ERCP, it often is because the patient is seriously ill, and the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks. ERCPs also spare patients more invasive alternatives, including surgery. Withdrawal of these instruments from the marketplace is simply not feasible and would be a major step backward in our ability to treat common and complex disease in the most beneficial manner.

We do agree and support the identification and development of safe and effective solutions that eliminate risk of infection transmission as a top priority. This cannot happen overnight: We cannot adopt new technologies, such as disposable duodenoscopes, without first understanding the new and unintentional risks we may be introducing to our patients such as an increased risk of procedural failure, perforation, or pancreatitis.

The GI societies have been working closely with FDA and industry to identify and properly vet potential solutions. FDA has already reviewed and cleared new reprocessing and sterilization technologies and revised designs for some duodenoscopes; all are intended to enhance ease of cleaning and reprocessing, thereby improving safety from transmitted infection. Other redesigns and new technologies for endoscope reprocessing, as well as single-use instruments, are in the pipeline. All of these options, and others, will likely enter the marketplace in the coming months and years after FDA vetting and approval and with postmarketing studies to ensure the efficacy of the technology and patient safety.

AGA is currently seeking feedback from AGA members to provide to FDA for consideration as they make upcoming review and approval decisions. If you are concerned about losing access to ERCP, a valuable procedure, please share your comments in the AGA Community. We will be sharing these comments with FDA to ensure their decisions reflect the needs of our members.

Since it was discovered several years ago that cases of infection transmission associated with duodenoscopes had been experienced by hospitals in the United States and Europe, health care organizations across the board recognized the need to escalate infection control efforts and to swiftly identify and disseminate best practices. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, scope manufacturers, and medical societies have collaborated continuously to determine best practices for identifying and reporting sources of infection and effectively cleaning equipment.

Since this problem was identified, vigilance has been raised and infection rates have improved. As with all medical procedures, physicians should discuss the risks and benefits with their patients who require ERCP.

This article was developed in collaboration with American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA).

[email protected]

Infection transmission from duodenoscopes is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices.

As previously shared with our members late last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on preliminary data from manufacturer testing of duodenoscopes following reprocessing (cleaning). The report showed that, in about 5% of cases, samples tested positive for “high concern” bacteria after the scopes had been reprocessed as recommended. According to FDA, these are bacteria that are more often associated with disease. The final results and more granular detail are expected later this year.

This is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices. Duodenoscopes are necessary for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed in patients with diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder and obviates the necessity for more morbid surgical and radiologic procedures.

A recent article in The New York Times reviewing this issue largely understated the value of duodenoscopes and the procedure for which they are used. This is a potentially life-saving procedure for nearly 700,000 patients each year in the United States. When a doctor recommends ERCP, it often is because the patient is seriously ill, and the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks. ERCPs also spare patients more invasive alternatives, including surgery. Withdrawal of these instruments from the marketplace is simply not feasible and would be a major step backward in our ability to treat common and complex disease in the most beneficial manner.

We do agree and support the identification and development of safe and effective solutions that eliminate risk of infection transmission as a top priority. This cannot happen overnight: We cannot adopt new technologies, such as disposable duodenoscopes, without first understanding the new and unintentional risks we may be introducing to our patients such as an increased risk of procedural failure, perforation, or pancreatitis.

The GI societies have been working closely with FDA and industry to identify and properly vet potential solutions. FDA has already reviewed and cleared new reprocessing and sterilization technologies and revised designs for some duodenoscopes; all are intended to enhance ease of cleaning and reprocessing, thereby improving safety from transmitted infection. Other redesigns and new technologies for endoscope reprocessing, as well as single-use instruments, are in the pipeline. All of these options, and others, will likely enter the marketplace in the coming months and years after FDA vetting and approval and with postmarketing studies to ensure the efficacy of the technology and patient safety.

AGA is currently seeking feedback from AGA members to provide to FDA for consideration as they make upcoming review and approval decisions. If you are concerned about losing access to ERCP, a valuable procedure, please share your comments in the AGA Community. We will be sharing these comments with FDA to ensure their decisions reflect the needs of our members.

Since it was discovered several years ago that cases of infection transmission associated with duodenoscopes had been experienced by hospitals in the United States and Europe, health care organizations across the board recognized the need to escalate infection control efforts and to swiftly identify and disseminate best practices. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, scope manufacturers, and medical societies have collaborated continuously to determine best practices for identifying and reporting sources of infection and effectively cleaning equipment.

