Optimizing the vascular team has been a major theme of the SVS this past year during Ron Fairman’s presidency, and SVS President Dr. R. Clement Darling III has substantially accelerated the pace of activity during his current term. In a historic decision, on Oct. 1, the SVS Executive Board established a new organizational structure called "Sections," and approved the first proposed one, for Physician Assistants. Sections create a structure for groups of 40 or more SVS members who share a common interest or specialty, to build an internal organization within SVS focused on education, networking and the delivery of added value to their section membership.
An enthusiastic group of PAs approached the SVS leadership at the 2017 Vascular Annual Meeting and asked if the SVS could help the PAs establish a professional home for physician assistants who work in vascular settings. The section structure emerged as SVS members worked with the PAs over the past several months. "We love the idea that the section will be an internally chartered organization aligned with SVS, yet given broad latitude to self-govern and grow to provide unique value to its membership," noted Erin Hanlon, co-chair of the Steering Committee.
A survey conducted over the summer generated more than 120 PAs committed to charter membership in the section, and many more expressed interest. "Vascular-specific education is the No. 1 need for our members, and we think the VAM and the SVS are the best place for them to get it," noted Ricardo Morales, also committee co-chair.
Eligibility requirements for the new section include:
- Affiliate membership in the SVS; the application fee will be waived through Dec. 30.
- Licensure and certification as a PA
- Demonstrated interest in vascular care (as through a letter of support from an SVS member)
Over the next two months all PAs interested in being charter members will be welcomed to apply for SVS affiliate membership, with approvals and official section launch planned for late 2017/early 2018."As PAs are instrumental in many vascular practices, having their involvement will be a tremendous addition to our annual meeting," said Dr. Darling. "We at SVS will be able to discuss not only how to incorporate PAs into our practices but also learn from each other in how to create and run an efficient vascular service line."
He noted that most vascular surgeons work with PAs. "As we work to set up this new section, please encourage your colleagues to become charter members of this new initiative," he said. Membership information is available at vsweb.org/Affiliate.
Renew Your SVS Membership!
Don’t forget to renew your membership to the SVS, the largest professional association in the world dedicated to vascular surgeons. Members have until Dec. 31 to pay their dues, ensuring that they continue to receive all the benefits of SVS membership. Pay your dues today: online at vascular.org/payinvoice or call the Membership Department, 312-334-2313.
Claim VAM 2017 Credits by Dec. 31
Credits from the 2017 Vascular Annual Meeting must be claimed by Dec. 31. Visit vsweb.org/ClaimCME and follow the directions to list sessions, provide evaluations, take exams and generate credit certificates.