From the Vascular Community

Scenario: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a large hospital comes into the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) office after a hospital board retreat meeting on strategy for faster physician integration. His marching orders include allowing daytime coverage but restricting after-hours house staff coverage only for patients of physicians who are fully employed by the health system. The CEO knows this will create an uproar but wants the CMO to get "buy-in" from all physicians on the medical staff. He shares the 5-year financial projections and insists that viability of the institution is at stake. The relatively new CMO not only realizes the challenge represented but also recognizes a great personal opportunity. From her efforts in the past 2 years, she has garnered a reputation for honesty and integrity. Relying on her education in leadership, communications, and negotiations, she formulates a strategy to achieve the CEO's directive.

Problem: "Getting buy-in" has become an unwelcome phrase for many physicians. The general implication is that hospital administration wants salaried physicians or other leaders to persuade the "troops" to agree to something for which a decision has already been made. Persuading others is often an art and not a show of strength, and furthermore, not always rational. The art involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and asking yourself: "Would I buy this if the idea was offered to me?" If not, leaders first need to convince themselves of the benefits of the intended proposal. If it is always about you and your victories, you will acquire a reputation of being a self-serving leader and lose followers when you need them. Once a leader has convinced himself/herself, pushing hard against a timeline does not always work. Sometimes, being too aggressive can have the opposite reaction.

Solution: Physicians are scientists and, therefore, are influenced by data and empiric arguments. Most proposals advanced by hospitals involve finances to some degree. The problem is that most physicians do not have expertise in analyzing financial data. Thus, physician leaders must make the facts easily understandable and not use book-based accounting terms in attempts to impress physician groups. This may result in a reinforcement of the bias that everyone in administration is concerned only with money. Leaders must make the financial application easy to understand, possibly with charts or graphs, and seek to educate in the process.

Even though the proposal may be factual and well reasoned, the medical staff sometimes has not had time to process the pros and cons or separate their own parochial interests from those of the institution. Persuasion does indeed involve emotion at times but must be used wisely and at the right time when reason and rational arguments have hit home first. That is not to say that everyone in the audience will be convinced of the brilliance of your argument but it may persuade enough people to come over to your side. When emotion is used and timed correctly, it creates excitement and tends to spread through the audience so it completes the "sale."

If there is not enough support, it is best to let things rest and work on those who are opposed to the proposal as a knee-jerk response or based upon misperception. The leader needs to have established a reputation for honesty, integrity, and listening. A physician leader speaking on behalf of the institution may have already been deemed as having gone over to the "dark side" of administration and thus, sacrificed integrity. A successful physician leader will discuss the downsides of a proposal as well as inherent risks of the endeavor. If this is done, the opposition tends to then start looking at the positives you have presented.

Conclusion: Although presenting data to physicians is vital to getting their "buy-in" for an idea or proposal, the physician leader must build a reputation of honesty, integrity, and being a good listener. Convincing physician audiences almost always takes more time than hospital administrators think it should. Facts help to put the idea on a sound footing as well as a clear and rational explanation brings attention to the proposal. But genuine emotion displayed at the right time creates excitement and can lead to closing the deal.

Scenario: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a large hospital comes into the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) office after a hospital board retreat meeting on strategy for faster physician integration. His marching orders include allowing daytime coverage but restricting after-hours house staff coverage only for patients of physicians who are fully employed by the health system. The CEO knows this will create an uproar but wants the CMO to get "buy-in" from all physicians on the medical staff. He shares the 5-year financial projections and insists that viability of the institution is at stake. The relatively new CMO not only realizes the challenge represented but also recognizes a great personal opportunity. From her efforts in the past 2 years, she has garnered a reputation for honesty and integrity. Relying on her education in leadership, communications, and negotiations, she formulates a strategy to achieve the CEO's directive.

Problem: "Getting buy-in" has become an unwelcome phrase for many physicians. The general implication is that hospital administration wants salaried physicians or other leaders to persuade the "troops" to agree to something for which a decision has already been made. Persuading others is often an art and not a show of strength, and furthermore, not always rational. The art involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and asking yourself: "Would I buy this if the idea was offered to me?" If not, leaders first need to convince themselves of the benefits of the intended proposal. If it is always about you and your victories, you will acquire a reputation of being a self-serving leader and lose followers when you need them. Once a leader has convinced himself/herself, pushing hard against a timeline does not always work. Sometimes, being too aggressive can have the opposite reaction.

Solution: Physicians are scientists and, therefore, are influenced by data and empiric arguments. Most proposals advanced by hospitals involve finances to some degree. The problem is that most physicians do not have expertise in analyzing financial data. Thus, physician leaders must make the facts easily understandable and not use book-based accounting terms in attempts to impress physician groups. This may result in a reinforcement of the bias that everyone in administration is concerned only with money. Leaders must make the financial application easy to understand, possibly with charts or graphs, and seek to educate in the process.

Even though the proposal may be factual and well reasoned, the medical staff sometimes has not had time to process the pros and cons or separate their own parochial interests from those of the institution. Persuasion does indeed involve emotion at times but must be used wisely and at the right time when reason and rational arguments have hit home first. That is not to say that everyone in the audience will be convinced of the brilliance of your argument but it may persuade enough people to come over to your side. When emotion is used and timed correctly, it creates excitement and tends to spread through the audience so it completes the "sale."

If there is not enough support, it is best to let things rest and work on those who are opposed to the proposal as a knee-jerk response or based upon misperception. The leader needs to have established a reputation for honesty, integrity, and listening. A physician leader speaking on behalf of the institution may have already been deemed as having gone over to the "dark side" of administration and thus, sacrificed integrity. A successful physician leader will discuss the downsides of a proposal as well as inherent risks of the endeavor. If this is done, the opposition tends to then start looking at the positives you have presented.

