In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation’s “Voices of Vascular” series is underscoring women’s contributions to the specialty. The SVS Foundation initiative champions female accomplishments, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in helping shape vascular surgery, enhancing patient care and contributing to a healthier world.
Three medical students, Nishita Vootukuru, Shannon McDonnell and Kundanika Lakkadi, have shared their insights on why it is imperative to fund the future of medicine, particularly in the context of women’s health.
Vootukuru, a second-year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, emphasizes the urgent need to address women’s unique challenges in receiving diagnoses and treatments for vascular disease.
“As a student in the vascular community, the imperative nature of addressing the unique challenges women face in receiving diagnoses and treatments for vascular disease is evident. Through initiatives like Voices of Vascular, we can work towards supporting research tailored to women’s health needs, ultimately improving outcomes for all,” said Vootukuru.
Throughout the month, the SVS Foundation and the SVS Women’s Section Steering Committee will honor SVS members for their life-saving care and pioneering research in the fight against vascular disease. The Society shared a video from members on its social media channels explaining the importance of giving for Women’s History Month.
McDonnell, currently in her fourth year of medical school at Loyola University in Chicago, credits the mentorship she received from female vascular surgeons as a driving force behind her decision to pursue vascular surgery. She highlights these mentors’ multifaceted roles, serving as researchers, leaders in their field and mothers.
McDonnell emphasizes the importance of representation, stating, “Envisioning myself in similar roles not only served as an enormous inspiration but also underscored the importance of representation as a minority in such an important and ever-growing specialty.
“As the field of vascular surgery continues to evolve, sponsoring women’s research will allow our many female surgeons to improve patient outcomes and recruit more diverse perspectives to the specialty.”
Lakkadi, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Queensland-Ochsner Clinical School, emphasizes the broader significance of supporting vascular research.
Lakkadi believes that funding research contributes to raising public awareness about the critical importance of vascular health.
“I believe it is important to support and fund vascular research to raise public awareness about the critical significance of vascular health. Initiatives like the Voices of Vascular campaign play a vital role in spotlighting the diversity within our field, fostering its growth, innovation and improved health outcomes,” said Lakkadi.
The SVS Foundation extends its support through grant assistance and scholarships that pave the way for opportunities for aspiring female vascular surgeons for years to come. Boston Scientific, the presenting sponsor for the initiative, will give a $25,000 match, doubling every donation made through March 31.
The SVS Foundation calls upon individuals to join in uplifting and celebrating women in vascular medicine by offering their support. Visit vascular.org/Voices to learn more.
