News from the SVS

March 1 happens to be the first day to register for the 2012 Vascular Annual Meeting®. Both online registration and housing reservations will become available on March 1 for the June 7-9, 2012 meeting in Maryland.

"We anticipate excellent attendance at this year’s annual meeting," states program chairperson Ronald Fairman, MD. "Our program committee is introducing two new abstract topics - Complications; and Comparative Effectiveness: Open vs. Endovascular. We believe that these additions will encourage new areas of discussion among attendees."

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center meeting venue in National Harbor, Maryland is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The luxury resort provides SVS members with 21st century meeting facilities. CME credit is available for Vascular Annual Meeting attendees.

March 1 is also the deadline for receipt of two SVS award applications - the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery. Nomination criteria and application forms for these prestigious awards appear online.

Lastly, the application for SVS Distinguished Fellow and the SVS membership application are due at SVS headquarters on March 1. These applications also appear online.

March 1 happens to be the first day to register for the 2012 Vascular Annual Meeting®. Both online registration and housing reservations will become available on March 1 for the June 7-9, 2012 meeting in Maryland.

"We anticipate excellent attendance at this year’s annual meeting," states program chairperson Ronald Fairman, MD. "Our program committee is introducing two new abstract topics - Complications; and Comparative Effectiveness: Open vs. Endovascular. We believe that these additions will encourage new areas of discussion among attendees."

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center meeting venue in National Harbor, Maryland is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The luxury resort provides SVS members with 21st century meeting facilities. CME credit is available for Vascular Annual Meeting attendees.

March 1 is also the deadline for receipt of two SVS award applications - the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery. Nomination criteria and application forms for these prestigious awards appear online.

Lastly, the application for SVS Distinguished Fellow and the SVS membership application are due at SVS headquarters on March 1. These applications also appear online.

March 1 happens to be the first day to register for the 2012 Vascular Annual Meeting®. Both online registration and housing reservations will become available on March 1 for the June 7-9, 2012 meeting in Maryland.

"We anticipate excellent attendance at this year’s annual meeting," states program chairperson Ronald Fairman, MD. "Our program committee is introducing two new abstract topics - Complications; and Comparative Effectiveness: Open vs. Endovascular. We believe that these additions will encourage new areas of discussion among attendees."

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center meeting venue in National Harbor, Maryland is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The luxury resort provides SVS members with 21st century meeting facilities. CME credit is available for Vascular Annual Meeting attendees.

March 1 is also the deadline for receipt of two SVS award applications - the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery. Nomination criteria and application forms for these prestigious awards appear online.

Lastly, the application for SVS Distinguished Fellow and the SVS membership application are due at SVS headquarters on March 1. These applications also appear online.

The SVS Board of Directors met on January 7.

Board Actions

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. This will be a "daughter journal" to JVS with the same editorial leadership.

• Approved collaborating with the American Venous Forum on the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders.

• Approved development of a learning management system that would provide an online platform for SVS members to participate in educational programs as well as to document, track and report CME.

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish Rutherford’s Textbook – 8th edition.

• Approved the FY2013 budget (April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013) of approximately $7M.

• Approved SVS bylaws amendments for consideration at the June 2012 business meeting that would promote diversity and inclusion.

Activity Updates

• The Vascular Annual Meeting^® Program Committee has completed the program for June 2012 which includes several new features such as voluntary self-assessment (MOC part 2) for attending the VAM.

• The Vascular Quality Initiative has continued to grow, with 130 participating sites and nearly 38,000 procedures as of 12/31/11. Two important pricing changes have been made in response to issues raised by the SVS Board of Directors: pricing for multi-hospital systems and pricing for physician groups.

• Following extensive discussion over the last several weeks, the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Assn.’s practice guidelines group withdrew a potential threat to remove the SVS as an endorsing society from its Extracranial Cerebrovascular Disease Guidelines. This related to perceived conflict with the SVS carotid Practice Guidelines published in Sept 2011. A mutually agreeable solution was achieved after agreement that SVS guidelines considered new information published in 2011.

• SVS submitted comments to the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) in anticipation of a January MedCAC meeting to review available evidence on clinical strategies for management of carotid atherosclerosis. Several SVS members will present comments at the meeting.

• SVS is participating in the development of the TASCIII international guidelines on peripheral arterial disease.

• Dr. Cambria has convened a task force to foster development of additional training programs in vascular surgery.