Conclusion: Although presenting data to physicians is vital to getting their "buy-in" for an idea or proposal, the physician leader must build a reputation of honesty, integrity, and being a good listener. Convincing physician audiences almost always takes more time than hospital administrators think it should. Facts help to put the idea on a sound footing as well as a clear and rational explanation brings attention to the proposal. But genuine emotion displayed at the right time creates excitement and can lead to closing the deal.

Scenario: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a large hospital comes into the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) office after a hospital board retreat meeting on strategy for faster physician integration. His marching orders include allowing daytime coverage but restricting after-hours house staff coverage only for patients of physicians who are fully employed by the health system. The CEO knows this will create an uproar but wants the CMO to get "buy-in" from all physicians on the medical staff. He shares the 5-year financial projections and insists that viability of the institution is at stake. The relatively new CMO not only realizes the challenge represented but also recognizes a great personal opportunity. From her efforts in the past 2 years, she has garnered a reputation for honesty and integrity. Relying on her education in leadership, communications, and negotiations, she formulates a strategy to achieve the CEO's directive.

Problem: "Getting buy-in" has become an unwelcome phrase for many physicians. The general implication is that hospital administration wants salaried physicians or other leaders to persuade the "troops" to agree to something for which a decision has already been made. Persuading others is often an art and not a show of strength, and furthermore, not always rational. The art involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and asking yourself: "Would I buy this if the idea was offered to me?" If not, leaders first need to convince themselves of the benefits of the intended proposal. If it is always about you and your victories, you will acquire a reputation of being a self-serving leader and lose followers when you need them. Once a leader has convinced himself/herself, pushing hard against a timeline does not always work. Sometimes, being too aggressive can have the opposite reaction.

Solution: Physicians are scientists and, therefore, are influenced by data and empiric arguments. Most proposals advanced by hospitals involve finances to some degree. The problem is that most physicians do not have expertise in analyzing financial data. Thus, physician leaders must make the facts easily understandable and not use book-based accounting terms in attempts to impress physician groups. This may result in a reinforcement of the bias that everyone in administration is concerned only with money. Leaders must make the financial application easy to understand, possibly with charts or graphs, and seek to educate in the process.

Even though the proposal may be factual and well reasoned, the medical staff sometimes has not had time to process the pros and cons or separate their own parochial interests from those of the institution. Persuasion does indeed involve emotion at times but must be used wisely and at the right time when reason and rational arguments have hit home first. That is not to say that everyone in the audience will be convinced of the brilliance of your argument but it may persuade enough people to come over to your side. When emotion is used and timed correctly, it creates excitement and tends to spread through the audience so it completes the "sale."

If there is not enough support, it is best to let things rest and work on those who are opposed to the proposal as a knee-jerk response or based upon misperception. The leader needs to have established a reputation for honesty, integrity, and listening. A physician leader speaking on behalf of the institution may have already been deemed as having gone over to the "dark side" of administration and thus, sacrificed integrity. A successful physician leader will discuss the downsides of a proposal as well as inherent risks of the endeavor. If this is done, the opposition tends to then start looking at the positives you have presented.

Conclusion: Although presenting data to physicians is vital to getting their "buy-in" for an idea or proposal, the physician leader must build a reputation of honesty, integrity, and being a good listener. Convincing physician audiences almost always takes more time than hospital administrators think it should. Facts help to put the idea on a sound footing as well as a clear and rational explanation brings attention to the proposal. But genuine emotion displayed at the right time creates excitement and can lead to closing the deal.

Nearing 40 years of continued service to its membership, the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society at its annual meeting elected a change in the society name to reflect the modern practice of its 1,000+ active and senior members. Originally founded in 1976, the society was designated as the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club and later on invoked the PVSS. Now outdated, "peripheral" was once used to differentiate the emerging field of vascular surgery from "central" cardiovascular surgery. As evidenced by hundreds of VESS registrants at the most recent meeting and plenary sessions in Steamboat Springs, January 29–February 2, the membership has actively engaged and researched projects and outcomes across the spectrum of all vascular territories using the best of modern vascular and endovascular techniques.

Indeed, the VESS reflects our appropriate American Board Certifications, many division and practice names, as well as common journals in which the membership are often published and contribute. General knowledge of the role of vascular surgery in public health is increasing through a variety of mechanisms, and the importance of the marriage of endovascular surgery to traditional perceptions of vascular surgery has both timely and strategic implications for VESS going forward. The process of VESS name was researched since 2008 and carried forth with support of the past 26 PVSS presidents. An opinion poll was taken from the membership, and among respondents, the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society was the leading choice by an overwhelming margin. At our recent winter meeting, the membership voted overwhelmingly for the VESS moniker.

Our academic program at the winter meeting was very successful this year with 50 papers presented from institutions across the country and abroad. The topics discussed covered the entire scope of vascular and endovascular surgery including readmission rates after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hospital length of stay after carotid endarterectomy as a surrogate for quality, and methods for maintenance of end-stage dialysis access. The program also included case presentations that described new techniques for visceral vessel debranching and the management of large acquired arteriovenous fistulas. The plenary sessions promoted discussion and gave a forum for fellows and residents to present their work.

Building on the enthusiasm of a great winter program, the VESS inauguration has met great support, as Past PVSS President Chuck Anderson, M.D., commented, "Our specialty has evolved dramatically since the early meetings of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club. The original goal was to recognize the group of "new" surgeons that were fellowship trained in a "new" specialty and provide a forum for continued education and advocacy. The new name more appropriately reflects the evolution of the specialty and our mission remains the same." Jeb Hallett, M.D., a past PVSS president, echoes the sentiment: "Keep your focus on our mission for young surgeons!"

Without a doubt, VESS will continue in its mission to provide a forum for development of the young vascular and endovascular surgeon, with continued support for its spring meeting in conjunction with the Vascular Annual Meeting. The VESS Winter Meeting will remain the major venue for all its members with novel programs for residents and fellows, an exciting slate of plenary sessions and interchange, inspirational presidential addresses, and the unique and entertaining venues for its annual celebratory dinner.

