PD Member of the Month

Nathan W. Kugler, MD

Assistant Professor of Surgery

Medical College of Wisconsin

What is your personal background in vascular surgery education (how long have you worked in the vascular field, why did you choose vascular surgery, etc.)?

After completing my vascular fellowship I joined the faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin since 2021 after completing fellowship. I am blessed to practice the best surgical specialty day in day out while educating the next generation of vascular surgeons. In general surgery residency I found the joy in vascular surgery as it was a specialty in which you truly operated everywhere in the body ranging from small vessel anastomoses to hip disarticulations all in a single day. The variety and focus often in solving a problem with means other than cutting something out was truly spectacular.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? as a vascular surgery Program Director? What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is watching our fellows embrace their role and move towards independence quickly and confidently. Its a true joy to watch the maturation from a general surgery graduate to a capable vascular surgeon throughout their time in fellowship. However, during that two years, one of the most challenging aspects is guiding learners work through critically evaluating all the treatment options for any given clinical problem while helping them understand the nuances and how to decide what is best for each of the patients.

What are your personal goals within the vascular field?

My personal goal for vascular surgery education is to better tailor our educational approach for residents and fellows. There are many different learning and teaching styles yet we often make learners conform to a programatic approach. It is my hope to work to develop a more individualized approach to surgical education best suited for each person.

If you had a blank check to change medical education in America, what would you do first?

I would make medical education free to all. I think the drive to ensure graduates make a living capable of paying off debt drives many into specialties or make certain career choices out of a financial need rather than what would truly make them happiest.

From your perspective, what qualities make a successful vascular surgery applicant?

I believe the qualities that make a successful vascular surgery applicant are hardworking, adaptable, and determined. Training is extremely challenging and often looks different at the end then when one began. The ability to persevere and be adaptable are critical in training but also essential to a successful long term career in vascular.

What is a "fun fact" about yourself that you would like others to know?

A fun fact about me is that in my free time one of my favorite activities is yard work and household projects. The instant gratification of a job well done and the sense of achievement tackling something you have never done before is contagious.