As Matthew Eagleton, MD, continues with the duties of president of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), his vision for the organization extends well beyond his year-long term. Eagleton brought a wealth of experience to the position, not only from his current role as system chief of vascular and endovascular surgery for Mass General Brigham and co-director of the Fireman Vascular Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, but also from his years of dedication to advancing vascular care and education. However, his approach to leadership emphasizes continuity, collaboration and a commitment to long-term goals that surpass the influence of any single president.
Reflecting on his journey, Eagleton traces his passion for vascular surgery back to his roots in upstate New York, where he grew up in a small farming community near Rochester. Influenced by his father, a retail pharmacist, and his mother, a high school science teacher, Eagleton’s early exposure to medicine laid the foundation for his future career. After receiving his medical degree and completing his general surgery residency at the University of Rochester, he further specialized in vascular surgery at the University of Michigan. This journey through these institutions and his advanced training at the Cleveland Clinic, where he became a leader in the field, is one he credits in shaping his perspective on surgery and leadership.
Throughout his career, Eagleton has been guided by numerous mentors, from Seymour Schwartz, MD, who sparked his interest in surgery, to vascular surgery pioneers like James DeWeese, MD, Richard Green, MD, and Ken Ouriel, MD. These influences not only guided his professional path but also instilled in him the importance of mentorship, collaboration and long-term planning—principles that now inform his leadership at the SVS.
One of the key messages Eagleton emphasizes is that the role of SVS president cannot be viewed as an isolated position of power. Instead, it is part of a larger, ongoing effort that requires the collective wisdom and contributions of the entire SVS Executive Board, the SVS Strategic Board of Directors and the membership.
“Each president has the opportunity to champion specific issues that can provide immediate improvement in our ability to provide quality vascular care,” said Eagleton. “In addition, we have invested in a number of projects, as part of our long-term strategic plan defined by the Strategic Board of Directors, that we must not lose focus on as they will have a tremendous impact on the future of vascular care globally.”
Eagleton is acutely aware of the challenges that come with leadership transitions and the potential for disruption in long-term initiatives. He stresses the importance of continuity within SVS leadership, ensuring that the Society’s core objectives— improving patient care and serving its membership—remain steadfast despite changes in administration. This commitment to continuity is reflected in the way the SVS Executive Board (EB) operates, providing critical guidance to the president on key decisions, helping to maintain focus on the Society’s mission and ensuring that the SVS remains aligned with the needs of its diverse membership.
“Anytime there is a major issue, it’s not the president alone who makes decisions about what we’re doing,” Eagleton explains. “The EB functions critically, providing guidance on how we should react, what we should invest in and what to avoid. It’s important that we have diverse voices within the Executive Board so that we can understand the many different facets and interests of the SVS.”
This emphasis on diversity and collaboration within the leadership team is essential to Eagleton’s vision of a more unified Society. He recognizes that the SVS represents a wide range of vascular surgeons, from those in private practice to those in academic settings, and that the Society must find ways to bring these different groups together. As Joseph Mills, MD, highlighted in his 2024 SVS presidential address, unity is key to determining the future of the specialty, and it is a message he intends to continue to champion throughout his presidency. In addition to fostering unity, Eagleton is focused on ensuring that the SVS plays a larger role in the global political dynamics of vascular care. He sees the SVS as a crucial voice in advocating for the specialty. A major part of this effort will involve an education campaign to help the world better understand what vascular surgeons offer.
As Eagleton embarks on his year as SVS president, his vision is clear: leadership is not about short-term gains or individual achievements but about guiding the Society toward a future where vascular surgery is better understood, more unified and more impactful. Through collaboration, continuity, and a commitment to the long-term goals of the SVS, Eagleton hopes to leave a lasting legacy that benefits both the Society and the patients it serves.
“Our vision is longer than my 12-month term. We need to focus on this goal, and it’s up to all of us in leadership to ensure that SVS stays on track to achieve it,” said Eagleton.