James H. Black III, M.D., VESS Councilor-at-Large

Nearing 40 years of continued service to its membership, the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society at its annual meeting elected a change in the society name to reflect the modern practice of its 1,000+ active and senior members. Originally founded in 1976, the society was designated as the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club and later on invoked the PVSS. Now outdated, "peripheral" was once used to differentiate the emerging field of vascular surgery from "central" cardiovascular surgery. As evidenced by hundreds of VESS registrants at the most recent meeting and plenary sessions in Steamboat Springs, January 29–February 2, the membership has actively engaged and researched projects and outcomes across the spectrum of all vascular territories using the best of modern vascular and endovascular techniques.

Indeed, the VESS reflects our appropriate American Board Certifications, many division and practice names, as well as common journals in which the membership are often published and contribute. General knowledge of the role of vascular surgery in public health is increasing through a variety of mechanisms, and the importance of the marriage of endovascular surgery to traditional perceptions of vascular surgery has both timely and strategic implications for VESS going forward. The process of VESS name was researched since 2008 and carried forth with support of the past 26 PVSS presidents. An opinion poll was taken from the membership, and among respondents, the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society was the leading choice by an overwhelming margin. At our recent winter meeting, the membership voted overwhelmingly for the VESS moniker.

Our academic program at the winter meeting was very successful this year with 50 papers presented from institutions across the country and abroad. The topics discussed covered the entire scope of vascular and endovascular surgery including readmission rates after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hospital length of stay after carotid endarterectomy as a surrogate for quality, and methods for maintenance of end-stage dialysis access. The program also included case presentations that described new techniques for visceral vessel debranching and the management of large acquired arteriovenous fistulas. The plenary sessions promoted discussion and gave a forum for fellows and residents to present their work.

Building on the enthusiasm of a great winter program, the VESS inauguration has met great support, as Past PVSS President Chuck Anderson, M.D., commented, "Our specialty has evolved dramatically since the early meetings of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club. The original goal was to recognize the group of "new" surgeons that were fellowship trained in a "new" specialty and provide a forum for continued education and advocacy. The new name more appropriately reflects the evolution of the specialty and our mission remains the same." Jeb Hallett, M.D., a past PVSS president, echoes the sentiment: "Keep your focus on our mission for young surgeons!"

Without a doubt, VESS will continue in its mission to provide a forum for development of the young vascular and endovascular surgeon, with continued support for its spring meeting in conjunction with the Vascular Annual Meeting. The VESS Winter Meeting will remain the major venue for all its members with novel programs for residents and fellows, an exciting slate of plenary sessions and interchange, inspirational presidential addresses, and the unique and entertaining venues for its annual celebratory dinner.

James H. Black III, M.D., VESS Councilor-at-Large

Nearing 40 years of continued service to its membership, the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society at its annual meeting elected a change in the society name to reflect the modern practice of its 1,000+ active and senior members. Originally founded in 1976, the society was designated as the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club and later on invoked the PVSS. Now outdated, "peripheral" was once used to differentiate the emerging field of vascular surgery from "central" cardiovascular surgery. As evidenced by hundreds of VESS registrants at the most recent meeting and plenary sessions in Steamboat Springs, January 29–February 2, the membership has actively engaged and researched projects and outcomes across the spectrum of all vascular territories using the best of modern vascular and endovascular techniques.

Indeed, the VESS reflects our appropriate American Board Certifications, many division and practice names, as well as common journals in which the membership are often published and contribute. General knowledge of the role of vascular surgery in public health is increasing through a variety of mechanisms, and the importance of the marriage of endovascular surgery to traditional perceptions of vascular surgery has both timely and strategic implications for VESS going forward. The process of VESS name was researched since 2008 and carried forth with support of the past 26 PVSS presidents. An opinion poll was taken from the membership, and among respondents, the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society was the leading choice by an overwhelming margin. At our recent winter meeting, the membership voted overwhelmingly for the VESS moniker.

Our academic program at the winter meeting was very successful this year with 50 papers presented from institutions across the country and abroad. The topics discussed covered the entire scope of vascular and endovascular surgery including readmission rates after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hospital length of stay after carotid endarterectomy as a surrogate for quality, and methods for maintenance of end-stage dialysis access. The program also included case presentations that described new techniques for visceral vessel debranching and the management of large acquired arteriovenous fistulas. The plenary sessions promoted discussion and gave a forum for fellows and residents to present their work.

Building on the enthusiasm of a great winter program, the VESS inauguration has met great support, as Past PVSS President Chuck Anderson, M.D., commented, "Our specialty has evolved dramatically since the early meetings of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Club. The original goal was to recognize the group of "new" surgeons that were fellowship trained in a "new" specialty and provide a forum for continued education and advocacy. The new name more appropriately reflects the evolution of the specialty and our mission remains the same." Jeb Hallett, M.D., a past PVSS president, echoes the sentiment: "Keep your focus on our mission for young surgeons!"

Without a doubt, VESS will continue in its mission to provide a forum for development of the young vascular and endovascular surgeon, with continued support for its spring meeting in conjunction with the Vascular Annual Meeting. The VESS Winter Meeting will remain the major venue for all its members with novel programs for residents and fellows, an exciting slate of plenary sessions and interchange, inspirational presidential addresses, and the unique and entertaining venues for its annual celebratory dinner.

James H. Black III, M.D., VESS Councilor-at-Large

Professor Edouard Kieffer, a preeminent figure in French vascular surgery, died in February 2014, at the age of 72. He was Professor of Vascular Surgery and former Head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, in Paris, and served as Chairman of the French National Board of Vascular Surgery between 1986 and 1994, and as President of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery between 2004 and 2006. He was cofounder of the Annals of Vascular Surgery in 1986 with his good friend and past-President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Dr. Ramon Berguer.