• The Journal of Vascular Surgery impact factor for 2011, which is based on citations during 2008 and 2009, was 3.851. This is the highest impact factor earned in the 27-year history of the JVS. The Journal of Vascular Surgery continues to be ranked #1 among all vascular surgery journals, and #10 among 187 surgical journals.

• An independent audit of the SVS and SVS Foundation finances for 2011 was completed. Net position of the consolidated assets is $9.3M.

The SVS Board of Directors met on January 7.

Board Actions

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. This will be a "daughter journal" to JVS with the same editorial leadership.

• Approved collaborating with the American Venous Forum on the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders.

• Approved development of a learning management system that would provide an online platform for SVS members to participate in educational programs as well as to document, track and report CME.

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish Rutherford’s Textbook – 8th edition.

• Approved the FY2013 budget (April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013) of approximately $7M.

• Approved SVS bylaws amendments for consideration at the June 2012 business meeting that would promote diversity and inclusion.

Activity Updates

• The Vascular Annual Meeting^® Program Committee has completed the program for June 2012 which includes several new features such as voluntary self-assessment (MOC part 2) for attending the VAM.

• The Vascular Quality Initiative has continued to grow, with 130 participating sites and nearly 38,000 procedures as of 12/31/11. Two important pricing changes have been made in response to issues raised by the SVS Board of Directors: pricing for multi-hospital systems and pricing for physician groups.

• Following extensive discussion over the last several weeks, the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Assn.’s practice guidelines group withdrew a potential threat to remove the SVS as an endorsing society from its Extracranial Cerebrovascular Disease Guidelines. This related to perceived conflict with the SVS carotid Practice Guidelines published in Sept 2011. A mutually agreeable solution was achieved after agreement that SVS guidelines considered new information published in 2011.

• SVS submitted comments to the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) in anticipation of a January MedCAC meeting to review available evidence on clinical strategies for management of carotid atherosclerosis. Several SVS members will present comments at the meeting.

• SVS is participating in the development of the TASCIII international guidelines on peripheral arterial disease.

• Dr. Cambria has convened a task force to foster development of additional training programs in vascular surgery.

• The Journal of Vascular Surgery impact factor for 2011, which is based on citations during 2008 and 2009, was 3.851. This is the highest impact factor earned in the 27-year history of the JVS. The Journal of Vascular Surgery continues to be ranked #1 among all vascular surgery journals, and #10 among 187 surgical journals.

• An independent audit of the SVS and SVS Foundation finances for 2011 was completed. Net position of the consolidated assets is $9.3M.

The SVS Board of Directors met on January 7.

Board Actions

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. This will be a "daughter journal" to JVS with the same editorial leadership.

• Approved collaborating with the American Venous Forum on the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders.

• Approved development of a learning management system that would provide an online platform for SVS members to participate in educational programs as well as to document, track and report CME.

• Approved moving forward on a contract with Elsevier to publish Rutherford’s Textbook – 8th edition.

• Approved the FY2013 budget (April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013) of approximately $7M.

• Approved SVS bylaws amendments for consideration at the June 2012 business meeting that would promote diversity and inclusion.

Activity Updates

• The Vascular Annual Meeting^® Program Committee has completed the program for June 2012 which includes several new features such as voluntary self-assessment (MOC part 2) for attending the VAM.

• The Vascular Quality Initiative has continued to grow, with 130 participating sites and nearly 38,000 procedures as of 12/31/11. Two important pricing changes have been made in response to issues raised by the SVS Board of Directors: pricing for multi-hospital systems and pricing for physician groups.

• Following extensive discussion over the last several weeks, the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Assn.’s practice guidelines group withdrew a potential threat to remove the SVS as an endorsing society from its Extracranial Cerebrovascular Disease Guidelines. This related to perceived conflict with the SVS carotid Practice Guidelines published in Sept 2011. A mutually agreeable solution was achieved after agreement that SVS guidelines considered new information published in 2011.

• SVS submitted comments to the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC) in anticipation of a January MedCAC meeting to review available evidence on clinical strategies for management of carotid atherosclerosis. Several SVS members will present comments at the meeting.

• SVS is participating in the development of the TASCIII international guidelines on peripheral arterial disease.

• Dr. Cambria has convened a task force to foster development of additional training programs in vascular surgery.

