PD Member of the Month

Sashi K. Inkollu, MD

Program Director, University of South Florida Morsani School of Medicine

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.)?

I have been a vascular surgeon for almost 9 years and I take pride in taking part in training the next generation of surgeons and vascular surgeons. I was part of a young fellowship program in West Virginia University as an associate program director prior to taking my current role at USF 1 year ago. 

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 as a PD is to witness the trainees' transformation into competent clinicians and surgeons. The most challenging part is to identify each trainee's challenges which sometimes are beyond our field of expertise.

What are your personal goals within the vascular field?

To build a vascular surgery training program that can take excellent care of the trainees and provide them all the opportunities to succeed and become leaders in the field of vascular surgery. I also have a strong interest in Limb Preservation while I continue to practice in all areas of vascular surgery.

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

Make it significantly more affordable and accessible to everyone so we can attract more talent.

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

Smart, not afraid to work hard, cares about patients AND colleagues, has insight and wants feedback.

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

I love going on a week long hike once a year to places where there is no cell phone network. I have done some beautiful hikes with a great group of friends from my medical school who know me from before I became a surgeon.