Professor Edouard Kieffer, a preeminent figure in French vascular surgery, died in February 2014, at the age of 72. He was Professor of Vascular Surgery and former Head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, in Paris, and served as Chairman of the French National Board of Vascular Surgery between 1986 and 1994, and as President of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery between 2004 and 2006. He was cofounder of the Annals of Vascular Surgery in 1986 with his good friend and past-President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Dr. Ramon Berguer.

Professor Edouard Kieffer, a preeminent figure in French vascular surgery, died in February 2014, at the age of 72. He was Professor of Vascular Surgery and former Head of the Department of Vascular Surgery at the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, in Paris, and served as Chairman of the French National Board of Vascular Surgery between 1986 and 1994, and as President of the European Society for Cardiovascular Surgery between 2004 and 2006. He was cofounder of the Annals of Vascular Surgery in 1986 with his good friend and past-President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Dr. Ramon Berguer.

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

In November, Dr. George Andros was honored with the MedStar Georgetown 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Diabetic Limb Salvage at this year’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference in Washington, D.C. Dr. Andros is pictured with his award between DLS Conference co-chairs Dr. Christopher E. Attinger (left) and Dr. John S. Steinberg (right).

Courtesy Georgetown Diabetic Limb Salvage Conference

Dr. Andros is a founding partner of Los Angeles Vascular Specialists and is founder and medical director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif.

For the last 14 years, Dr. Andros has been co-chair of the Diabetic Foot Global Conference (DFCon), held in Los Angeles. He is also the emeritus medical editor of Vascular Specialist .

Please submit your short meeting reports, comings and goings, upcoming meetings, obituary announcements, etc., to From the Vascular Community in care of vascularspecialist@frontlinemedcom.com.

Meeting News

Reports

The South-Asian Association for Vascular Surgery (SAAVS) held their second annual meeting on May 30, 2013. Founded in 2011, the SAAVS is a member organization of the SVS with a mission to promote vascular health and disseminate the latest in vascular surgical techniques throughout South Asia. In just 2 years, the SAAVS has 100 registered members including 23 from overseas. During the meeting, Dr. Anil Hingorani began his tenure as President and Dr. Dipankar Mukherjee was voted President-Elect. Dr. Anahit Dua was presented an $800 prize for the outstanding resident research award. Dr. Krishna Jain and Dr. Bhagwan Satiani spoke on current issues facing vascular surgeons in the United States while Dr. Kumud Rai and Dr. Ramesh Tripathi spoke on the status of the field in India. The SAAVS is focusing its energy on establishing a "vascular update" with a 2-week didactic and practical course in South Asia. It is actively partnering with vascular societies in India to fulfill its mission. Medical students, trainees, and vascular surgeons from all backgrounds and geographic areas who are interested in advancing vascular care in South Asia are welcome to join. Visit http://saavsociety.org for more information.

Upcoming

The Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery will be holding its annual meeting September 13-14, 2013, at The Westin Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The invited guest speaker is Dr. Ronald Lee Dalman II, who is the Dr. Walter C. Chidester Professor of Surgery, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Visit http://canadianvascular.ca for more details.

Obituaries

As we are beginning this new section, we are including obituaries from 2012.

Harold Clifton Urschel, Jr.

Dr. Urschel passed away on Nov. 12, 2012, at the age of 82. At the time of his death he was at the American Heart Association meeting in Los Angeles, where he was presenting material on his latest research interest: the use of stem cells for the treatment of heart failure. He was the past president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Texas Surgical Association and a Distinguished fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery. He has been a Governor of the American College of Surgeons, Chairman of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Chairman of the Residency Review Committee for Thoracic Surgery and also a member of every important national and international medical and surgical society.

Max R. Gaspar

Dr. Gaspar, an internationally reputed vascular surgeon, died Oct. 7, 2012. He was 97. Gaspar, formerly of Long Beach, had been chief of vascular surgery for 25 years at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he also served as attending surgeon for 50 years. He had a practice in Long Beach and had also performed surgeries at St. Mary Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, and Community Medical. He attended the University of South Dakota Medical School but finished his training at USC in 1938, and earned his M.D. in 1940. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a doctor in the Pacific. Dr. Gaspar remained active in medicine and teaching. About 17 years ago, USC established the Max R. Gaspar Symposium, which addressed a specific topic of interest to physicians and surgeons who care for patients with vascular disease. He also authored numerous articles and contributed about 14 chapters to various texts. He was one of the early pioneers in our field.

Edwin Salzman

Dr. Salzman, a professor of surgery emeritus at Harvard Medical School, died Oct. 3, 2012, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in a room not far from his old office. His surgical career was cut short by Parkinson’s disease in the mid-1970s. Turning full attention to the scientific research that had always been his parallel career, he helped pioneer using aspirin to prevent DVT and spent a dozen years working part-time as deputy editor of the New England Journal of Medicine. Along with the findings in the 1970s about aspirin, he made significant contributions to research involving heparin and other methods that prevent postoperative pulmonary embolism.

Geoffrey Hamilton White

Dr. White died peacefully in Australia on Jan. 26, 2012, at the age of 60. He was at UCLA from 1984 to 1989 as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the VA Wadsworth Medical Center. He was later appointed head of the department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Professor of Vascular Surgery at Macquarie University Hospital, both in Australia. He had a richly deserved international reputation for his many contributions to the development of the endovascular treatment abdominal aortic aneurysms. He also coined the term "endoleak," which is nowpart of the nomenclature.