• The Journal of Vascular Surgery impact factor for 2011, which is based on citations during 2008 and 2009, was 3.851. This is the highest impact factor earned in the 27-year history of the JVS. The Journal of Vascular Surgery continues to be ranked #1 among all vascular surgery journals, and #10 among 187 surgical journals.

• An independent audit of the SVS and SVS Foundation finances for 2011 was completed. Net position of the consolidated assets is $9.3M.

The SVS Clinical Practice Council (CPC) held its annual strategic meeting December 2011 to discuss how to better align the goals of its reporting committees with those of the SVS. "In addition to our regular conference calls, the council, including its reporting committee chairs, meet annually to focus on priorities," said Ruth Bush, MD, CPC chair. "These are very productive meetings where we brainstorm ideas, compare where there are overlapping agendas, and prioritize where our energy and resources should be focused. This year we found that the committees are right on target and most of their projects are already underway."

The CPC has five members: Thomas Forbes, MD; Vivian Gahtan, MD; Ash Mansour, MD; Russell Samson, MD; Bhagwan Satiani, MD. It oversees activities related to clinical practice and professionalism. The committees reporting to the CPC include a good representation of the SVS membership to ensure SVS activities are representative of the interests of all its membership. The following committees report to the CPC and each committee’s primary goals for 2012 include:

Community Practice Advisory Committee – Dennis Gable, MD, Chair

• Develop ways to help members reduce practice expenses

• Recruit more community practice members to SVS

• Increase number of community practice members in SVS leadership positions

Public and Professional Outreach Committee – Steve Leers, MD, Chair

• Promote vascular surgeons to referring physicians

• Publish articles about vascular surgery in mass media

Resident and Student Outreach Committee – Erica Mitchell, MD, Chair

• Increase awareness of vascular surgery with first and second year medical students

• Attract more general surgery residents into vascular training

Women’s Leadership Committee - Eva Rzucidlo, MD, Chair

Diversity Committee and Inclusion Committee - Anil Hingorani, MD, Chair

• Increase public awareness of vascular disease, especially among women as health decision-makers

• Recruit more diverse and women medical students

• Increase leadership of women and diversity in SVS leadership

Young Surgeon Committee – Christopher Scibelli, Chair

• Develop more practice management tools

• Make sure candidate members become active members

•Establish a mentor program in vascular surgery

The SVS Clinical Practice Council (CPC) held its annual strategic meeting December 2011 to discuss how to better align the goals of its reporting committees with those of the SVS. "In addition to our regular conference calls, the council, including its reporting committee chairs, meet annually to focus on priorities," said Ruth Bush, MD, CPC chair. "These are very productive meetings where we brainstorm ideas, compare where there are overlapping agendas, and prioritize where our energy and resources should be focused. This year we found that the committees are right on target and most of their projects are already underway."

The CPC has five members: Thomas Forbes, MD; Vivian Gahtan, MD; Ash Mansour, MD; Russell Samson, MD; Bhagwan Satiani, MD. It oversees activities related to clinical practice and professionalism. The committees reporting to the CPC include a good representation of the SVS membership to ensure SVS activities are representative of the interests of all its membership. The following committees report to the CPC and each committee’s primary goals for 2012 include:

Community Practice Advisory Committee – Dennis Gable, MD, Chair

• Develop ways to help members reduce practice expenses

• Recruit more community practice members to SVS

• Increase number of community practice members in SVS leadership positions

Public and Professional Outreach Committee – Steve Leers, MD, Chair

• Promote vascular surgeons to referring physicians

• Publish articles about vascular surgery in mass media

Resident and Student Outreach Committee – Erica Mitchell, MD, Chair

• Increase awareness of vascular surgery with first and second year medical students

• Attract more general surgery residents into vascular training

Women’s Leadership Committee - Eva Rzucidlo, MD, Chair

Diversity Committee and Inclusion Committee - Anil Hingorani, MD, Chair

• Increase public awareness of vascular disease, especially among women as health decision-makers

• Recruit more diverse and women medical students

• Increase leadership of women and diversity in SVS leadership

Young Surgeon Committee – Christopher Scibelli, Chair

• Develop more practice management tools

• Make sure candidate members become active members

•Establish a mentor program in vascular surgery

The SVS Clinical Practice Council (CPC) held its annual strategic meeting December 2011 to discuss how to better align the goals of its reporting committees with those of the SVS. "In addition to our regular conference calls, the council, including its reporting committee chairs, meet annually to focus on priorities," said Ruth Bush, MD, CPC chair. "These are very productive meetings where we brainstorm ideas, compare where there are overlapping agendas, and prioritize where our energy and resources should be focused. This year we found that the committees are right on target and most of their projects are already underway."

