During Black History Month, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation will shine a spotlight on the contributions of Black vascular surgeons through its “Voices of Vascular” campaign. This initiative is dedicated to recognizing the diverse voices within the SVS and promoting awareness of various cultures and communities.
The “Voices” campaign—whose presenting sponsor this year is Boston Scientific—spans multiple months, each dedicated to acknowledging different facets of diversity.
Following Black History Month in February, the campaign extends its focus to Women’s History Month in March, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in April, Pride Month in June and National Hispanic Heritage Month from mid-September to mid-October. The goal is to engage members and the public in sharing crucial information about each highlighted group, fostering awareness and appreciation for their unique contributions.
Recognizing the campaign’s impact, the SVS and its Foundation received the Profile of Excellence Award from the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE) last September. This annual award program honors member organizations achieving excellence in areas such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), advocacy, communications, education, membership and leadership.
For Black History Month, the SVS has curated a series of profiles spotlighting the accomplishments and stories of Black vascular surgeons.
One featured professional for the 2023 initiative was Channa Blakely, DO, who was matched into vascular surgery in Galveston, Texas. Currently finishing up her residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Blakely recognized the implicit trust and understanding she shares with patients who look like her. As an African American woman in a surgical specialty, she emphasized the importance of her role in building connections with patients.
“I find that my patients express their pride and the comfort of me having a similar background to them. They often look at me for reassurance,” said Blakely.
The profiles aim to inspire the next generation of vascular surgeons and underscore the significance of diversity within the medical community. Daemar Jones, a fourth-year medical student at Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine, was featured for 2024 Black History Month. Jones, a 2023–24 social media ambassador for the SVS, emphasizes the impact of scholarships and donations to the Foundation that support physicians and students.
“Coming from me—a student who had all odds statistically [against him] as someone who’s not supposed to be here—if I get a Match acceptance, I aspire to advance my career academically and become an academic mentor. My goal is to be a resident with skills that impact my community. Those are the aspirations that drive me forward, and I am determined to break barriers and inspire the next generation,” said Jones.
The “Voices” campaign serves as a valuable resource for those interested in gaining insights into the multifaceted world of vascular surgery and the individuals shaping its future.
To learn more about “Voices of Vascular,” visit vascular.org/VoicesOfVascular.