Deceased Members

(Reported to the SVS as of April 19, 2013; presented in order of receiving):

• Johann Ehrenhaft, MD Iowa City, IA

• J. Harold Harrison, MD Bartow, GA

• George Kish, MD Henderson, NV

• Malcolm Thomas, MD Phoenix, AZ

• Norman Rosenberg, MD Lantana, FL

• Michael Seremetis, MD Washington, DC

• Andrew Michalski, MD St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada

• Dean Wasserman, MD Paramus, NJ

• Duncan W. Campbell, MD Tucson, AZ

• Edwin Salzman, MD Cambridge, MA

• John Vander Woude, MD Sioux Falls, SD

• William A. Holbrook, MD Chevy Chase, MD

• Lewis H. Bosher, MD Richmond, VA

• Joseph Graham, MD Joplin, MO

• William D. Byrne McLean, VA

• John Waldhausen, MD Lemoyne, PA

• David Wulkan, MD Boca Raton, FL

• Max Gaspar, MD Seal Beach, CA

• Hugh E. Stephenson, MD Columbia, MO

• Harold C. Urschel, Jr., MD Dallas, TX

• Geoffrey H. White, MD Sydney, Australia

• Henning Loeprecht, MD Augsburg, Germany

Please submit your short meeting reports, comings and goings, upcoming meetings, obituary announcements, etc., to From the Vascular Community in care of vascularspecialist@frontlinemedcom.com.

Meeting News

Reports

The South-Asian Association for Vascular Surgery (SAAVS) held their second annual meeting on May 30, 2013. Founded in 2011, the SAAVS is a member organization of the SVS with a mission to promote vascular health and disseminate the latest in vascular surgical techniques throughout South Asia. In just 2 years, the SAAVS has 100 registered members including 23 from overseas. During the meeting, Dr. Anil Hingorani began his tenure as President and Dr. Dipankar Mukherjee was voted President-Elect. Dr. Anahit Dua was presented an $800 prize for the outstanding resident research award. Dr. Krishna Jain and Dr. Bhagwan Satiani spoke on current issues facing vascular surgeons in the United States while Dr. Kumud Rai and Dr. Ramesh Tripathi spoke on the status of the field in India. The SAAVS is focusing its energy on establishing a "vascular update" with a 2-week didactic and practical course in South Asia. It is actively partnering with vascular societies in India to fulfill its mission. Medical students, trainees, and vascular surgeons from all backgrounds and geographic areas who are interested in advancing vascular care in South Asia are welcome to join. Visit http://saavsociety.org for more information.

Upcoming

The Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery will be holding its annual meeting September 13-14, 2013, at The Westin Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The invited guest speaker is Dr. Ronald Lee Dalman II, who is the Dr. Walter C. Chidester Professor of Surgery, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Visit http://canadianvascular.ca for more details.

Obituaries

As we are beginning this new section, we are including obituaries from 2012.

Harold Clifton Urschel, Jr.

Dr. Urschel passed away on Nov. 12, 2012, at the age of 82. At the time of his death he was at the American Heart Association meeting in Los Angeles, where he was presenting material on his latest research interest: the use of stem cells for the treatment of heart failure. He was the past president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Texas Surgical Association and a Distinguished fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery. He has been a Governor of the American College of Surgeons, Chairman of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Chairman of the Residency Review Committee for Thoracic Surgery and also a member of every important national and international medical and surgical society.

Max R. Gaspar

Dr. Gaspar, an internationally reputed vascular surgeon, died Oct. 7, 2012. He was 97. Gaspar, formerly of Long Beach, had been chief of vascular surgery for 25 years at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he also served as attending surgeon for 50 years. He had a practice in Long Beach and had also performed surgeries at St. Mary Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, and Community Medical. He attended the University of South Dakota Medical School but finished his training at USC in 1938, and earned his M.D. in 1940. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a doctor in the Pacific. Dr. Gaspar remained active in medicine and teaching. About 17 years ago, USC established the Max R. Gaspar Symposium, which addressed a specific topic of interest to physicians and surgeons who care for patients with vascular disease. He also authored numerous articles and contributed about 14 chapters to various texts. He was one of the early pioneers in our field.

Edwin Salzman

Dr. Salzman, a professor of surgery emeritus at Harvard Medical School, died Oct. 3, 2012, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in a room not far from his old office. His surgical career was cut short by Parkinson’s disease in the mid-1970s. Turning full attention to the scientific research that had always been his parallel career, he helped pioneer using aspirin to prevent DVT and spent a dozen years working part-time as deputy editor of the New England Journal of Medicine. Along with the findings in the 1970s about aspirin, he made significant contributions to research involving heparin and other methods that prevent postoperative pulmonary embolism.

Geoffrey Hamilton White

Dr. White died peacefully in Australia on Jan. 26, 2012, at the age of 60. He was at UCLA from 1984 to 1989 as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the VA Wadsworth Medical Center. He was later appointed head of the department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Professor of Vascular Surgery at Macquarie University Hospital, both in Australia. He had a richly deserved international reputation for his many contributions to the development of the endovascular treatment abdominal aortic aneurysms. He also coined the term "endoleak," which is nowpart of the nomenclature.

Deceased Members

(Reported to the SVS as of April 19, 2013; presented in order of receiving):

• Johann Ehrenhaft, MD Iowa City, IA

• J. Harold Harrison, MD Bartow, GA

• George Kish, MD Henderson, NV

• Malcolm Thomas, MD Phoenix, AZ

• Norman Rosenberg, MD Lantana, FL

• Michael Seremetis, MD Washington, DC

• Andrew Michalski, MD St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada

• Dean Wasserman, MD Paramus, NJ

• Duncan W. Campbell, MD Tucson, AZ

• Edwin Salzman, MD Cambridge, MA

• John Vander Woude, MD Sioux Falls, SD

• William A. Holbrook, MD Chevy Chase, MD

• Lewis H. Bosher, MD Richmond, VA

• Joseph Graham, MD Joplin, MO

• William D. Byrne McLean, VA

• John Waldhausen, MD Lemoyne, PA

• David Wulkan, MD Boca Raton, FL

• Max Gaspar, MD Seal Beach, CA

• Hugh E. Stephenson, MD Columbia, MO

• Harold C. Urschel, Jr., MD Dallas, TX

• Geoffrey H. White, MD Sydney, Australia

• Henning Loeprecht, MD Augsburg, Germany

Please submit your short meeting reports, comings and goings, upcoming meetings, obituary announcements, etc., to From the Vascular Community in care of vascularspecialist@frontlinemedcom.com.

