Introduction to Academic Vascular Surgery (IAVS)

The Introduction to Academic Vascular Surgery (IAVS) conference is a two-day, in-person educational offering for general surgery residents and medical students from across the country. Instructors are from prominent academic vascular surgery practices located at the University of South Florida as well as other leading practices across the nation. The faculty represents the growing diversity of surgeons who practice vascular surgery. The program takes place at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), a premier, world class education facility located in Tampa, FL. The goal of the program is to provide learners with a foundational understanding of what academic vascular surgery is, how to be successful within it, and the key role industry plays in the care of vascular surgery patients. Educational strategies for the conference include in-person lectures, one-on-one mentoring, surgical simulation, and interactive, case-based educational materials.

The program seeks to educate the attendees on the process of clinical research, forms of communication (written and oral), getting started in academic vascular surgery, defining yourself as a possible applicant to vascular surgery training programs, applicant interviewing skills, understanding the role emotional intelligence has in one’s life and career, research presentations, and open and endovascular skill sets. No similar meeting exists, and feedback from attendees, faculty, program directors, and representatives of national societies feel that this is a very valuable part of the overall educational curriculum.

The benefit to Attendees is fourfold:

1. This is one of the few opportunities to think about and learn how the process of academic research really works.
2. The meeting gives future colleagues the chance to meet leaders in the field, get to know each other, and to help identify whether vascular surgery is the right field for them.
3. Exposure to the CAMLS facility also allows attendees to gain experience with the technical aspects of the field.
4. The chance to present their work in public, which exposes attendees to a combination of real-life experiences and pressures in a simulated environment.

Course Directors

Murray L. Shames, MD, FACS, DFSVS
Richard G. Connar Professor
Chair, Department of Surgery
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Chief of Staff, Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Michael Amendola, MD, MEHP, FACS, FSVS
Professor of Surgery
VCU School of Medicine
Division Chief of Vascular Surgery
McGuire VA Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia

Rajavi Parikh, DO
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Associate Director, Surgical Care Clerkship
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL

Jean Bismuth, MD, FACS
Professor of Surgery
Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery
USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Medical Director, TGH HVI Vascular Center of Excellence
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa, FL