SHOWCASING A ‘REWARDING FIELD’: STUDENT-TRAINEE PROGRAM AT VAM DEALS WITH FULL SPECTRUM OF VASCULAR SURGERY

BESIDES BEING ABLE TO ATTEND the scientific and educational sessions at the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), medical students and general surgery residents have an entire program devoted specifically to their career stage.

The VAM Resident and Student Program includes:

Students and residents also enjoy highly discounted rates to attend VAM, ranging from $50–$100 for SVS member medical students to $375–$525 for SVS member residents. The exact fee depends on the registration date, which includes three zones.

“Every year, we consider what topics need particular emphasis based on current practice trends, important data and member feedback,” he said. This year, such sessions will cover venous disease, two of them offered in collaboration with the American Venous Forum, one on iliocaval stenting, and a second on “what’s new in deep venous thrombosis treatments.”

In addition, a session is planned that takes a deeper dive into the BEST-CLI and BASIL-2 trials.

The PGEC also works with the four SVS sections—Young Surgeons, Community Practice, Women’s, and Sub-Section on Outpatient & Office Vascular Care (SOOVC)—to develop educational programs sponsored by each. Topics include financial literacy (Women’s Section), the business side of running an outpatient facility (SOOVC), tips for surgeons in their first five years of practice (Young Surgeons Section), and a session on recognizing, enhancing and promoting the vascular surgeon’s value (Community Practice Section). Physician assistants will have separate educational sessions, including a luncheon and “Cases Over Cocktails” with the Society for Vascular Nursing.

The educational sessions organized by the sections proved popular last year, said Robinson.

“They allow a particular membership group to identify what large portions of SVS members think are important. It therefore gives all of our members an opportunity for a voice in the meeting content, and helps ensure this content is applicable and important to a diverse group of members,” he said.

View the VAM Online Planner for detailed information on all presentations at vascular.org/OnlinePlanner23

◆ An introduction to vascular surgery, for pre-medical and medical students interested in learning more about the field of vascular surgery, 6:45 to 8 a.m. Thursday, June 15

◆ Succeeding as a vascular surgery residency applicant, for medical students who are planning to apply or who have already matched into vascular surgery residency training, 6:45 to 8 a.m. Thursday, June 15

◆ Succeeding as a vascular surgery fellowship applicant, for general surgery residents who are considering or plan to pursue vascular fellowship training, 6:45 to 8 a.m. Thursday, June 15

◆ A mock interview session, to prepare students and general surgery residents for vascular surgery training program interviews, 6:30 to 8 a.m.

Friday, June 16

◆ A Residency and Fellowship Fair, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 16

◆ A welcome reception specifically for medical students and general surgery residents, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 14

◆ Mentor Mentee match, pairing students and general surgery residents with a vascular surgeon for on-site mentorship that often continues on in subsequent months and years

In addition, with the support of a faculty member, trainees are encouraged to submit cases for an education session set for Friday, June 16, called “Endovation II.”

“The Resident and Student Outreach Committee (RSOC) carefully plans this program to showcase our specialty and the Society. VAM serves as an introduction to vascular surgery to those considering vascular surgery as a career choice; they can get an in-depth look at the research, technology and clinical cases that make vascular surgery a rewarding field of practice. Also, students and residents have the opportunity to meet and network with peers, vascular trainees and faculty already practicing in this rewarding specialty,” said Bernadette Aulivola, MD, committee chair. “Over the years, it’s proved highly successful. Some of our most active SVS members became committed to vascular surgery after attending VAM as a student or resident.”

It’s not just the programming, she said. Former attendees specifically mention the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie amongst vascular surgeons at all levels, from newly minted surgeons to those with decades of experience. Aulivola also pointed to the depth and breadth of knowledge that is showcased at VAM, including cutting-edge research presented at the plenaries.

Learn more at vascular.org/VAM.

REGISTRATION FOR THE SOCIETY FOR Vascular Surgery (SVS) 2023 Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) is off to a brisk start, with more than 620 attendees taking advantage of this year’s new early-bird pricing to lock in discounts.

VAM 2023 will be June 14–17 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Maryland coast, close to Washington, D.C. New this year is a requirement that attendees must register for the meeting itself before booking hotel rooms at the venue. The deadline to book rooms at the SVS group rate is May 17.

For a detailed look at this year’s schedule, sessions, abstracts, receptions and more, people can take a look at the VAM Online Planner at vascular.org/OnlinePlanner23 Certain events require separate payments, including:

1. The Connect@VAM Building Community welcome party from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 14

2. The Women’s Leadership Dinner, from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15

3. The SVS Foundation “Great Gatsby Gala,” which in March had very limited tables available

4. VQI@VAM, the Vascular Quality Initiative’s annual meeting

5. The Society for Vascular Nursing’s Annual Conference

6. The Registered Physician Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) course, moved to Wednesday this year

Sign up for all such events via the registration site, or for those who have already registered, modify existing registrations at vascular.org/vam23reg

The Connect@VAM party will be free to those 16 and younger, and will be open to non-VAM guests, such as family members. In addition, with permission of SVS staff, children 16 and younger can be in the Exhibit Hall.