Meeting News

Reports

The South-Asian Association for Vascular Surgery (SAAVS) held their second annual meeting on May 30, 2013. Founded in 2011, the SAAVS is a member organization of the SVS with a mission to promote vascular health and disseminate the latest in vascular surgical techniques throughout South Asia. In just 2 years, the SAAVS has 100 registered members including 23 from overseas. During the meeting, Dr. Anil Hingorani began his tenure as President and Dr. Dipankar Mukherjee was voted President-Elect. Dr. Anahit Dua was presented an $800 prize for the outstanding resident research award. Dr. Krishna Jain and Dr. Bhagwan Satiani spoke on current issues facing vascular surgeons in the United States while Dr. Kumud Rai and Dr. Ramesh Tripathi spoke on the status of the field in India. The SAAVS is focusing its energy on establishing a "vascular update" with a 2-week didactic and practical course in South Asia. It is actively partnering with vascular societies in India to fulfill its mission. Medical students, trainees, and vascular surgeons from all backgrounds and geographic areas who are interested in advancing vascular care in South Asia are welcome to join. Visit http://saavsociety.org for more information.

Upcoming

The Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery will be holding its annual meeting September 13-14, 2013, at The Westin Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The invited guest speaker is Dr. Ronald Lee Dalman II, who is the Dr. Walter C. Chidester Professor of Surgery, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Visit http://canadianvascular.ca for more details.

Obituaries

As we are beginning this new section, we are including obituaries from 2012.

Harold Clifton Urschel, Jr.

Dr. Urschel passed away on Nov. 12, 2012, at the age of 82. At the time of his death he was at the American Heart Association meeting in Los Angeles, where he was presenting material on his latest research interest: the use of stem cells for the treatment of heart failure. He was the past president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Texas Surgical Association and a Distinguished fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery. He has been a Governor of the American College of Surgeons, Chairman of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Chairman of the Residency Review Committee for Thoracic Surgery and also a member of every important national and international medical and surgical society.

Max R. Gaspar

Dr. Gaspar, an internationally reputed vascular surgeon, died Oct. 7, 2012. He was 97. Gaspar, formerly of Long Beach, had been chief of vascular surgery for 25 years at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he also served as attending surgeon for 50 years. He had a practice in Long Beach and had also performed surgeries at St. Mary Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, and Community Medical. He attended the University of South Dakota Medical School but finished his training at USC in 1938, and earned his M.D. in 1940. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a doctor in the Pacific. Dr. Gaspar remained active in medicine and teaching. About 17 years ago, USC established the Max R. Gaspar Symposium, which addressed a specific topic of interest to physicians and surgeons who care for patients with vascular disease. He also authored numerous articles and contributed about 14 chapters to various texts. He was one of the early pioneers in our field.

Edwin Salzman

Dr. Salzman, a professor of surgery emeritus at Harvard Medical School, died Oct. 3, 2012, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in a room not far from his old office. His surgical career was cut short by Parkinson’s disease in the mid-1970s. Turning full attention to the scientific research that had always been his parallel career, he helped pioneer using aspirin to prevent DVT and spent a dozen years working part-time as deputy editor of the New England Journal of Medicine. Along with the findings in the 1970s about aspirin, he made significant contributions to research involving heparin and other methods that prevent postoperative pulmonary embolism.

Geoffrey Hamilton White

Dr. White died peacefully in Australia on Jan. 26, 2012, at the age of 60. He was at UCLA from 1984 to 1989 as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the VA Wadsworth Medical Center. He was later appointed head of the department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Professor of Vascular Surgery at Macquarie University Hospital, both in Australia. He had a richly deserved international reputation for his many contributions to the development of the endovascular treatment abdominal aortic aneurysms. He also coined the term "endoleak," which is nowpart of the nomenclature.

Deceased Members

(Reported to the SVS as of April 19, 2013; presented in order of receiving):

• Johann Ehrenhaft, MD Iowa City, IA

• J. Harold Harrison, MD Bartow, GA

• George Kish, MD Henderson, NV

• Malcolm Thomas, MD Phoenix, AZ

• Norman Rosenberg, MD Lantana, FL

• Michael Seremetis, MD Washington, DC

• Andrew Michalski, MD St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada

• Dean Wasserman, MD Paramus, NJ

• Duncan W. Campbell, MD Tucson, AZ

• Edwin Salzman, MD Cambridge, MA

• John Vander Woude, MD Sioux Falls, SD

• William A. Holbrook, MD Chevy Chase, MD

• Lewis H. Bosher, MD Richmond, VA

• Joseph Graham, MD Joplin, MO

• William D. Byrne McLean, VA

• John Waldhausen, MD Lemoyne, PA

• David Wulkan, MD Boca Raton, FL

• Max Gaspar, MD Seal Beach, CA

• Hugh E. Stephenson, MD Columbia, MO

• Harold C. Urschel, Jr., MD Dallas, TX

• Geoffrey H. White, MD Sydney, Australia

• Henning Loeprecht, MD Augsburg, Germany

Making history and recording history are rarely thought of in the same context; however occasionally the two are one and the same. Such is the case as the the Michigan Vascular Center, a private vascular practice located in Flint, Michigan, enters its 50th year of service to its community and state. Barring documentation to the contrary, we believe the Michigan Vascular Center is the oldest and longest running private practice vascular surgery group in the country. What follows is a brief summary of its remarkable history.

Its founder was Dr. Albert Macksood, the son of a Lebanese immigrant-physician Joseph Macksood, who returned home to Flint on July 1, 1963, after completing his surgical training with Dr. Emerick Szilagyi’s group at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Those were the formative years of our specialty and Dr. Macksood brought to Flint skills few in the country possessed. Confident in his ability, imbued with boundless energy and an uncanny ability to engage any and all in meaningful dialogue.