Since this problem was identified, vigilance has been raised and infection rates have improved. As with all medical procedures, physicians should discuss the risks and benefits with their patients who require ERCP.

This article was developed in collaboration with American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA).

[email protected]

Infection transmission from duodenoscopes is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices.

As previously shared with our members late last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on preliminary data from manufacturer testing of duodenoscopes following reprocessing (cleaning). The report showed that, in about 5% of cases, samples tested positive for “high concern” bacteria after the scopes had been reprocessed as recommended. According to FDA, these are bacteria that are more often associated with disease. The final results and more granular detail are expected later this year.

This is a serious and complex issue for our patients and our practices. Duodenoscopes are necessary for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed in patients with diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder and obviates the necessity for more morbid surgical and radiologic procedures.

A recent article in The New York Times reviewing this issue largely understated the value of duodenoscopes and the procedure for which they are used. This is a potentially life-saving procedure for nearly 700,000 patients each year in the United States. When a doctor recommends ERCP, it often is because the patient is seriously ill, and the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the risks. ERCPs also spare patients more invasive alternatives, including surgery. Withdrawal of these instruments from the marketplace is simply not feasible and would be a major step backward in our ability to treat common and complex disease in the most beneficial manner.

We do agree and support the identification and development of safe and effective solutions that eliminate risk of infection transmission as a top priority. This cannot happen overnight: We cannot adopt new technologies, such as disposable duodenoscopes, without first understanding the new and unintentional risks we may be introducing to our patients such as an increased risk of procedural failure, perforation, or pancreatitis.

The GI societies have been working closely with FDA and industry to identify and properly vet potential solutions. FDA has already reviewed and cleared new reprocessing and sterilization technologies and revised designs for some duodenoscopes; all are intended to enhance ease of cleaning and reprocessing, thereby improving safety from transmitted infection. Other redesigns and new technologies for endoscope reprocessing, as well as single-use instruments, are in the pipeline. All of these options, and others, will likely enter the marketplace in the coming months and years after FDA vetting and approval and with postmarketing studies to ensure the efficacy of the technology and patient safety.

AGA is currently seeking feedback from AGA members to provide to FDA for consideration as they make upcoming review and approval decisions. If you are concerned about losing access to ERCP, a valuable procedure, please share your comments in the AGA Community. We will be sharing these comments with FDA to ensure their decisions reflect the needs of our members.

Since it was discovered several years ago that cases of infection transmission associated with duodenoscopes had been experienced by hospitals in the United States and Europe, health care organizations across the board recognized the need to escalate infection control efforts and to swiftly identify and disseminate best practices. FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health departments, scope manufacturers, and medical societies have collaborated continuously to determine best practices for identifying and reporting sources of infection and effectively cleaning equipment.

Since this problem was identified, vigilance has been raised and infection rates have improved. As with all medical procedures, physicians should discuss the risks and benefits with their patients who require ERCP.

This article was developed in collaboration with American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA).

[email protected]

Three experts share their takeaways from the 2019 James W. Freston Conference: Food at the Intersection of Gut Health and Disease.

During your 4 years of medical school, you likely received only 4 hours of nutrition training. Yet we know diet is integral to the care of GI patients. That’s why AGA focused the 2019 James W. Freston Conference on the topic of food.

Our course directors William Chey, MD, AGAF, Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, and Gerard E. Mullin, MD, AGAF, share eight points from the meeting that stuck with them and can help all practicing GIs as they consider dietary treatments for their patients.

• 1. Personalized nutrition is important. Genetic differences lead to differences in health outcomes. One size or recommendation does not fit all. This is why certain diets only work on certain people. There is no one diet for all and for all disease states. Genetic tests can be helpful, but they rely on reporting that isn’t readily available yet.

• 2. Dietary therapy is key to managing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is becoming more and more prevalent. Genes can’t change that fast, but epigenetic factors can, and the evidence seems to be in food. EoE is not an IgE-mediated disease and therefore most allergy tests will not prove useful; however, food is often the trigger — most common, dairy. Dietary therapy is likely the best way to manage. You want to reduce the number of eliminated foods by way of a reintroduction protocol. The six-food elimination diet is standard, though some are moving to a four-food elimination diet (dairy, wheat, egg and soy).

