Dr. Luis Sanchez’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, innovation and representation in vascular medicine. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Sanchez spent his formative years attending high school on the island and pursued his academic career in the Northeast, earning his undergraduate degree at Yale University, followed by medical school at Harvard Medical School. During his rotations through various hospitals, he first encountered the complexities and rewards of vascular surgery that would become his lifelong passion.
“The patient population was challenging but incredibly rewarding when you could help them. That early exposure sparked my interest in vascular medicine,” said Dr. Sanchez.
After medical school, Sanchez pursued his general surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Under the mentorship of visionary leaders like Dr. Frank Veith, he witnessed firsthand the dynamic evolution of vascular surgery in the 1980s, as the specialty began to define itself and grow rapidly.
Dr. Sanchez stayed at Montefiore to complete a two-year vascular fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Veith, a period marked by groundbreaking advancements in vascular surgery. He had the rare opportunity to work alongside pioneers such as Dr. Juan Parodi, who performed the first endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm globally, and Dr. Michael Marin. This experience placed Dr. Sanchez at the forefront of endovascular innovation from its earliest days.
“I was fortunate to be part of the team when Dr. Parodi and his colleagues from Argentina came to New York to perform the first endovascular repair in the United States,” he shared. “This experience highlighted the diversity of both the physicians and the patients we encounter. It is essential for the care of vascular surgery patients and for the development of a diverse group of physicians who can effectively care for them.”
After five years as an attending at Montefiore, Dr. Sanchez moved to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he has served in the division of vascular surgery for over 25 years. His career has been shaped by the mentorship of global leaders and the drive to improve care for diverse patient populations.
As a Hispanic physician, Dr. Sanchez acknowledges the challenges of overcoming assumptions about background and expertise. “Early in my career, I had to work hard to prove that I was just as prepared and knowledgeable as anyone else. It’s something many of us face, but it’s gotten better over time.”
He emphasizes the importance of having a diverse cohort of healthcare providers who understand the cultural and medical needs of their patients.
“Peripheral vascular disease is especially prevalent in Hispanic populations due to higher rates of diabetes. Understanding these nuances is essential to providing effective care,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sanchez encourages the next generation of vascular surgeons to pursue broad-based training, combining medical, interventional, and surgical expertise, to meet the needs of increasingly diverse patient populations.
He also praises the SVS Foundation for its commitment to supporting diversity in vascular surgery through scholarships and training opportunities. “Donations to the SVS Foundation help ensure that talented physicians from all backgrounds can access the resources they need to grow and thrive in this field.”
His journey continues to inspire future vascular surgeons to embrace diversity, pursue excellence, and transform patient care.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular's important work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.