Dr. Al was advised by his father to only practice vascular surgery, unusual for those years, so as not to compete with the general surgeons who lacked his vascular skills. Most remarkable about Dr. Macksood, however, was his simple, yet revolutionary, philosophy: “cover the waterfront” ( three Flint area hospitals which have had continuous emergency coverage since) , add only fellowship trained physicians as the need dictated and create a true group practice such that the patients belonged to, and were treated by, all partners. This created an equal work load and compensation and allowed all to have a life by making time for family and interests predictable. It also created power in numbers with the opportunity and support to broaden our horizons.

As the practice grew, Dr. Macksood tapped Dr. Szilagyi’s program for recruits. By 1975 three additional vascular surgeons – Dr. Al Morgan (’65), Dr. Rick Sherrin (’70) and I (’75) joined. This fact- that the first four members came from Dr. Szilagyi’s program- was important to our early success because all shared a common culture and work ethic- we were in synch- we shared the same philosophical approach to the patient and the practice of our specialty. This made incorporating a new partner a seamless experience. Since then vascular surgeons from other institutions have joined- Drs. Ippolito and McIlduff and Fortin from the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kinning from Ohio, Dr. Molnar from Vanderbuilt, Dr. Becker from Wayne State and Dr. Malhotra from the Albany Vascular Group. Currently we are recruiting fellows from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Mayo Clinic.

As with all vascular practices, the transition into the endovascular arena during the ‘90s and early 2000 presented challenges’ Thanks to our networking with reps from the various medical device companies (Kathy Patterson then with Bard, Cheryl Lubin from Boston Scientific and Amy Ketola/John Toddhunter/ Matt Borenzweig then with Medtronic), vascular surgeons such as Dr. Vic Burnhardt, Dr. Ted Diethrich in Arizona and international physicians such as Dr. Antonio in Modena, Italy and Drs. Cremonesi and Castriota in Ravenna, Italy, our members were able to travel nationally and internationally to work with these men and gain the necessary skills for aortic endografting and carotid stenting.

By 2002 we established our Michigan Vascular Research Center for the numerous clinical trials we were involved in and offered hands on experience to teach other vascular surgeons the art of carotid stenting.

Our center has grown in response to the needs of our vascular practice and the vascular patient. Over the past several years we have added two free standing outpatient diagnostic/angioaccess centers and a free standing VeinSolutions Center. Our latest addition is a Mobility Center to enable the amputee to regain mobility. It has proven to be a great psychological boost to the amputee. On November 5, 2012, we will know if we are approved for a 5-2 vascular fellowship program.

As with any endeavor, the owners have to “tend to the store.” As a private practice group we realize we are responsible to each other and for the success of our practice. We risk our capital in our expansion decisions and this provides us with the opportunity to move swiftly, without layers of bureaucratic approval. We meet every two weeks to review and plan medical and business issues, always with an eye toward future developments and opportunities to improve the care of our patients.

We are very proud of our independent, private practice vascular center, planning for another 50 years, and believe that by adhering to our cultural values, we will make The Michigan Vascular Center a member of the 100 year club. The current health reform agenda presents challenges yet given the size of our group, we feel confident in the value and cost-effective systems we provide and believe we will find opportunity. We look forward to the future.

Carlo A. Dall’Olmo, MD,

For the Michigan Vascular Center Group

[For the complete story of the Center by Dr. Dall’Olmo, please visit our website at www.vascularspecialistonline.com.]

Making history and recording history are rarely thought of in the same context; however occasionally the two are one and the same. Such is the case as the the Michigan Vascular Center, a private vascular practice located in Flint, Michigan, enters its 50th year of service to its community and state. Barring documentation to the contrary, we believe the Michigan Vascular Center is the oldest and longest running private practice vascular surgery group in the country. What follows is a brief summary of its remarkable history.

Its founder was Dr. Albert Macksood, the son of a Lebanese immigrant-physician Joseph Macksood, who returned home to Flint on July 1, 1963, after completing his surgical training with Dr. Emerick Szilagyi’s group at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Those were the formative years of our specialty and Dr. Macksood brought to Flint skills few in the country possessed. Confident in his ability, imbued with boundless energy and an uncanny ability to engage any and all in meaningful dialogue.

Dr. Al was advised by his father to only practice vascular surgery, unusual for those years, so as not to compete with the general surgeons who lacked his vascular skills. Most remarkable about Dr. Macksood, however, was his simple, yet revolutionary, philosophy: “cover the waterfront” ( three Flint area hospitals which have had continuous emergency coverage since) , add only fellowship trained physicians as the need dictated and create a true group practice such that the patients belonged to, and were treated by, all partners. This created an equal work load and compensation and allowed all to have a life by making time for family and interests predictable. It also created power in numbers with the opportunity and support to broaden our horizons.

As the practice grew, Dr. Macksood tapped Dr. Szilagyi’s program for recruits. By 1975 three additional vascular surgeons – Dr. Al Morgan (’65), Dr. Rick Sherrin (’70) and I (’75) joined. This fact- that the first four members came from Dr. Szilagyi’s program- was important to our early success because all shared a common culture and work ethic- we were in synch- we shared the same philosophical approach to the patient and the practice of our specialty. This made incorporating a new partner a seamless experience. Since then vascular surgeons from other institutions have joined- Drs. Ippolito and McIlduff and Fortin from the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kinning from Ohio, Dr. Molnar from Vanderbuilt, Dr. Becker from Wayne State and Dr. Malhotra from the Albany Vascular Group. Currently we are recruiting fellows from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Mayo Clinic.

As with all vascular practices, the transition into the endovascular arena during the ‘90s and early 2000 presented challenges’ Thanks to our networking with reps from the various medical device companies (Kathy Patterson then with Bard, Cheryl Lubin from Boston Scientific and Amy Ketola/John Toddhunter/ Matt Borenzweig then with Medtronic), vascular surgeons such as Dr. Vic Burnhardt, Dr. Ted Diethrich in Arizona and international physicians such as Dr. Antonio in Modena, Italy and Drs. Cremonesi and Castriota in Ravenna, Italy, our members were able to travel nationally and internationally to work with these men and gain the necessary skills for aortic endografting and carotid stenting.