• 3. There has been a reported increase in those with food allergies, sensitivities, celiac disease, and other adverse reactions to food. Many of the food allergy tests available are not helpful. In addition, many afflicted patients are conducting self-imposed diets rather than working with a GI, allergist, or dietitian. This needs to change.

• 4. There is currently insufficient evidence to support a gluten-free diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is possible that fructans, more than gluten, are causing the GI issues. Typically, the low-FODMAP diet is beneficial to IBS patients if done correctly with the guidance of a dietitian; however, not everyone with IBS improves on it. All the steps are important though, including reintroduction and maintenance.

•5. When working with patients on the low-FODMAP or other restrictive diets, it is important to know their food and eating history. Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is something we need to be aware of when it comes to patients with a history or likelihood to develop disordered eating/eating disorders. The patient team may need to include an eating disorder therapist.

•6. The general population in the U.S. has increased the adoption of a gluten-free diet although the number of cases of celiac disease has not increased. Many have self-reported gluten sensitivities. Those that have removed gluten following trends are more at risk of bowel irregularity (low fiber), weight gain, and disordered eating. Celiac disease is not a do-it-yourself disease, patients will be best served working with a dietitian and GI.

• 7. Food can induce symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also trigger gut inflammation resulting in incident or relapse. There is experimental plausibility for some factors of the relationship to be causal and we may be able to modify the diet to prevent and manage IBD.

• 8. The focus on nutrition education must continue! Nutrition should be a required part of continuing medical education for physicians. And physicians should work with dietitians to improve the care of GI patients.

For resources to help your patients understand how diet and nutrition can affect their digestive health, visit the AGA GI Patient Center, gastro.org/patient. Each disease-based resource provides tips from leading experts on the role of diet in managing GI health.

The 2019 James W. Freston Single Topic Conference took place Aug. 9 and 10 in Chicago. The Freston conference is the only conference organized by the AGA Institute Council in which the agenda is determined through an open call for proposals from AGA membership. The purpose of the conference is to focus on scientific dialogue, present opportunities for scientific collaboration, and explore new ideas that may lead to enhanced patient therapies or potential opportunities for cures of digestive diseases. The 2019 conference was sponsored by the AGA Institute Council Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition Section. Vice chair of the section, Dr. Gerard Mullin, served as co-course director.

[email protected]

Three experts share their takeaways from the 2019 James W. Freston Conference: Food at the Intersection of Gut Health and Disease.

During your 4 years of medical school, you likely received only 4 hours of nutrition training. Yet we know diet is integral to the care of GI patients. That’s why AGA focused the 2019 James W. Freston Conference on the topic of food.

Our course directors William Chey, MD, AGAF, Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, and Gerard E. Mullin, MD, AGAF, share eight points from the meeting that stuck with them and can help all practicing GIs as they consider dietary treatments for their patients.

• 1. Personalized nutrition is important. Genetic differences lead to differences in health outcomes. One size or recommendation does not fit all. This is why certain diets only work on certain people. There is no one diet for all and for all disease states. Genetic tests can be helpful, but they rely on reporting that isn’t readily available yet.

• 2. Dietary therapy is key to managing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is becoming more and more prevalent. Genes can’t change that fast, but epigenetic factors can, and the evidence seems to be in food. EoE is not an IgE-mediated disease and therefore most allergy tests will not prove useful; however, food is often the trigger — most common, dairy. Dietary therapy is likely the best way to manage. You want to reduce the number of eliminated foods by way of a reintroduction protocol. The six-food elimination diet is standard, though some are moving to a four-food elimination diet (dairy, wheat, egg and soy).

• 3. There has been a reported increase in those with food allergies, sensitivities, celiac disease, and other adverse reactions to food. Many of the food allergy tests available are not helpful. In addition, many afflicted patients are conducting self-imposed diets rather than working with a GI, allergist, or dietitian. This needs to change.

• 4. There is currently insufficient evidence to support a gluten-free diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is possible that fructans, more than gluten, are causing the GI issues. Typically, the low-FODMAP diet is beneficial to IBS patients if done correctly with the guidance of a dietitian; however, not everyone with IBS improves on it. All the steps are important though, including reintroduction and maintenance.

•5. When working with patients on the low-FODMAP or other restrictive diets, it is important to know their food and eating history. Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is something we need to be aware of when it comes to patients with a history or likelihood to develop disordered eating/eating disorders. The patient team may need to include an eating disorder therapist.