The CPC has five members: Thomas Forbes, MD; Vivian Gahtan, MD; Ash Mansour, MD; Russell Samson, MD; Bhagwan Satiani, MD. It oversees activities related to clinical practice and professionalism. The committees reporting to the CPC include a good representation of the SVS membership to ensure SVS activities are representative of the interests of all its membership. The following committees report to the CPC and each committee’s primary goals for 2012 include:

Community Practice Advisory Committee – Dennis Gable, MD, Chair

• Develop ways to help members reduce practice expenses

• Recruit more community practice members to SVS

• Increase number of community practice members in SVS leadership positions

Public and Professional Outreach Committee – Steve Leers, MD, Chair

• Promote vascular surgeons to referring physicians

• Publish articles about vascular surgery in mass media

Resident and Student Outreach Committee – Erica Mitchell, MD, Chair

• Increase awareness of vascular surgery with first and second year medical students

• Attract more general surgery residents into vascular training

Women’s Leadership Committee - Eva Rzucidlo, MD, Chair

Diversity Committee and Inclusion Committee - Anil Hingorani, MD, Chair

• Increase public awareness of vascular disease, especially among women as health decision-makers

• Recruit more diverse and women medical students

• Increase leadership of women and diversity in SVS leadership

Young Surgeon Committee – Christopher Scibelli, Chair

• Develop more practice management tools

• Make sure candidate members become active members

•Establish a mentor program in vascular surgery

The Resident and Student Outreach Committee members are featured in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) January 2012 Choices Newsletter for medical students.

Links to interviews by Drs. Erica Mitchell, Mike Dalsing, Alec Clowes, Addi Rizvi, Steve Motew, and Paula Shireman are featured in the sidebar. The article provides medical students with an overview of vascular surgery and the enthusiasm for the specialty from SVS members.

The Resident and Student Outreach Committee members are featured in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) January 2012 Choices Newsletter for medical students.

Links to interviews by Drs. Erica Mitchell, Mike Dalsing, Alec Clowes, Addi Rizvi, Steve Motew, and Paula Shireman are featured in the sidebar. The article provides medical students with an overview of vascular surgery and the enthusiasm for the specialty from SVS members.

The Resident and Student Outreach Committee members are featured in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) January 2012 Choices Newsletter for medical students.

Links to interviews by Drs. Erica Mitchell, Mike Dalsing, Alec Clowes, Addi Rizvi, Steve Motew, and Paula Shireman are featured in the sidebar. The article provides medical students with an overview of vascular surgery and the enthusiasm for the specialty from SVS members.

March 1, 2012 

Lifetime Achievement Award

March 1, 2012 

Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

March 1, 2012 

Distinguished Fellow application deadline

March 1, 2012

Membership application deadline

March 17, 2012 

Student Research Fellowship

March 23-24, 2012 

SVS Coding and Reimbursement Course, Washington, D.C.

April 17, 2012 

Vascular Research Initiatives Conference, Chicago, IL

June 7-9, 2012 

2012 Vascular Annual Meeting^®, Washington, D.C.

March 1, 2012 

Lifetime Achievement Award

March 1, 2012 

Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

March 1, 2012 

Distinguished Fellow application deadline

March 1, 2012

Membership application deadline

March 17, 2012 

Student Research Fellowship

March 23-24, 2012 

SVS Coding and Reimbursement Course, Washington, D.C.

April 17, 2012 

Vascular Research Initiatives Conference, Chicago, IL

June 7-9, 2012 

2012 Vascular Annual Meeting^®, Washington, D.C.

March 1, 2012 

Lifetime Achievement Award

March 1, 2012 

Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

March 1, 2012 

Distinguished Fellow application deadline

March 1, 2012

Membership application deadline

March 17, 2012 

Student Research Fellowship

March 23-24, 2012 

SVS Coding and Reimbursement Course, Washington, D.C.

