Vascular health professionals from around the world gathered in Boston earlier this month to learn more about the specialty’s cutting-edge research, catch up with colleagues, and view the latest trends and technology at the recent Vascular Annual Meeting. The meeting’s attendance figures of approximately 1,500 included a large international contingent representing about 40 countries.
Copyright Martin Allred
Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag welcomed participants to the 2014 Vascular Annual Meeting in Boston.
The SVS ranks swelled as more than 200 vascular health professionals were approved for membership at the Annual Business Meeting, growing the Society to approximately 4,800 members. Efforts to provide medical students and general surgery residents with exposure to the specialty were also evident by the number of young people in attendance. More than 200 students and general surgery residents matched with mentors as part of a welcome buddy/mentor program. A record number of programs, nearly 70, participated in this year’s Residency Fair.
During the Vascular Annual Meeting’s opening ceremony, SVS President Julie Ann Freischlag discussed why she’s been proud to lead the Society this past year.
“We are not the field of quick fixes, we take care of people across the years, through complicated illnesses and conditions,” Dr. Freischlag said. “We help people live longer, healthier lives so they can do the things they love–spend time with their families, grandchildren, spouses, or simply enjoy a walk on a sunny day.”
Vascular Live, an interactive event that showcased state-of-the-art techniques in vascular surgery, had standing room only crowds at many sessions in the Exhibit Hall.
The new mobile app was downloaded by 1,100 people and allowed attendees to share status updates and photos with colleagues, as well as plan agendas and view abstracts.
“It was great to see many old friends–that’s the best part of meetings like this,” said Dr. Rocco Ciocca, meeting attendee and vascular surgeon from Seattle.
The Vascular Annual Meeting offered 31.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)(tm). Those attending educational sessions during the Vascular Annual Meeting will have until June 7, 2015, to claim the CME at vsweb.org/cme2014.
