SVS & SVSF Celebrate Women's History Month
The SVS and SVS Foundation join together to celebrate Women's History Month. The SVS and SVSF have come together to create the Voices of Vascular Series to aid in the expansion of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout each entity. Visit this webpage throughout the month of March to learn new facts and explore profiles of various SVS members who identify as female.
WHM Member Feature - Edith Tzeng, MD
Edith Tzeng, MD, shares a journey from her immigrant roots to becoming a prominent figure in vascular surgery. Her story is an inspiring narrative of resilience and commitment, embodying the transformative power of determination and hard work in pursuing excellence. Her medical trek began at the University of Chicago, where she earned her medical degree, followed by comprehensive general and vascular surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Donna Mendes, MD
Donna Mendes, MD, reflects on the pioneers who paved the way before her. Her thoughts gravitate towards figures like Elizabeth Blackwell, the inaugural woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849, and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who, in 1864, shattered barriers as the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S.
Jessica Simons, MD
In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, a trailblazing vascular surgeon is making waves in the medical community. Jessica P. Simons, MD, has been a figure in the field since early in her career.
With a medical degree from UMass Chan Medical School, Simons has dedicated her career to vascular surgery at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.
Leigh Ann O'Banion, MD
In vascular surgery, Leigh Ann O'Banion, MD, stands out as a beacon of inspiration and resilience. Her story shines as a testament to the triumphs and challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated field.
O'Banion began at Louisiana State University, earning her undergraduate degree in Biologic Sciences before pursuing her medical degree at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
My Health Monday
Throughout March, visit this page each Monday for a new fact regarding women's vascular health.
Week 1
Women over the age of 60 are at increased risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), carotid (neck) artery disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Week 2
Pregnant women are 5 times more likely to experience a blood clot compared with women who are not pregnant.
Week 3
Women over 50 should have a vascular health screening at least once every five years. This screening can help to detect any early signs of problems, such as vascular disease or stroke.
Week 4
PAD has traditionally been identified as a predominantly male disease however, recent population studies on PAD have shown that women are affected at least as often as men.
2023 Women's History Month - My Health Monday Facts
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2023 Voices
Read the features of the SVS Members who were featured throughout previous weeks.
A Look Into a Mentor/Mentee Relationship
Melissa Kirkwood, M.D., is an associate professor and department chief of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She has been a faculty member at UT Southwestern for about 12 years, after completing a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center back in 2011. In the five years that Vascular Surgery Fellow, Jacqueline Babb, MD has known Dr. Kirkwood, she has fallen in love with vascular under Dr. Kirkwood’s guidance.
Fund the Future of Vascular Health
Your gift to the SVS Foundation is an investment into the Women of Vascular – past, present and future - while also supporting the mission of the SVSF!
Learn more and make your gift today!
Thank you to our Exclusive Presenting Sponsor!
The SVS and SVS Foundation extend their sincerest gratitude to Boston ScientificTM for being the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor for our celebration of Women's History Month.
