PD Member of the Month

Khalil Qato, MD

Program Director, Loyola University

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 chose Vascular Surgery because of my mentors. I did a Vascular Surgery research project with Dr Skelly at University of Chicago and did a rotation with Dr Carroccio at Lenox Hill as a a 3rd year. Together they aided my interest in the clinical aspect as well as research. I’ve been in practice 8 years now and have been involved in vascular education the entire time as APD or PD.

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 aspect is seeing the growth of vascular trainees into technically and clinically excellent practitioners. The most challenging aspect is coming up with new ways to push the education component forward, although this is also the most rewarding.

What are your personal goals within the vascular field?

To continue pushing the vascular surgical education and promote clinical excellence.

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

I would move to competency based promotion and evaluation.

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

A successful applicant will have demonstrated a consistent pattern of being a hard worker, with clear passion for vascular surgery and is a clear team player.