•6. The general population in the U.S. has increased the adoption of a gluten-free diet although the number of cases of celiac disease has not increased. Many have self-reported gluten sensitivities. Those that have removed gluten following trends are more at risk of bowel irregularity (low fiber), weight gain, and disordered eating. Celiac disease is not a do-it-yourself disease, patients will be best served working with a dietitian and GI.

• 7. Food can induce symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also trigger gut inflammation resulting in incident or relapse. There is experimental plausibility for some factors of the relationship to be causal and we may be able to modify the diet to prevent and manage IBD.

• 8. The focus on nutrition education must continue! Nutrition should be a required part of continuing medical education for physicians. And physicians should work with dietitians to improve the care of GI patients.

For resources to help your patients understand how diet and nutrition can affect their digestive health, visit the AGA GI Patient Center, gastro.org/patient. Each disease-based resource provides tips from leading experts on the role of diet in managing GI health.

The 2019 James W. Freston Single Topic Conference took place Aug. 9 and 10 in Chicago. The Freston conference is the only conference organized by the AGA Institute Council in which the agenda is determined through an open call for proposals from AGA membership. The purpose of the conference is to focus on scientific dialogue, present opportunities for scientific collaboration, and explore new ideas that may lead to enhanced patient therapies or potential opportunities for cures of digestive diseases. The 2019 conference was sponsored by the AGA Institute Council Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition Section. Vice chair of the section, Dr. Gerard Mullin, served as co-course director.

[email protected]

Three experts share their takeaways from the 2019 James W. Freston Conference: Food at the Intersection of Gut Health and Disease.

During your 4 years of medical school, you likely received only 4 hours of nutrition training. Yet we know diet is integral to the care of GI patients. That’s why AGA focused the 2019 James W. Freston Conference on the topic of food.

Our course directors William Chey, MD, AGAF, Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, and Gerard E. Mullin, MD, AGAF, share eight points from the meeting that stuck with them and can help all practicing GIs as they consider dietary treatments for their patients.

• 1. Personalized nutrition is important. Genetic differences lead to differences in health outcomes. One size or recommendation does not fit all. This is why certain diets only work on certain people. There is no one diet for all and for all disease states. Genetic tests can be helpful, but they rely on reporting that isn’t readily available yet.

• 2. Dietary therapy is key to managing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is becoming more and more prevalent. Genes can’t change that fast, but epigenetic factors can, and the evidence seems to be in food. EoE is not an IgE-mediated disease and therefore most allergy tests will not prove useful; however, food is often the trigger — most common, dairy. Dietary therapy is likely the best way to manage. You want to reduce the number of eliminated foods by way of a reintroduction protocol. The six-food elimination diet is standard, though some are moving to a four-food elimination diet (dairy, wheat, egg and soy).

• 3. There has been a reported increase in those with food allergies, sensitivities, celiac disease, and other adverse reactions to food. Many of the food allergy tests available are not helpful. In addition, many afflicted patients are conducting self-imposed diets rather than working with a GI, allergist, or dietitian. This needs to change.

• 4. There is currently insufficient evidence to support a gluten-free diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is possible that fructans, more than gluten, are causing the GI issues. Typically, the low-FODMAP diet is beneficial to IBS patients if done correctly with the guidance of a dietitian; however, not everyone with IBS improves on it. All the steps are important though, including reintroduction and maintenance.

•5. When working with patients on the low-FODMAP or other restrictive diets, it is important to know their food and eating history. Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is something we need to be aware of when it comes to patients with a history or likelihood to develop disordered eating/eating disorders. The patient team may need to include an eating disorder therapist.

•6. The general population in the U.S. has increased the adoption of a gluten-free diet although the number of cases of celiac disease has not increased. Many have self-reported gluten sensitivities. Those that have removed gluten following trends are more at risk of bowel irregularity (low fiber), weight gain, and disordered eating. Celiac disease is not a do-it-yourself disease, patients will be best served working with a dietitian and GI.

• 7. Food can induce symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also trigger gut inflammation resulting in incident or relapse. There is experimental plausibility for some factors of the relationship to be causal and we may be able to modify the diet to prevent and manage IBD.

• 8. The focus on nutrition education must continue! Nutrition should be a required part of continuing medical education for physicians. And physicians should work with dietitians to improve the care of GI patients.