April 17, 2012 

Vascular Research Initiatives Conference, Chicago, IL

June 7-9, 2012 

2012 Vascular Annual Meeting^®, Washington, D.C.

The 2012 Coding Guide offers:

• Electronic access through the internet for the most up-to-date information
• Searchable by code numbers and key words
• A "favorites" section may be created for frequently used codes
• Personalized PDF versions may be created and printed

It features information on 400-plus CPT codes including the new IVC filter and bundled renal artery catheterization / imaging codes. It includes information on coding, modifier use, and RVUs in both the facility and non-facility settings. Its narratives explain the use of CPT codes in specific clinical scenarios.

"This new coding guide will help you achieve accurate coding for vascular interventions," said Robert Zwolak, M.D., co-editor of the guide. "Dr. Sean Roddy and I improved the accessibility by making it available through the internet. It has a feature that will allow you to develop a list of your most used codes for easy reference. We've tried to make it as easy and efficient to use as possible."

Samples of codes included in the guide:

• Diagnostic Coding
• Current Procedural Terminology
• Lower Extremity Endovascular Arterial Revascularization Coding
• Imaging
• Catheter Manipulation
• EVAR/TEVAR
• Open Hemodialysis Access Surgery
• Vascular Lab
• Carotid Surgery
• Carotid Stenting
• Open Aneurysm Repair
• Venous Disease
• IVC Filter Insertion, Repositioning, and Retrieval

The cost of purchasing the 2012 Coding Guide is $80 for SVS members; $110 for non-SVS members.

The 2012 Coding Guide offers:

• Electronic access through the internet for the most up-to-date information
• Searchable by code numbers and key words
• A "favorites" section may be created for frequently used codes
• Personalized PDF versions may be created and printed

It features information on 400-plus CPT codes including the new IVC filter and bundled renal artery catheterization / imaging codes. It includes information on coding, modifier use, and RVUs in both the facility and non-facility settings. Its narratives explain the use of CPT codes in specific clinical scenarios.

"This new coding guide will help you achieve accurate coding for vascular interventions," said Robert Zwolak, M.D., co-editor of the guide. "Dr. Sean Roddy and I improved the accessibility by making it available through the internet. It has a feature that will allow you to develop a list of your most used codes for easy reference. We've tried to make it as easy and efficient to use as possible."

Samples of codes included in the guide:

• Diagnostic Coding
• Current Procedural Terminology
• Lower Extremity Endovascular Arterial Revascularization Coding
• Imaging
• Catheter Manipulation
• EVAR/TEVAR
• Open Hemodialysis Access Surgery
• Vascular Lab
• Carotid Surgery
• Carotid Stenting
• Open Aneurysm Repair
• Venous Disease
• IVC Filter Insertion, Repositioning, and Retrieval

The cost of purchasing the 2012 Coding Guide is $80 for SVS members; $110 for non-SVS members.

The 2012 Coding Guide offers:

• Electronic access through the internet for the most up-to-date information
• Searchable by code numbers and key words
• A "favorites" section may be created for frequently used codes
• Personalized PDF versions may be created and printed

It features information on 400-plus CPT codes including the new IVC filter and bundled renal artery catheterization / imaging codes. It includes information on coding, modifier use, and RVUs in both the facility and non-facility settings. Its narratives explain the use of CPT codes in specific clinical scenarios.

"This new coding guide will help you achieve accurate coding for vascular interventions," said Robert Zwolak, M.D., co-editor of the guide. "Dr. Sean Roddy and I improved the accessibility by making it available through the internet. It has a feature that will allow you to develop a list of your most used codes for easy reference. We've tried to make it as easy and efficient to use as possible."

Samples of codes included in the guide:

• Diagnostic Coding
• Current Procedural Terminology
• Lower Extremity Endovascular Arterial Revascularization Coding
• Imaging
• Catheter Manipulation
• EVAR/TEVAR
• Open Hemodialysis Access Surgery
• Vascular Lab
• Carotid Surgery
• Carotid Stenting
• Open Aneurysm Repair
• Venous Disease
• IVC Filter Insertion, Repositioning, and Retrieval

The cost of purchasing the 2012 Coding Guide is $80 for SVS members; $110 for non-SVS members.

The relationship between professional medical societies and industry, specifically the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, has come under increasing scrutiny. The chief concern is that industry may influence medical society activities in ways that could compromise optimal patient care or undermine the reputation of the profession.

