“Voices of Vascular,” an initiative to highlight the diverse voices within the Society for Vascular Surgery, has earned SVS and the SVS Foundation a Profile of Excellence Award from the American Association of Medical Society Executives.
Foundation Director of Development Catherine Lampi accepted the award, in the “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) category, at the AAMSE conference in mid-July.
The annual awards program recognizes member organizations that have achieved excellent in one of several categories: DEI, advocacy, communications, education, membership and leadership.
“Voices of Vascular” honors several months of diversity throughout the year, including Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in April; Pride Month in June; and National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
During the given month, SVS and the Foundation share important facts to spread awareness and post profiles of many SVS members and, occasionally patients.
“Every person has a story,” said Foundation Chair and Immediate Past President Michael Dalsing. “ ‘Voices of Vascular’ shares our members’ stories and experiences not only as a vascular surgeon but also as a member of a particular group. The initiative has proved very popular and insightful.”
During June, which is Pride month, Eric Pillado, MD, shared his life’s story. “I think the future of vascular involves Pride Month, making sure all our patients, regardless of their background, are include, and the future of vascular surgery involves providers of various backgrounds being included in our specialty.”
Visit “Voices of Vascular” at vascular.org/voicesofvascular.