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A few years ago, in his presidential address to the Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society, Mark Mattos, MD, spoke eloquently about the need to “protect our specialty.” A large part of this, he argued, is protecting our patients; no other specialty in medicine can provide the type of comprehensive vascular care that we offer. The daily reality we all face is the potential for declining Medicare reimbursement for our services.

While the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects dominated 2020–21 fiscal year—including the cancellation of the live 2020 Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM)—it did not deter progress on many important initiatives. “When covid hit, it intensified our focus on what was truly important: our members, their patients and the SVS as their Society,” said Executive Director Kenneth M. Slaw, PhD. “That focus was sustained the past 15 months and it has led to innovation and an unprecedented volume of member value programs.” He outlined important highlights from the fiscal year that ended March 31—just more than a year after the pandemic was declared—and the vital initiatives that continue to move forward.

Members, be sure to register for the June 16 Virtual Annual Business Meeting, the first of two business meetings for 2021. Registration is required to assure A quorum. Register at vascular.org/ABM1Register. The second meeting will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, during the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM). The Wednesday, June 16, meeting will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Members will hear reports from President Ronald L. Dalman, MD, Secretary Amy Reed, MD, and Treasurer Keith Calligaro, MD. Nominating Committee Chair R. Clement Darling III, MD, will present his report, announce the results of the election for SVS vice president and on bylaws revisions, and introduce the 2021–22 Officers.