YOUR SVS: Society Looks to Future in Moving to New Building

Dec 13, 2018 Re-posted from the December 2018 issue of Vascular Specialist

The Society for Vascular Surgery is moving into the future, both literally and figuratively.

As of March 1, SVS’ building address will be 9400 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, Ill. The new HQ building was built to optimize 21st Century health society management and is minutes from O’Hare International Airport. The building is owned by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“The new SVS HQ will be built out with members in mind and serve as the home for all of our vascular surgeons across the country and around the world,” said SVS President Michel S. Makaroun. “Members traveling through Chicago will have a place to go that is just minutes from the airport. And SVS can host committee meetings in its own space instead of renting meeting space near O’Hare, as we do many times a year now.”

Moreover, the new “member-centric” headquarters positions the SVS as moving confidently into the future, said Dr. Makaroun. “In 10 to 20 years, we will be a different organization, because of this space,” he said.

The new facilities, at 12,000 square feet, are nearly twice the size of the existing space and offer plenty of room for growth. “The SVS has evolved from contract management, to its first staff of three, to a complex organization with more than 30 staff in multiple locations,” noted Kenneth M. Slaw, PhD, SVS executive director.

“Looking to the horizon, there is no slowdown in sight as we continue to expand our programs and services,” said Slaw. “We will continue to expand the Vascular Quality Initiative plus other registry and quality projects. We plan more growth in developing clinical practice guidelines, appropriateness of care projects and certification of the workforce as well as a branding initiative to develop referral sources for members.”

SVS also is expanding educational programs, including adding an online Learning Management System to deliver educational and training programs, and administer, document and track the programs, he said. “We will be working with industry in a whole new way as well.”

Other features of the new headquarters include:

  • Configurable conference room facilities that can host up to 40 people
  • Accessibility of staff to committee and task force members
  • Enough space for staff growth for at least 10 years
  • Access to the building’s simulation center where surgeons can not only maintain open surgical skills but also hone skills for newer endovascular procedures

“We are a growing and thriving organization,” said Dr. Makaroun. “We are extremely proud of this growth, and the leading role our surgeons continue to play in preventing, treating and managing circulatory disease. Our new headquarters will help the Society itself keep pace with the specialty.”

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