Innovation within the Veterans Health Administration

If one were to ask the average citizen where cutting-edge technology is developed, the most probable answer would be “private industry”; think Apple, Tesla, Uber. This lies in the belief that the U.S. government is slow, risk-averse and cumbersome when…
Patient-reported outcomes in vascular surgery are here to stay

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is again emphasizing the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) through legislation regarding the Quality Payment Program. In the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), the use of PRO tools was designated…
Confessions of a dual-trained, dual-practicing vascular-trauma surgeon

Like most of the other readers of Vascular Specialist, I look forward to perusing each release for not just useful information but also insightful editorials that frame ongoing issues in thoughtful and entertaining ways. I personally find that I am…
Corner Stitch: A letter to new vascular interns

Every intern starting vascular surgery this year is incredibly talented, and soon to be a member of a tight-knit, supportive, and fiercely passionate group of surgeons. I remember being on the cusp of my first day a year ago, having…
Mentorship: Why more vascular surgeons should consider mentoring young minds

Addressing challenges of diversity and inclusion within medical schools and the larger physician workforce should begin with a conversation about the intrinsic barriers to higher education. In an economic analysis report of medical school matriculants published by the AAMC, it…
Getting the most out of meetings like VAM

It’s Friday at Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) 2022 in Boston! Hopefully, many of us trainees are getting to mingle and meet leaders in the field in addition to other trainees outside of our usual orb. In his 2020 Vascular and…
Discussing ERAS—Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways have been beneficial for many surgical specialties and are now available to guide the perioperative care of patients undergoing open aortic operations. The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) will discuss this important topic starting at…
From proposal to podium: Tips for getting your abstract accepted at academic conferences

Striving for excellence in research is one of the defining characteristics of an academic surgeon. But simply doing great research is not enough. The dissemination of that research through academic forums, presentations and publications is just as critical because others…
Moments suspended in time: Joining the vascular fold

Noon on March 19, 2021, marked the end of an unprecedented year in the world of resident recruiting. Months of virtual interviews, “away” rotations done through a computer screen, and a few short trips to prospective cities amidst rolling waves…
The pandemic has been a challenge, but perhaps it imposed some equity

Years from now when we look back, will we measure time in terms of B.C. and A.C.—Before Covid and After Covid? It’s hard to imagine a time when we will we once again feel comfortable walking hospital halls without a…

