A standing ovation, flashing lights and a praiseworthy introduction greeted the recipients of the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award yesterday morning: Peter Gloviczki, MD, and Robert M. Zwolak, MD, took turns to soak in the highest honor a member can receive from the organization.
Greeting them both individually, SVS President Joseph Mills, MD, introduced the two as great leaders of vascular surgery and described the significance of their accomplishments.
“Since its inception in 1998, the SVS Lifetime Achievement Award has celebrated the pinnacle of achievement in our field,” said Mills. “Today, we honor two luminaries who have profoundly advanced vascular surgery and inspired countless colleagues and trainees with their dedication, innovation and leadership.”
Gloviczki has dedicated his career to advancing vascular surgery through clinical practice and academic contributions. His lifetime achievements encompass clinical, scholarly and educational accomplishments, as well as research that has significantly impacted the field. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his modest beginnings as an immigrant who aspired to be a surgery professor. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him along his “unique journey,” from a small town in Northeast Hungary near the Ukrainian border to Rochester, Minnesota, at the Mayo Clinic.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have a great family, my father, uncle and brother—they were all physicians. Somewhere in heaven, my parents are smiling down at me right now,” he said, thanking his parents for being his role models growing up and showering him with love and support. He also thanked his professors, colleagues and wife.
Gloviczki has overseen critical advancements in knowledge and practice as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Vascular Surgery. He has previously served as SVS president and in various executive positions within the Society. Recently, he completed the 5th edition of the Handbook of Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, a landmark resource.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my residents and fellows, as you are the current and future leaders of this distinguished society; you help and inspire me daily to provide the best care to our patients. I am so proud to have shared this with each and every one of you,” said Gloviczki.
Zwolak used his time at the podium to praise the SVS community and call on members to engage now more than ever. He addressed his medical students, residents and fellows in the room, thanking them for choosing vascular surgery as their specialty. “If I could dial the clock back 40 years, would I choose anything different?” he asked the crowd. “Absolutely not.”
Zwolak detailed the numerous complex procedures that vascular surgeons perform daily and highlighted widespread innovation in the field. He emphasized that, with tools like the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI), “we meticulously follow up, identify evidence-based practices and establish guidelines for these devices.”
Zwolak is renowned for his dedication to advocating for fair payment for vascular care. His research efforts have led to significant advancements in understanding vascular diseases and treatment methodologies. As a principal investigator on numerous studies, Zwolak has authored influential publications and books that have guided practice and policy in vascular surgery. His work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and various professional societies has led to crucial changes benefiting patients and healthcare providers. Zwolak’s extensive involvement with the SVS includes numerous leadership positions, including a tenure as SVS president.
“Vascular surgery has been the most gratifying career, and I suspect it will be for you as well,” said Zwolak.
Zwolak reminded the crowd how effective political advocacy can be in support of the vascular community in Washington, D.C., referencing the creation of a federal mandate for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening and Medicare beneficiaries.
