WVU Heart and Vascular Institute Named July VIP of the Month by SVS Foundation

Marlén Gomez

This article was sponsored by the SVS Foundation.

WVU graphic

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation has named the West Virginia University (WVU) Heart and Vascular Institute its Vascular Innovation Partner (VIP) of the Month for July 2025, recognizing the institute’s commitment to advancing vascular health and surgical excellence. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Pamela Zimmerman, chief of Vascular Surgery and program director for the Vascular Surgery Fellowship, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute has built a statewide network of 13 vascular specialists. While five of these experts are based in Morgantown, the rest are strategically located across West Virginia to ensure patients receive high-quality vascular care close to home. 

“It’s a statewide endeavor to support the SVS Foundation through the VIP program,” she said. “Our entire group is committed to supporting the SVS and providing the best care we can across West Virginia and the surrounding region.” 

The institute’s decentralized model allows patients to access specialized vascular care without the burden of long-distance travel. “We want to meet patients in their own environment,” Dr. Zimmerman said. “This approach ensures they don’t have to travel four to six hours to Morgantown for care.” 

The SVS Foundation’s VIP program highlights institutions that demonstrate leadership in vascular care, research and education. WVU’s recognition reflects its alignment with national goals to improve patient outcomes and expand access to cutting-edge vascular treatments. 

“Through our partnership with the SVS Foundation, we will continue to support national research projects and recruitment efforts for both trainees and faculty,” Zimmerman added. “This helps align our vision with the broader goals of the vascular surgery community.” 

The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute remains dedicated to delivering top-tier heart, lung, and vascular care, enhancing community well-being, and advancing medical research and education. Its recognition as VIP of the Month underscores its role as a leader in shaping the future of vascular health. 

For more information about the SVS Foundation’s VIP program, visit vascular.org/VIP. 

Tags
SVS Foundation Articles
SVS Foundation
VIP
Vascular Innovation Partners

Related Articles

Celebrating Vascular Legacies - A Profile on Enrico Ascher, MD

Dr. Enrico Ascher’s journey in vascular surgery began in Rio de Janeiro, where his fascination with human anatomy led him to pursue a career in medicine at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. As a second-year medical student and preceptor in Anatomy, he received a Brazilian NIH grant to study the ampulla of Vater, an experience that ignited his passion for surgery.

Celebrating Vascular Legacies - A Profile on Ralph Clement Darling III, MD

Ralph Clement Darling III, MD, a prominent leader in vascular surgery education, describes his journey into the medical field as “circuitous” and one that almost didn’t happen. Growing up in Boston, he was the son of a well-known vascular surgeon and worked alongside his father as an operating room technician from the age of 15 throughout his college years. In an act of adolescent rebellion, he vowed not to enter the same profession as his father; however, he ultimately followed in his footsteps and became a second-generation vascular surgeon. Today, Dr.