Concepción Montaño Ramírez, RN, a familiar name to many who participate in the SVS Foundation September Vascular Health Step Challenge, has been the challenge’s Top Walker for the past three years. Within that time, she has walked over 329 miles and was honored by the Foundation as a legacy walker in this year’s Step Challenge. Beyond the leaderboard, the people around her regard her as a symbol of resilience, inspiration and a legacy in action with how her family history is deeply intertwined with vascular health. 

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.

Dr. Caron B. Rockman’s legacy is one of leadership, compassion and relentless pursuit of better outcomes for her patients. Her voice in vascular surgery resonates in her research and leadership, as well as in every patient she treats.

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.

Bruce Perler, MD, MBA, from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, dreamed of becoming a surgeon since he was eight years old.

Dr. Prem chand Gupta, recognized as one of the leading vascular specialists in Hyderabad, India, has over 30 years of experience in vascular surgery and currently leads a team of 16 vascular specialists in his home country.

Dr. Gale L. Tang’s path towards medical school allowed her to meet many role models and mentors that solidified her passion for academic vascular surgery.

What is considered as a cliché to some was a moment of revelation for Dr. Qingwen Kawaji, where all the puzzle pieces came together to lead her down the vascular surgery path. 

Dr. Ravi Rajani, who grew up in Southeast Michigan, charted his path to becoming a surgeon early in his career by attending medical school at the University of Michigan.