Dr. Robyn Macsata was more than a gifted vascular surgeon—she was a teacher at heart, a devoted mentor and a steadfast advocate whose influence continues to shape the specialty she loved. Known for her warmth, optimism and unwavering commitment to excellence, she inspired colleagues and trainees alike to pursue their goals with confidence, integrity and purpose. To many, she was not only a leader in vascular surgery, but also a source of light. One of her closest mentors, Anton Sidawy, MD, MPH, DFSVS, recalls that his wife fondly called her “Sunshine”—a reflection of the positivity she carried into every room.
As the vascular community gathers in March, during Women’s History Month, to reflect on the contributions of women who have shaped medicine and surgery, Dr. Macsata’s legacy feels especially resonant. She was a steadfast advocate for women in surgery, working to ensure that the field was not only accessible but welcoming, inclusive and empowering.
Her career embodied the very progress and possibility that Women’s History Month celebrates - excellence achieved through perseverance, leadership exercised with generosity and mentorship offered with intention.
Born in Torrington, Connecticut, Dr. Macsata built a career defined by service, scholarship, and education. After completing her vascular surgery training at Georgetown University/MedStar Washington Hospital Center, she spent 11 years at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C., serving as chief of vascular surgery and program director for the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center vascular surgery residency and fellowship program. She later became chief of vascular surgery and associate professor of surgery at George Washington University Hospital.
Her dedication to education defined her career. In the operating room, she was meticulous and exacting; outside of it, she was generous with her time and guidance. She had a remarkable ability to make trainees feel capable and valued, encouraging them to find their voice and embrace their strengths. Christopher J. Abularrage, MD, DFSVS, first met her when she was a vascular fellow and he was a general surgery resident exploring the specialty. He credits her with taking the time to guide him through operations and nurture his interest in vascular surgery. Over the years, their conversations ranged from complex training issues to life in Washington, D.C., where both built their careers. “She loved vascular surgery and teaching,” he said. “Her specialty was piquing interest in young trainees and drawing them into the field.”
Dr. Macsata’s mentorship extended far beyond technical instruction. She was intentional about creating opportunities for women and underrepresented voices in surgery, modeling leadership that was both confident and compassionate. Palma Shaw, MD, DFSVS, who trained alongside her and remained a close friend for nearly 20 years, remembers her as “the kind of friend that we all need: loyal, fun and always inclusive.” Whether in formal leadership roles or informal gatherings, she brought people together and made everyone feel welcome.
Her sudden passing on May 21, 2021, at the age of 50, left an immeasurable void in the vascular surgery community. Yet her legacy endures—in the surgeons she trained, the colleagues she uplifted and the culture of mentorship she championed.
In tribute to her extraordinary life and impact, the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (APDVS), in collaboration with the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Women’s Section and with support from the SVS Foundation, established the Robyn Macsata, MD Lectureship. The inaugural lecture will be presented at the APDVS Annual Meeting, March 6–7, 2026, in Rosemont, Illinois. Designed to be presented annually, it will honor exceptional contributions to education, mentorship and innovation in vascular surgery—principles Dr. Macsata championed throughout her career.
Dr. Robyn Macsata’s life and career exemplify why the SVS Foundation’s Voices of Vascular initiative matters. She understood that vascular surgery is not only a technical discipline, but a deeply human one—rooted in connection, mentorship and inclusion. Dr. Macsata believed that when the field welcomes diverse perspectives and empowers individuals to bring their full selves to the profession, it becomes stronger, more innovative and more responsive to the patients it serves. Through her advocacy for women in surgery and her unwavering commitment to lifting others up, she modeled how representation and mentorship expand opportunity and elevate standards of excellence. By continuing to amplify voices from varied backgrounds, Voices of Vascular carries forward the very values she championed—ensuring that the specialty grows not only in skill and science, but also in equity, compassion and purpose.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Women in Vascular Surgery, Voices of Vascular and the mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.