The Guidelines for SVS Management of Relationships with Industry and Conflict of Interest were adopted by the SVS Board of Directors in 2010 to assure that the Society follows principles of transparency, full disclosure and maintenance of appropriate barriers between industry transactions and programmatic decisions. Each year, the Society’s Conflict of Interest Committee* conducts a review of all SVS activities to assure that the Society’s programs and operations comply with the Guidelines. The 2011 review, which found SVS in full compliance, and the SVS guidelines are found online.

In 2011 SVS received 22 percent of its annual revenue from industry support. Of this revenue, 10 percent came from unrestricted grants to support the Vascular Annual Meeting^®, SVS research projects and public outreach projects. Income derived from the exhibits and advertising at the Vascular Annual Meeting comprised the remaining 12 percent. At 22 percent, operating revenue from industry support to SVS is below the 30% - 50% estimated for many professional medical associations.

*COI Committee Members

Bruce Elliott, MD, chair

Patrick Clagett, MD

Wayne Johnston, MD

Frank LoGerfo, MD

Richard Neville, MD

Linda Reilly, MD

The relationship between professional medical societies and industry, specifically the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, has come under increasing scrutiny. The chief concern is that industry may influence medical society activities in ways that could compromise optimal patient care or undermine the reputation of the profession.

The Guidelines for SVS Management of Relationships with Industry and Conflict of Interest were adopted by the SVS Board of Directors in 2010 to assure that the Society follows principles of transparency, full disclosure and maintenance of appropriate barriers between industry transactions and programmatic decisions. Each year, the Society’s Conflict of Interest Committee* conducts a review of all SVS activities to assure that the Society’s programs and operations comply with the Guidelines. The 2011 review, which found SVS in full compliance, and the SVS guidelines are found online.

In 2011 SVS received 22 percent of its annual revenue from industry support. Of this revenue, 10 percent came from unrestricted grants to support the Vascular Annual Meeting^®, SVS research projects and public outreach projects. Income derived from the exhibits and advertising at the Vascular Annual Meeting comprised the remaining 12 percent. At 22 percent, operating revenue from industry support to SVS is below the 30% - 50% estimated for many professional medical associations.

*COI Committee Members

Bruce Elliott, MD, chair

Patrick Clagett, MD

Wayne Johnston, MD

Frank LoGerfo, MD

Richard Neville, MD

Linda Reilly, MD

The relationship between professional medical societies and industry, specifically the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, has come under increasing scrutiny. The chief concern is that industry may influence medical society activities in ways that could compromise optimal patient care or undermine the reputation of the profession.

The Guidelines for SVS Management of Relationships with Industry and Conflict of Interest were adopted by the SVS Board of Directors in 2010 to assure that the Society follows principles of transparency, full disclosure and maintenance of appropriate barriers between industry transactions and programmatic decisions. Each year, the Society’s Conflict of Interest Committee* conducts a review of all SVS activities to assure that the Society’s programs and operations comply with the Guidelines. The 2011 review, which found SVS in full compliance, and the SVS guidelines are found online.

In 2011 SVS received 22 percent of its annual revenue from industry support. Of this revenue, 10 percent came from unrestricted grants to support the Vascular Annual Meeting^®, SVS research projects and public outreach projects. Income derived from the exhibits and advertising at the Vascular Annual Meeting comprised the remaining 12 percent. At 22 percent, operating revenue from industry support to SVS is below the 30% - 50% estimated for many professional medical associations.

*COI Committee Members

Bruce Elliott, MD, chair

Patrick Clagett, MD

Wayne Johnston, MD

Frank LoGerfo, MD

Richard Neville, MD

Linda Reilly, MD

The SVS is campaigning to recruit the next generation of vascular surgeons and it is paying off.

In 2007, there were fewer than 2,400 active vascular surgeons in the United States who participated in patient care. Vascular surgery represents the largest patient to physician ratio of all medical subspecialties in the country.

Now more than ever, the choice to become a vascular surgeon fulfills an acutely growing need created by the aging U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2000 to 2030, there will be a near doubling of individuals aged 65 years and older, from approximately 35 million to an estimated 71 million; the number of persons age 80 years and more will more than double in the same time period — from 9.3 to 19.5 million.

Talented, dedicated, skilled vascular surgeons will be needed to meet this urgent need. SVS has made recruiting the next generation of vascular surgeons one of its most important initiatives.

The SVS is campaigning to recruit the next generation of vascular surgeons and it is paying off.

