Malachi G. Sheahan, MD

Society for Vascular Surgery

• 2017–2023: Co-Chair, Wellness Task Force/Committee
• 2019–2020: Chair – New Programs Subcommittee, The Future of Vascular Surgery Task Force
• 2019–2023: Member, Clinical Practice Council
• 2020–2022: Member, Communications Committee
• 2021–2024: Member, Program Committee
• 2022–2024: Vice Chair, Communications Committee
• 2022–Present: Member, Strategic Board of Directors
• 2024–Present: Inaugural Member, Branding Committee
• 2024–Present: Member, Vascular Scope of Work Whitepaper Committee

Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery

• 2023–2026: Councilor-at-Large
• 2024–2025: Program Chair

Vascular Surgery Board

• 2017–2027: Director
• 2020–Present: Chair, Education and Training Committee
• 2021–2023: Vice Chair-Elect
• 2023–2025: Vice Chair

Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery

• 2017–2019: Councilor-at-Large
• 2020–2024: Secretary/Treasurer

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)

• 2022–Present: Writing Team Member, New Program Requirements for Vascular Surgery

Please briefly describe your strategic vision for the future for vascular surgery and the key role SVS must play to realize that vision.

Advocacy and Financial Sustainability:

1. Unite vascular surgeons of all practice types (private, academic, employed, VA) to address reimbursement and payment threats which affect our many clinical settings. We must continue to actively engage with policymakers to ensure fair compensation for vascular procedures.
2. Promote the value of vascular surgeons in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
3. Support alternative payment models that emphasize outcomes and long-term patient benefits.

Defining and Elevating the Vascular Surgery Brand:

1. Strengthen SVS’s role in setting standards for quality care, ensuring that vascular surgery remains distinct and essential within the broader medical field.
2. Expand public and professional awareness of vascular surgery’s unique expertise in open, endovascular and medical interventions.
3. Enact a national vascular education program specifically for medical students.

Embracing Workforce Diversity and Membership Growth:

1. Address the growing heterogeneity of SVS membership by fostering inclusivity among academic, community and private practice vascular surgeons.
2. Support a diverse pipeline of future vascular surgeons, advocating for equitable training opportunities and mentorship.

Collaboration Across Specialties and Disciplines:

1. Strengthen partnerships with interventional radiology, cardiology and other specialties involved in vascular care to promote multidisciplinary approaches.
2. Partner with the VSB and ACGME to advocate for appropriate training standards and credentialing to maintain vascular surgeons’ leadership in complex interventions.

Industry Engagement and Innovation:

1. Enhance collaboration between vascular surgeons, SVS and industry to drive technological advancements in endovascular therapies, medical devices and AI-driven diagnostics.
2. Maintain ethical and transparent industry relationships that prioritize patient safety and surgeon education.

Please highlight key activities or initiatives that exemplify your commitment to the success of SVS.

• I was an inaugural user of SVS Connect and moderated the APDVS Community as Secretary-Treasurer from 2020–2024.
• I have been an active member of the communications (now branding) committee since its inception under President Hodgson in 2020.
• I have served on the editorial team and acted as both guest and host for the Audible Bleeding podcast.
• I have participated as a speaker and/or faculty in every VAM since 2007.
• I have served as panelist for a number of SVS webinars.
• I have served as Deputy Medical Editor (2016–2018) and now Chief Medical Editor (2018–Present) for Vascular Specialist.
• I am a Key Reviewer for the Journal of Vascular Surgery.
• I have received the SVS Presidential Citation twice.
• I have served on 10 SVS councils/committees and am currently on the SBOD. I have consistently been an active member of at least one SVS committee for the past 15 years.
• I serve as a host for the online JVS journal club annually.

Please highlight key leadership positions you hold or have held, and/or significant leadership achievements you have accomplished in vascular surgery or organized medicine and summarize how these have prepared you for the position of SVS Secretary.

A summary of my roles and the insights gained:

Chair of the LSU Department of Surgery: As department chair, I am gaining invaluable experience in overseeing complex operations, managing diverse teams and navigating institutional governance. This experience in leadership, resource allocation and decision-making will be critical in a strategic role like Secretary, where I’ll manage important documents, record-keeping and communication.

Program Director for the LSU Vascular Training Programs: These roles honed my ability to oversee training and development programs while ensuring the highest standards of education. My experience in mentoring and shaping the next generation of vascular surgeons will contribute to my understanding of the needs of SVS members, particularly those in training or early in their careers.

Vice Chair of the Vascular Surgery Board: My work with the Vascular Surgery Board has strengthened my skills in policy formulation, regulatory oversight and collaboration with other organizations. This experience will help me contribute to SVS's governance and strategic direction as Secretary.

Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (APDVS): My direct involvement in managing the finances and administrative duties of the APDVS gave me essential skills in record-keeping, budget management and communication—key components of the Secretary role in SVS.

Chief Medical Editor of Vascular Specialist: This position has equipped me with expertise in content creation, dissemination of critical information and engagement with the broader vascular surgery community. My understanding of how to communicate effectively with members will serve me well in the Secretary role.

Member-at-Large and Program Chair for the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery: My experience with another major vascular society has provided insight into operational structure, member engagement and advocacy. This exposure will allow me to effectively represent SVS members and contribute to initiatives that enhance the SVS’s influence and operations.

Please highlight activities or initiatives that best exemplify your commitment to clinical and academic excellence in vascular surgery.

In 2005, I took over a vascular surgery fellowship that was on probation. Shortly after I became the program director, we lost every training site to Hurricane Katrina. After completely reorganizing the fellowship, we received full accreditation, and it continues to thrive today.

In 2011, I started an Integrated Vascular Residency at LSU. With two positions annually, it was one of the largest in the country at that time.

I have been cited as a Best Doctor in Vascular Surgery annually since 2014.

I am the national Co-PI for the SECOND Trial for Vascular Surgery.

I have had my work selected as the best paper at a scientific meeting eight times, including the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society (now VESS), and the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery.

I have an active research career and have published 15 peer-reviewed articles and two book chapters in 2024.

I participated in over 30 academic presentations in 2024, including 15 podium scientific presentations, twelve invited lectures and five visiting professorships.

I started the first dedicated simulation course for vascular trainees in the United States. This course continues to run annually.

Along with my collaborators, I developed the Fundamentals of Vascular Surgery testing and training platform. This is currently being initiated in every integrated vascular program in the US.

I have served as a frequent invited faculty member for a number of symposiums, including VEITH, PNEC, the Houston Methodist Bootcamp, IAVS at USF, the Big Apple Bootcamp at New York Hospital, the Vascular Simulation Bootcamp at the European Society for Vascular Biomaterials and EVEREST.

I have been an invited guest speaker for every major regional vascular society and several local societies, including the Western Vascular Society, the Eastern Vascular Society, the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, the Mid-Western Vascular Surgery Society, the Alabama Vascular Society and the Georgia Vascular Society.