Vascular surgeons know they need excellent medical malpractice insurance. But how about disability insurance? SVS members just might be significantly under-insured, potentially impacting their lifestyles after a disability.

SVS’ Affinity Program of expanded benefits can connect members with individual disability plans with three companies – Principal Life Insurance Company, Securian, and Lloyd’s of London. These plans provide taxfree benefits, protecting hundreds of thousands of dollars – maybe even millions – in future tax-free benefits income.

After nearly a year of research, consultation and consideration, after hearing feedback from approximately 300 members on tone, approach and messaging, the Society for Vascular Surgery is about to begin implementing a branding campaign.

The SVS Executive Board approved referral communication planning and production in July. The Springboard consulting firm will test communications with referral sources and tweak as necessary. The campaign is expected to roll out in the spring, ahead of the 2020 Vascular Annual Meeting.

PAD Resources: September is PAD Awareness Month, and SVS has not only resources but also new information for its members.

The Society for Vascular Surgery has new officers for the 2019-20 year, elected at the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting.

New President Dr. Hodgson

Dr. Hodgson holds the David Sumner endowed chair in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Southern Illinois University and is medical director of the David S. Sumner Vascular Laboratory at Memorial Medical Center.

Major enhancements are coming to the SVS Vascular Quality Initiative’s Hemodialysis Access Registry, with completion expected by the end of the year.

The registry captures all arterio-venous fistulas and grafts procedures, including A-V fistulas using transposed veins and A-V grafts using autogenous, prosthetic or biological material. It has been in use since 2011.

‘DC Update’ Newsletter Debuts: The Society for Vascular Surgery has a new electronic newsletter, “DC Update” to keep SVS members informed of the events in Washington, D.C., that impact their lives. Initially, the newsletter (sent Sept. 16) will appear every other month.

SVS trainees can “specialize” in more than just vascular surgery. Those interested in health policy can apply to spend a day in Washington to learn about issues that impact vascular surgery. The recipient will spend time on Capitol Hill and share with policymakers and their staff’s issues of concern for vascular surgeons and patients across the country.

Volunteers are needed for a new SVS Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The SVS is seeking members with a desire to explore issues related to inequity in the field of vascular surgery. The task force will research inequities related to gender, race, ethnicity, age and sexual orientation and develop strategies to reduce identified inequities. SVS is well-poised for a proactive approach to identifying and working to improve environmental conditions that foster inequities within our specialty. 

Most smokers know cigarettes can damage their lungs, but all too often, they have no idea that smoking is also bad for their blood vessels.

Most of the millions of people with varicose veins don’t consider them a medical issue, unless they happen to be painful, achy or inflamed.