By 2002 we established our Michigan Vascular Research Center for the numerous clinical trials we were involved in and offered hands on experience to teach other vascular surgeons the art of carotid stenting.

Our center has grown in response to the needs of our vascular practice and the vascular patient. Over the past several years we have added two free standing outpatient diagnostic/angioaccess centers and a free standing VeinSolutions Center. Our latest addition is a Mobility Center to enable the amputee to regain mobility. It has proven to be a great psychological boost to the amputee. On November 5, 2012, we will know if we are approved for a 5-2 vascular fellowship program.

As with any endeavor, the owners have to “tend to the store.” As a private practice group we realize we are responsible to each other and for the success of our practice. We risk our capital in our expansion decisions and this provides us with the opportunity to move swiftly, without layers of bureaucratic approval. We meet every two weeks to review and plan medical and business issues, always with an eye toward future developments and opportunities to improve the care of our patients.

We are very proud of our independent, private practice vascular center, planning for another 50 years, and believe that by adhering to our cultural values, we will make The Michigan Vascular Center a member of the 100 year club. The current health reform agenda presents challenges yet given the size of our group, we feel confident in the value and cost-effective systems we provide and believe we will find opportunity. We look forward to the future.

Carlo A. Dall’Olmo, MD,

For the Michigan Vascular Center Group

[For the complete story of the Center by Dr. Dall’Olmo, please visit our website at www.vascularspecialistonline.com.]

Making history and recording history are rarely thought of in the same context; however occasionally the two are one and the same. Such is the case as the the Michigan Vascular Center, a private vascular practice located in Flint, Michigan, enters its 50th year of service to its community and state. Barring documentation to the contrary, we believe the Michigan Vascular Center is the oldest and longest running private practice vascular surgery group in the country. What follows is a brief summary of its remarkable history.

Its founder was Dr. Albert Macksood, the son of a Lebanese immigrant-physician Joseph Macksood, who returned home to Flint on July 1, 1963, after completing his surgical training with Dr. Emerick Szilagyi’s group at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Those were the formative years of our specialty and Dr. Macksood brought to Flint skills few in the country possessed. Confident in his ability, imbued with boundless energy and an uncanny ability to engage any and all in meaningful dialogue.

Dr. Al was advised by his father to only practice vascular surgery, unusual for those years, so as not to compete with the general surgeons who lacked his vascular skills. Most remarkable about Dr. Macksood, however, was his simple, yet revolutionary, philosophy: “cover the waterfront” ( three Flint area hospitals which have had continuous emergency coverage since) , add only fellowship trained physicians as the need dictated and create a true group practice such that the patients belonged to, and were treated by, all partners. This created an equal work load and compensation and allowed all to have a life by making time for family and interests predictable. It also created power in numbers with the opportunity and support to broaden our horizons.

As the practice grew, Dr. Macksood tapped Dr. Szilagyi’s program for recruits. By 1975 three additional vascular surgeons – Dr. Al Morgan (’65), Dr. Rick Sherrin (’70) and I (’75) joined. This fact- that the first four members came from Dr. Szilagyi’s program- was important to our early success because all shared a common culture and work ethic- we were in synch- we shared the same philosophical approach to the patient and the practice of our specialty. This made incorporating a new partner a seamless experience. Since then vascular surgeons from other institutions have joined- Drs. Ippolito and McIlduff and Fortin from the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kinning from Ohio, Dr. Molnar from Vanderbuilt, Dr. Becker from Wayne State and Dr. Malhotra from the Albany Vascular Group. Currently we are recruiting fellows from the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Mayo Clinic.

As with all vascular practices, the transition into the endovascular arena during the ‘90s and early 2000 presented challenges’ Thanks to our networking with reps from the various medical device companies (Kathy Patterson then with Bard, Cheryl Lubin from Boston Scientific and Amy Ketola/John Toddhunter/ Matt Borenzweig then with Medtronic), vascular surgeons such as Dr. Vic Burnhardt, Dr. Ted Diethrich in Arizona and international physicians such as Dr. Antonio in Modena, Italy and Drs. Cremonesi and Castriota in Ravenna, Italy, our members were able to travel nationally and internationally to work with these men and gain the necessary skills for aortic endografting and carotid stenting.

By 2002 we established our Michigan Vascular Research Center for the numerous clinical trials we were involved in and offered hands on experience to teach other vascular surgeons the art of carotid stenting.

Our center has grown in response to the needs of our vascular practice and the vascular patient. Over the past several years we have added two free standing outpatient diagnostic/angioaccess centers and a free standing VeinSolutions Center. Our latest addition is a Mobility Center to enable the amputee to regain mobility. It has proven to be a great psychological boost to the amputee. On November 5, 2012, we will know if we are approved for a 5-2 vascular fellowship program.

As with any endeavor, the owners have to “tend to the store.” As a private practice group we realize we are responsible to each other and for the success of our practice. We risk our capital in our expansion decisions and this provides us with the opportunity to move swiftly, without layers of bureaucratic approval. We meet every two weeks to review and plan medical and business issues, always with an eye toward future developments and opportunities to improve the care of our patients.

We are very proud of our independent, private practice vascular center, planning for another 50 years, and believe that by adhering to our cultural values, we will make The Michigan Vascular Center a member of the 100 year club. The current health reform agenda presents challenges yet given the size of our group, we feel confident in the value and cost-effective systems we provide and believe we will find opportunity. We look forward to the future.

Carlo A. Dall’Olmo, MD,

For the Michigan Vascular Center Group

[For the complete story of the Center by Dr. Dall’Olmo, please visit our website at www.vascularspecialistonline.com.]