The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) announced an increase in membership dues for 2024 for Active members, a strategic move aimed at enhancing support and resources for its members. This adjustment will bolster professional development opportunities, networking, advocacy and resources tailored to the needs of vascular surgeons and related professionals. Members are encouraged to renew their registration to take full advantage of these benefits.
SVS President Matthew Eagleton, MD, informed members in late July of the increase and noted that a portion of the adjustment will be allocated to support the SVS’ efforts to establish a stronger brand identity for the specialty via a multifaceted public awareness campaign.“In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, vascular surgery must strengthen its specialty identity and increase our exposure to a variety of public-facing audiences. A robust and recognizable brand not only amplifies the SVS voice in advocating for vascular health but also ensures that members like you receive the recognition and support they deserve,” stated Eagleton.
Members will soon have access to updated materials associated with this campaign, which will provide benefit for both physician practices and their patients, including free downloadable patient care and awareness brochures, media materials and a new patient-centric website. Consensus documents, information on the Medicare Quality Payment Program and the SVS Patient Safety Organization’s Vascular Quality Initiative (PSO VQI) are additional resources that support members in providing top-tier patient care.
An SVS membership also includes the SVS Branding Toolkit, which offers customizable tools to help vascular surgeons communicate their role in vascular care. These tools help facilitate crucial conversations with referral sources and administrators, and emphasize the increasing value of vascular service lines.
The 2024 secretary report, delivered at the Annual Business Meeting (ABM) in June 2024, listed a total membership of 6,635. Of these, 38% are practicing vascular surgeons in the Active Member category, while 11% are early-career vascular surgeons in the Early Active Member category. Candidates-in-training, which include 237 general surgery resident members and 346 medical student members, make up 19%. Fully retired Senior members account for 14% of the membership.
Additionally, 8% of SVS members are International and from more than 50 countries outside the U.S. and Canada. Affiliate members, such as nurses and physician assistants affiliated with vascular surgery, constitute 10% of the membership. The remaining 2% comprises Honorary members and Affiliate members, such as specialty physicians (DPMs) and academic researchers (PhDs).
SVS members have access to peer-reviewed research and surgical techniques through the Journal of Vascular Surgery (JVS) body of titles—subscription free for Active, Trainee, Graduated Candidates and Associate members. Additional member updates are available via the electronic newsletter, Pulse, and the monthly Vascular Specialist newspaper, which inform members about the latest news and developments in the field. SVSConnect, the Society’s online community, provides an exclusive platform for members to engage in discussions, share insights and collaborate with peers worldwide. Members enjoy reduced pricing for key events such as the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), the Complex Peripheral Vascular Intervention (CPVI) Skills Course and the Coding & Reimbursement Workshop.
The sixth edition of the Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP6) offers a structured approach to continuous learning and gives members access to the latest educational materials to stay current with evolving medical standards.
The SVS offers mentorship programs, leadership opportunities on councils and committees and scholarships that support members at all stages of their careers, from emerging professionals to seasoned experts. Research grants are available for vascular surgeons, ensuring innovative work continues to thrive.
The SVS professional government affairs staff advocates on behalf of members to influence federal legislative and regulatory processes that directly impact their practices and patients. This advocacy ensures that member voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives, livelihoods and patients, providing essential support and representation. An advocacy conference will take place in 2025, allowing SVS members to participate actively in these efforts.
To learn more about SVS membership, visit vascular.org/MemberBenefits.