In 2007, there were fewer than 2,400 active vascular surgeons in the United States who participated in patient care. Vascular surgery represents the largest patient to physician ratio of all medical subspecialties in the country.

Now more than ever, the choice to become a vascular surgeon fulfills an acutely growing need created by the aging U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2000 to 2030, there will be a near doubling of individuals aged 65 years and older, from approximately 35 million to an estimated 71 million; the number of persons age 80 years and more will more than double in the same time period — from 9.3 to 19.5 million.

Talented, dedicated, skilled vascular surgeons will be needed to meet this urgent need. SVS has made recruiting the next generation of vascular surgeons one of its most important initiatives.

The SVS is campaigning to recruit the next generation of vascular surgeons and it is paying off.

In 2007, there were fewer than 2,400 active vascular surgeons in the United States who participated in patient care. Vascular surgery represents the largest patient to physician ratio of all medical subspecialties in the country.

Now more than ever, the choice to become a vascular surgeon fulfills an acutely growing need created by the aging U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2000 to 2030, there will be a near doubling of individuals aged 65 years and older, from approximately 35 million to an estimated 71 million; the number of persons age 80 years and more will more than double in the same time period — from 9.3 to 19.5 million.

Talented, dedicated, skilled vascular surgeons will be needed to meet this urgent need. SVS has made recruiting the next generation of vascular surgeons one of its most important initiatives.

On April 17, 2012, SVS will present Experimental and Applied Vascular Biology, the 26th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) in Chicago.

"VRIC is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among vascular surgeon investigators and scientists from vascular biology-related disciplines," said conference organizer, Alan Dardik, M.D., PhD. "In addition, it is hoped that young conference attendees will become interested in research."

VRIC will feature the following topics:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease

• Vascular Endothelium and Thrombosis

• Aneurysms

• Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

Online registration is available.

VRIC attendees are encouraged to remain in Chicago to attend the April 18-20, 2012 Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Scientific Sessions. The two-day course features special lectures, discussions, oral presentations, and poster presentations.

Designed to provide opportunities for intense interaction among participants, ATVB is expected to attract attendees from among a broad range of disciplines. Young scientists are encouraged to attend. SVS registrants receive a US$100 ATVB registration discount.

On April 17, 2012, SVS will present Experimental and Applied Vascular Biology, the 26th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) in Chicago.

"VRIC is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among vascular surgeon investigators and scientists from vascular biology-related disciplines," said conference organizer, Alan Dardik, M.D., PhD. "In addition, it is hoped that young conference attendees will become interested in research."

VRIC will feature the following topics:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease

• Vascular Endothelium and Thrombosis

• Aneurysms

• Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

Online registration is available.

VRIC attendees are encouraged to remain in Chicago to attend the April 18-20, 2012 Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Scientific Sessions. The two-day course features special lectures, discussions, oral presentations, and poster presentations.

Designed to provide opportunities for intense interaction among participants, ATVB is expected to attract attendees from among a broad range of disciplines. Young scientists are encouraged to attend. SVS registrants receive a US$100 ATVB registration discount.

On April 17, 2012, SVS will present Experimental and Applied Vascular Biology, the 26th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC) in Chicago.

"VRIC is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among vascular surgeon investigators and scientists from vascular biology-related disciplines," said conference organizer, Alan Dardik, M.D., PhD. "In addition, it is hoped that young conference attendees will become interested in research."

VRIC will feature the following topics:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease

• Vascular Endothelium and Thrombosis

• Aneurysms

• Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

Online registration is available.

VRIC attendees are encouraged to remain in Chicago to attend the April 18-20, 2012 Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Scientific Sessions. The two-day course features special lectures, discussions, oral presentations, and poster presentations.

Designed to provide opportunities for intense interaction among participants, ATVB is expected to attract attendees from among a broad range of disciplines. Young scientists are encouraged to attend. SVS registrants receive a US$100 ATVB registration discount.

The SVS scholarship program has sparked an increase in the number of medical student residency matches for the integrated vascular training programs (0+5). In 2011, the integrated vascular surgery training program was one of the most competitive medical student residency matches. The National Resident Matching Program reported that of the 30 integrated vascular programs offered in 2011, 29 were filled with U.S. seniors. Several 0+5 program directors said the majority of their applicants attended the Vascular Annual Meeting Medical Student and General Surgery Travel Scholarship Program, and that the program has positively influenced applicants' decisions to pursue the specialty.

