Leadership Development Program (Cohort 7)
Overview
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an immersive, experiential learning program designed for vascular surgeons seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and advance their careers. Built on high-quality, evidence-based curriculum, LDP equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to navigate opportunities and challenges within their practices, hospitals and professional societies.
LDP blends structured learning with real-world application, ensuring participants walk away with actionable insights. The program fosters a dynamic environment where vascular surgeons engage in discussions, problem-solving exercises and mentorship focused on real challenges they are facing in their professional lives. Graduates of the program report increased confidence in leadership roles, improved salary and contract negotiation skills, and ability to navigate challenges professionally. In addition, LDP graduates are more likely to take on leadership roles in professional societies, advancing both their careers and the medical field.
Date of Release: June 12, 2026
Program End Date: October 19, 2026
Last Day to Claim CE credits or earn a Certificate: November 18, 2026
Program Components
- Two in-person sessions
- One webinar, including faculty-led online discussion
- Mentoring calls
- Short, on-demand videos and activities that suit busy schedules
Learning Objectives
By participating in this CME activity, the learner will be able to:
- Recognize the functional day-to-day behaviors that drive success in leadership.
- Understand the larger context of where physicians and vascular surgery professionals can lead most effectively in complex health delivery systems.
- Apply selected leadership behavior in interactive learning scenarios to strengthen individualized learning, i.e., conflict resolution, team, and trust building.
- Apply a renewed passion for working in the profession of medicine, and specialty of vascular surgery.
Registration & Pricing
Registration is now open! Register early to secure your spot - space is limited!
To secure your spot in the program, you must complete your registration and respond to a few follow-up questions using the link provided in your registration confirmation email.
The program’s success relies on full participation from each cohort member. By registering, you confirm your commitment to attend all three LDP sessions unless an emergency prevents you from doing so. If you are unable to attend all sessions, we encourage you to sign up for next year’s LDP.
Pricing
| SVS Member Surgeon/Physician | $1,600 |
| Non-member | $2,320 |
Cancellation Policy
Requests for cancellations should be emailed to svsmeetings@vascularsociety.org in writing by May 1, 2026.
Cancellations received by May 1 will receive a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations received after May 1 are non-refundable. Should SVS need to cancel for any reason, including but not limited to a pandemic, refunds will be limited to registration fees only.
Faculty and Schedule
Core Faculty
Gabriela Velazquez, MD, DFSVS, FACS, RPVI
Xzabia Caliste, MD
Manuel Garcia-Toca, MD, MS
Karen Bauer, NP
Rachel Breault, PA
Kenneth M. Slaw, PhD
Schedule
| Date(s) | Session | Format/Location | CME Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 from 3:00-4:30pm ET (2:00-3:30pm CT, 12:00-1:30pm PT) | Kick-off and Orientation |
In-person @ VAM26 in Boston, Mass.*
*You don't have to pay VAM registration to attend this session |
0 |
| August 13, 2026 from 7:00-9:00pm CT (8-10pm ET, 5-7pm PT) |
Webinar & Online Discussion | Webinar – 2 hrs | 2 |
| September | LPI and Case Study Mentoring | 1-on-1 calls based on mentor availability | 0 |
| October 18-19, 2026 from ~8am-5pm CT each day (9am-6pm ET, 6am-3pm PT) | LDP Workshop and Graduation | 2 days, in-person at SVS headquarters in Rosemont, Ill. (near Chicago) | 13 |
| Complete all 7 assignments to claim up to 1.75 ~15 minutes each |
1.75 | ||
| 16.75 |
Audience
Vascular Surgeons
Advanced Practice Providers: The LDP is growing! Select Advanced Practice Providers and Quality Fellowship In Training (FIT) Program scholars, who are preparing for future leadership roles, will be invited to join the LDP Cohort 7 in a new pilot program.
The program includes dedicated peer-to-peer time as well as shared sessions that bring the full cohort together for discussion and collaboration. This approach strengthens the learning environment while preserving space for surgeon-focused dialogue.
Attendee Housing and Travel
Kick-off and Orientation at VAM
Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts (for anyone driving in). You don't have to pay VAM registration to attend this session.
LDP Workshop and Graduation
Closer to the date of the event, SVS will email attendees a form to gather details that the SVS will use to reserve a room at the following hotel for you:
Hampton Inn & Suites Rosemont Chicago O'Hare
9480 W. Higgins Road,
Rosemont, IL 60018
As noted at the time of registration and the application process, Cohort Members and Mastery Grant recipients will be responsible for hotel expenses, including payment of your room upon check-out. The rate is $149+ taxes and fees. Upon arrival, everyone will be asked to provide a credit card for incidentals.
Hotel Cancellation Policy: 48 hours prior to arrival. Once SVS reserves your hotel, please contact the hotel directly to make adjustments and inform education@vascularsociety.org. Hotel guests will be responsible for room charges if changes are made less than 48 hours before the arrival date or if changes are not communicated to SVS.
Inclusions: Complimentary hot breakfast served daily. Complimentary WIFI. Complimentary shuttle service to and from O’Hare airport. Complimentary parking includes unlimited in and out access.
CME Information
Accreditation Statement
The Society for Vascular Surgery is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Society for Vascular Surgery designates this other/blended learning for a maximum of 16.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
The ACCME requires that the SVS, as an accredited provider of CME, disclose the relevant financial relationships of the planners, faculty, and any other individuals in a position to control content of this activity. However, Accredited providers do not need to identify, mitigate, or disclose relevant financial relationships for accredited education that is non-clinical, such as leadership or communication skills training. Therefore, there are no disclosures for this accredited activity.
Important Information About Your CME Credits
The American Board of Surgery (ABS) made changes to its CME processes, which impact the way that Diplomates interact with the Board, upload CME credits, and meet Certification requirements. SVS is committed to complying with the new rules and making your ability to claim credit as seamless as possible. Your credits will be transferred to your ABS account within 30 days of this event, as outlined on this page.
Questions
Please contact education@vascularsociety.org.