The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation is marking a milestone in this year’s Celebration of Science year-end giving campaign, as former awardees have now contributed amounts exceeding the support they once received.
Julie A. Freischlag, MD, exemplifies this spirit of generosity after receiving $12,000 in early-career funding for the E.J. Wylie Traveling Fellowship. The fellowship allowed her to visit Yale University to observe the basic science laboratory of Bauer Sumpio, MD, PhD, and to visit Australia to observe clinical vascular surgery in Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong. Over the years, she has contributed almost three times the award amount to the SVS Foundation.
Ronald Dalman, MD, who also received the E.J. Wylie Traveling Fellowship, has contributed more than triple what he received in funding over his lifetime. He said his decision to give stems from a deep belief in the foundation’s mission.
James H. Black, MD, another Wylie recipient, said his contributions reflect the lessons he learned early in his career: collaboration and continuous learning.
Joseph L. Mills, MD, received the Wylie award in 1993, a recognition that he credits with laying the foundation for his academic career. Additionally, he was awarded a VISTA grant from the foundation, which enabled his team to conduct essential follow-up research on a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) study focused on preventing amputations in underserved and economically disadvantaged individuals with diabetes. This opportunity also allowed him to mentor the next generation of researchers specializing in peripheral vascular disease. Between 2015 and 2025, Mills received $45,500 in funding and has since surpassed his own award amount.
Research funding remains scarce, and the SVS Foundation relies on donors’ contributions to sustain programs that foster discovery and education. These gifts fund fellowships, research grants and initiatives that help vascular surgeons tackle complex challenges. “One needs resources for mentors to teach the next generation, and donors can direct those resources to exciting and worthwhile projects, as there is never enough research funding available—especially now,” Freischlag said. “Giving back makes one feel proud that you can help someone else achieve their dream.”
Matthew Eagleton, MD, SVS Foundation board chair, said: “We ask a lot of our members. We ask for time. We ask for money. We ask for support,” Eagleton said. “For some of you, we are going to make an additional ask—consider giving back.”
For more information, visit vascular.org/SVS-Foundation.