For resources to help your patients understand how diet and nutrition can affect their digestive health, visit the AGA GI Patient Center, gastro.org/patient. Each disease-based resource provides tips from leading experts on the role of diet in managing GI health.

The 2019 James W. Freston Single Topic Conference took place Aug. 9 and 10 in Chicago. The Freston conference is the only conference organized by the AGA Institute Council in which the agenda is determined through an open call for proposals from AGA membership. The purpose of the conference is to focus on scientific dialogue, present opportunities for scientific collaboration, and explore new ideas that may lead to enhanced patient therapies or potential opportunities for cures of digestive diseases. The 2019 conference was sponsored by the AGA Institute Council Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition Section. Vice chair of the section, Dr. Gerard Mullin, served as co-course director.

[email protected]

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Oct. 7 to be considered. Learn more here.

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Oct. 7 to be considered. Learn more here.

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Oct. 7 to be considered. Learn more here.

The Affinity Program of expanded benefits is available to SVS members and can connect them with individual disability plans. These plans – available through Principal Life Insurance Company, Securian and Lloyds of London – provide tax-free benefits and can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If interested in learning more about your disability insurance options, contact Mark Blocker at [email protected] or at 949-554- 9936; he is available after-hours and on weekends. Learn more here.

The Affinity Program of expanded benefits is available to SVS members and can connect them with individual disability plans. These plans – available through Principal Life Insurance Company, Securian and Lloyds of London – provide tax-free benefits and can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If interested in learning more about your disability insurance options, contact Mark Blocker at [email protected] or at 949-554- 9936; he is available after-hours and on weekends. Learn more here.

The Affinity Program of expanded benefits is available to SVS members and can connect them with individual disability plans. These plans – available through Principal Life Insurance Company, Securian and Lloyds of London – provide tax-free benefits and can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If interested in learning more about your disability insurance options, contact Mark Blocker at [email protected] or at 949-554- 9936; he is available after-hours and on weekends. Learn more here.

If you participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2018, your performance feedback is now available for review on the Quality Payment Program website. Through a process called targeted review, MIPS eligible clinicians or groups can request for CMS to review their performance feedback and final score calculation. The MIPS payment adjustment you receive in 2020 will be based on your final score. Please refer to the QPP Access User Guide for additional details. The deadline to submit your request is 7 PM (CT), September 30, 2019.

If you participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2018, your performance feedback is now available for review on the Quality Payment Program website. Through a process called targeted review, MIPS eligible clinicians or groups can request for CMS to review their performance feedback and final score calculation. The MIPS payment adjustment you receive in 2020 will be based on your final score. Please refer to the QPP Access User Guide for additional details. The deadline to submit your request is 7 PM (CT), September 30, 2019.

If you participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2018, your performance feedback is now available for review on the Quality Payment Program website. Through a process called targeted review, MIPS eligible clinicians or groups can request for CMS to review their performance feedback and final score calculation. The MIPS payment adjustment you receive in 2020 will be based on your final score. Please refer to the QPP Access User Guide for additional details. The deadline to submit your request is 7 PM (CT), September 30, 2019.

Oct. 31 is the deadline for the Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship. The primary purpose of this award is to provide the recipient with an opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill visits and learn more about the SVS’ health policy and advocacy activities. The awardee will receive $1,500 that can be used toward the cost of travel, housing and subsistence during the visits. Reports from past recipients are available on the SVS website here. For questions, email [email protected] or telephone 800-258-7188.

Oct. 31 is the deadline for the Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship. The primary purpose of this award is to provide the recipient with an opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill visits and learn more about the SVS’ health policy and advocacy activities. The awardee will receive $1,500 that can be used toward the cost of travel, housing and subsistence during the visits. Reports from past recipients are available on the SVS website here. For questions, email [email protected] or telephone 800-258-7188.

Oct. 31 is the deadline for the Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship. The primary purpose of this award is to provide the recipient with an opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill visits and learn more about the SVS’ health policy and advocacy activities. The awardee will receive $1,500 that can be used toward the cost of travel, housing and subsistence during the visits. Reports from past recipients are available on the SVS website here. For questions, email [email protected] or telephone 800-258-7188.