More women are entering the field of vascular surgery. In the 2011 National Resident Matching Program's vascular surgery integrated match, 59 percent of the positions were offered to female medical students. Women now account for 40 percent of all vascular surgery integrated residents.

Eva Rzucidlo, MD, chair, SVS Women's Leadership Committee explains, "The vascular surgery specialty is very attractive to female students. We saw this first-hand with the results of the 2011 residency match with the majority of vascular surgery integrated positions offered to female students. The specialty truly reflects the current trends of medical schools, with greater than 50 percent of graduating medical students are women."

The 2012 National Residency Match for 0+5 programs will occur on March 16.

Specialties with at least 10 positions in the March 2011 Match and filled more than 90 percent by U.S. seniors:

• Vascular Surgery (PGY-1): 96.7 percent
• Otolaryngology (PGY-1): 95.1 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-1): 93.8 percent
• Dermatology (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Plastic Surgery (Integrated) (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Orthopedic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.7 percent
• Thoracic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.3 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-2): 90.3 percent

Source: National Resident Matching Program 2011 Main Residency Match.

The SVS scholarship program has sparked an increase in the number of medical student residency matches for the integrated vascular training programs (0+5). In 2011, the integrated vascular surgery training program was one of the most competitive medical student residency matches. The National Resident Matching Program reported that of the 30 integrated vascular programs offered in 2011, 29 were filled with U.S. seniors. Several 0+5 program directors said the majority of their applicants attended the Vascular Annual Meeting Medical Student and General Surgery Travel Scholarship Program, and that the program has positively influenced applicants' decisions to pursue the specialty.

More women are entering the field of vascular surgery. In the 2011 National Resident Matching Program's vascular surgery integrated match, 59 percent of the positions were offered to female medical students. Women now account for 40 percent of all vascular surgery integrated residents.

Eva Rzucidlo, MD, chair, SVS Women's Leadership Committee explains, "The vascular surgery specialty is very attractive to female students. We saw this first-hand with the results of the 2011 residency match with the majority of vascular surgery integrated positions offered to female students. The specialty truly reflects the current trends of medical schools, with greater than 50 percent of graduating medical students are women."

The 2012 National Residency Match for 0+5 programs will occur on March 16.

Specialties with at least 10 positions in the March 2011 Match and filled more than 90 percent by U.S. seniors:

• Vascular Surgery (PGY-1): 96.7 percent
• Otolaryngology (PGY-1): 95.1 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-1): 93.8 percent
• Dermatology (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Plastic Surgery (Integrated) (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Orthopedic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.7 percent
• Thoracic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.3 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-2): 90.3 percent

Source: National Resident Matching Program 2011 Main Residency Match.

The SVS scholarship program has sparked an increase in the number of medical student residency matches for the integrated vascular training programs (0+5). In 2011, the integrated vascular surgery training program was one of the most competitive medical student residency matches. The National Resident Matching Program reported that of the 30 integrated vascular programs offered in 2011, 29 were filled with U.S. seniors. Several 0+5 program directors said the majority of their applicants attended the Vascular Annual Meeting Medical Student and General Surgery Travel Scholarship Program, and that the program has positively influenced applicants' decisions to pursue the specialty.

More women are entering the field of vascular surgery. In the 2011 National Resident Matching Program's vascular surgery integrated match, 59 percent of the positions were offered to female medical students. Women now account for 40 percent of all vascular surgery integrated residents.

Eva Rzucidlo, MD, chair, SVS Women's Leadership Committee explains, "The vascular surgery specialty is very attractive to female students. We saw this first-hand with the results of the 2011 residency match with the majority of vascular surgery integrated positions offered to female students. The specialty truly reflects the current trends of medical schools, with greater than 50 percent of graduating medical students are women."

The 2012 National Residency Match for 0+5 programs will occur on March 16.

Specialties with at least 10 positions in the March 2011 Match and filled more than 90 percent by U.S. seniors:

• Vascular Surgery (PGY-1): 96.7 percent
• Otolaryngology (PGY-1): 95.1 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-1): 93.8 percent
• Dermatology (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Plastic Surgery (Integrated) (PGY-1): 92.9 percent
• Orthopedic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.7 percent
• Thoracic Surgery (PGY-1): 92.3 percent
• Radiation Oncology (PGY-2): 90.3 percent

Source: National Resident Matching Program 2011 Main Residency Match.