OPTIMIZING THE CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT

AMERICA’S FACE IS CHANGING, BECOMING MORE DIVERSE, AND with more women and immigrants in the country, medicine and the vascular surgery specialty.

Raghu L. Motaganahalli, MD, of the Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, presented both the barriers and pathways to success in “Mitigating Barriers to Inclusion and Advancement in Academic Surgery: International Medical Graduate (IMG) Perspective. His presentation was part of an educational session on “Optimizing the Clinical Environment: Learning & Practicing with Intent and Inclusion” Thursday afternoon.

“I am an immigrant vascular surgeon and believe we add value to our specialty,” he said straightforwardly, at the start of his presentation.

The U.S. includes more than 2.8 million foreign-born healthcare workers from a wide range of countries. Top countries of birth are the Philippines, Mexico, India, Jamaica and Haiti.

In 2021, U.S.-born doctors represented 60.1% of residents and fellows in ACGME-accredited programs; DOs made up 16.9% and international medical graduates made up nearly 23%. IMGs in 2021 represented 17.5% of the vascular surgery workforce.

Some challenges in getting hired include concerns about standardized training, including school reputation and accreditation; perceived language and cultural barriers and visa requirements, he said.

Both systemic intervention and individual actions can help mitigate exclusion. IMGs who want to advance in academics should “choose the right environment, surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and supplement your environment with the necessary resources to succeed.”

Presidential handover

THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING (for members only). The results of the justcompleted SVS election of officers (vice president and treasurer) will be announced at the meeting, which will also feature reports from officers and others, presentation of awards and the passing of the gavel—and the SVS presidency—from Michael C. Dalsing, MD, to Joseph Mills, MD. The meeting, from 12–1:45 p.m. Saturday, closes out VAM 2023.

Last hours to bid on Gala Auction items

A NIGHT OF GRANDEUR, reminiscent of the parties hosted by the fictional character Jay Gatsby, awaits attendees on Friday night at the “Great Gatsby Gala,” benefiting the SVS Foundation. Gala tickets are sold out, but bidding will continue for everyone regardless of VAM or Gala attendance. More than 50 items are available, including weekend excursion packages. The Gala Silent Auction will close at 8 p.m., allowing individuals from around the globe to participate.