The SVS PSO is looking for a part-time Associate Medical Director. This person will be responsible for assisting the SVS PSO Medical Director and the SVS PSO staff, with guidance and over site in its clinical operations. The new associate director will be nominated by the SVS PSO Executive Committee and approved the SVS and the SVS Executive Board. He or she will serve a one-year term, with the opportunity to serve two additional one-year terms. There is a modest honorary associated with this position and the potential to advance into the role of SVS PSO Medical Director. Submit your application before Oct. 11 to be considered. Read the full job description here. Please email your completed resume to [email protected].

The SVS PSO is looking for a part-time Associate Medical Director. This person will be responsible for assisting the SVS PSO Medical Director and the SVS PSO staff, with guidance and over site in its clinical operations. The new associate director will be nominated by the SVS PSO Executive Committee and approved the SVS and the SVS Executive Board. He or she will serve a one-year term, with the opportunity to serve two additional one-year terms. There is a modest honorary associated with this position and the potential to advance into the role of SVS PSO Medical Director. Submit your application before Oct. 11 to be considered. Read the full job description here. Please email your completed resume to [email protected].

The SVS PSO is looking for a part-time Associate Medical Director. This person will be responsible for assisting the SVS PSO Medical Director and the SVS PSO staff, with guidance and over site in its clinical operations. The new associate director will be nominated by the SVS PSO Executive Committee and approved the SVS and the SVS Executive Board. He or she will serve a one-year term, with the opportunity to serve two additional one-year terms. There is a modest honorary associated with this position and the potential to advance into the role of SVS PSO Medical Director. Submit your application before Oct. 11 to be considered. Read the full job description here. Please email your completed resume to [email protected].

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Sept. 16 to be considered. Learn more.

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Sept. 16 to be considered. Learn more.

If you are a young vascular surgeon from outside North America, consider applying for the International Scholars Program. Recipients of the award will receive a $5,000 stipend, spend two weeks in the U.S, visiting universities and clinics, and attend the 2020 VAM in Toronto. Scholars will work with a mentor to schedule various vascular program visits, including clinical, teaching and research programs. Apply before Sept. 16 to be considered. Learn more.

The SVS has officially announced its new Mentor Match program on its online community, SVSConnect. This program provides a simple way to match general surgery residents and medical students with vascular surgeons who will, ideally, help guide them on their career path. Our resident and student members have been awaiting a program like this, and it will only be successful if we have a large pool of Active SVS members enrolled as mentors. Mentees will be able to enroll soon, at which time the matching process will begin. Please look out for communication from us for when that occurs.  Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

The SVS has officially announced its new Mentor Match program on its online community, SVSConnect. This program provides a simple way to match general surgery residents and medical students with vascular surgeons who will, ideally, help guide them on their career path. Our resident and student members have been awaiting a program like this, and it will only be successful if we have a large pool of Active SVS members enrolled as mentors. Mentees will be able to enroll soon, at which time the matching process will begin. Please look out for communication from us for when that occurs.  Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

The SVS has officially announced its new Mentor Match program on its online community, SVSConnect. This program provides a simple way to match general surgery residents and medical students with vascular surgeons who will, ideally, help guide them on their career path. Our resident and student members have been awaiting a program like this, and it will only be successful if we have a large pool of Active SVS members enrolled as mentors. Mentees will be able to enroll soon, at which time the matching process will begin. Please look out for communication from us for when that occurs.  Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Join us as we celebrate all vascular nurses September 8 to 14 during Vascular Nurses Week. Be sure to let your nurses know how much you value them and their important contributions to your vascular team. You may also encourage your vascular nurses to join the SVS as affiliate members. Membership benefits include discounted meeting registrations, scholarship opportunities, leadership opportunities and more. Read more about Affiliate membership for vascular nurses here.

Join us as we celebrate all vascular nurses September 8 to 14 during Vascular Nurses Week. Be sure to let your nurses know how much you value them and their important contributions to your vascular team. You may also encourage your vascular nurses to join the SVS as affiliate members. Membership benefits include discounted meeting registrations, scholarship opportunities, leadership opportunities and more. Read more about Affiliate membership for vascular nurses here.

Join us as we celebrate all vascular nurses September 8 to 14 during Vascular Nurses Week. Be sure to let your nurses know how much you value them and their important contributions to your vascular team. You may also encourage your vascular nurses to join the SVS as affiliate members. Membership benefits include discounted meeting registrations, scholarship opportunities, leadership opportunities and more. Read more about Affiliate membership for vascular nurses here.