Welcome to VAM 2023

Education Session: Embolization for Vascular Surgeons: Techniques, Tips and Tricks

Lunchtime Education Session: Bringing What’s New in Deep Venous Thrombosis Treatments to You in 2023! (In collaboration with the American Venous Forum)

Lunchtime Education Session: Member Perspectives on Advocacy - Myths, Facts and Reasons Why all SVS Members Should Engage

SVS Central provides a hub of information

As its name implies, “SVS Central” will be one of the places to be at the SVS Vascular Annual Meeting for help and information about anything SVS-related. SVS Central will be open for much of VAM, offering attendees a chance to connect with staff and faculty, gather information, grab some memorabilia and learn about the Society’s ongoing initiatives.

SVS Central will be open from 12–5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on Thursday and 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday.

Representatives from different SVS departments, including Education, Membership/ Marketing, Journal of Vascular Surgery (JVS), Vascular Quality Initiative, SVS Political Action Committee (PAC), SVS Foundation, SVS/Phairify Compensation Study and the American College of Surgeons/ SVS Vascular Verification Program all will have a presence at SVS Central.

Vascular surgeons can also get their SVS Fellow (FSVS™) ribbons, get help with the VAM mobile app, update their membership information and receive information on upcoming SVS educational courses and products.

SVS Central provides a convenient opportunity for attendees to donate to the SVS Foundation and SVS PAC. And, those planning to attend the Foundation’s “Great Gatsby Gala” Friday evening can save time on the big night by taking advantage of early check-in (see page 19).

VAM attendees can also channel their competitive side—and get some exercise in—by stopping at SVS Central to register for the 2023 SVS Foundation’s Vascular Health Step Challenge. Top walkers during the meeting will win prizes and will automatically be registered for the September month-long challenge. Following VAM, registration will open in July at vascular.org/Step23

SVS Central is also valuable for attendees seeking information about JVS and resolving subscription issues. Individuals can also learn more about the Vascular Verification Program and the Pharify/SVS Compensation Study, with representatives from both available to answer questions.—Marlén Gomez

Learn at lunchtime

The Society for Vascular Surgery has added four lunchtime learning sessions to the VAM opening day.

Topics are both clinical and non-clinical, ranging from planning for retirement, embolization tips and tricks, new deep vein thrombosis treatments and a session on the importance of advocacy from member perspectives.

All sessions are Wednesday from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and will include box lunches for attendees.

All are also part of the non-plenary educational sessions that are an important part of VAM. “We have something for everyone, at every career stage,” said Will Robinson, MD, chair of the Postgraduate Education Committee, which develops these sessions. “All these programs are terrific—they’re innovative and they’re current.”

Embolization for Vascular Surgeons: Techniques, Tips and Tricks (Maryland A) will cover an overview of a surgeon’s “embolization arsenal,” management of type II endoleaks, visceral artery aneurysms and embolization in trauma, followed by a panel discussion.

Case studies submitted by vascular residents will be a part of Bringing what’s New in Deep Venous Thrombosis Treatments to You in 2023 in Potomac C. The session, in cooperation with the American Venous Forum, will cover patient selection issues, the many options for deep venous thrombectomy therapies, tips and tricks for aggressive thrombus removal and what works when it comes to IVC thrombosis.

With the pronounced aging of the vascular surgery workforce, help with Transition to Retirement: What I Wish I Would have Known takes on new importance. Topics include ways to wind down, including opportunities beyond the operating room, staying fit despite ergonomic challenges while aging, financial considerations, including transitioning from growth to an income stream, asset protection and whether a surgeon has enough assets to call it quits. The session will be in National Harbor 4/5.

Two stalwart SVS supporters for advocacy will provide Member Perspectives on Advocacy—Myths, Facts and Reasons Why all SVS Members Should Engage in Potomac D.—Beth Bales

What To Do

Explore National Harbor while at VAM

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, sits abreast a beautiful waterfront location, providing a perfect setting for the top educational event in the world of vascular surgery. Guests will have ample chances to explore the surrounding area while here. The National Harbor tourism website labels “National Harbor as more than a destination. It’s an experience full of sights, sounds and tastes that will immerse you.” Besides the jam-packed meeting agenda, take in some of National Harbor’s attractions:

● Spirit Park, a modern tribute to the American flag: For patriots, this is a must-see location that showcases inspirational art in honor of the soldiers donning red, white and blue. Spirit Park is also home to one of the most enormous flying flags in the United States that is sure to impress VAM 2023 attendees and their guests.

SVS Connect@ VAM social event is tonight

As part of its ongoing commitment to foster collaboration and strengthen the vascular community, the SVS will host the inaugural SVS Connect@VAM: Building Community Wednesday evening, to close out the first day of VAM. This event allows attendees a unique opportunity to connect, relax and recharge in a festive atmosphere with colleagues, friends and family. Dress style is strictly casual.

Thanks to the sponsorship of Terumo Aortic and Philips, the event—which SVS leaders hope becomes an annual one—is free. However, because space is extremely limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to reserve their spots early by visiting vascular.org/ SVSConnectVAMBuildingCommunity.

From 7–9 p.m., attendees will gather on the lawn of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, on the banks of the Potomac River. SVS Connect@VAM will feature interactive activities, food stations, games and entertainment designed to create an environment of camaraderie and fun for attendees and their families.—Marlén Gomez

● The Capital Wheel, to stop by and fly: One of the more popular attractions in National Harbor is the Capital Wheel. This Ferris wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that take passengers 180 feet above the ground for breathtaking views of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument, the City of Alexandria, the Masonic Temple, Georgetown and more. After the ride, attendees can relax at the Flight Deck, an outdoor bar and lounge by the water. There’s also a carousel nearby for some family-friendly fun. Remember to snap some pictures for social media!

● Water Taxis to explore the area in style: Easily reach Washington, D.C., via the Potomac Water Taxi. This convenient mode of transportation connects National Harbor (145 National Plaza) to the Wharf in Washington, D.C., Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria. First, enjoy a scenic boat ride that lasts less than an hour. Then, take a 12-mile trip down the Potomac River to see Mount Vernon, the historic home of George and Martha Washington.—Marlén Gomez

Email svsmeetings@vascularsociety. org with any questions.

Get your free headshots!

The SVS is again providing a valuable opportunity for VAM attendees to obtain free professional headshots. These high-quality headshots are an excellent addition to any professional’s career portfolio, allowing vascular surgeons to enhance their online presence as well as their professional materials.

The headshot booth will be open from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, conveniently located near SVS Central, the Society’s member resource at VAM.

Both the booth and SVS Central will be situated just outside the entrance to the VAM Exhibit Hall.

A professional photographer will be available to ensure that the headshots capture the best possible image of attendees, helping professionals establish their professional identity and elevate their profiles within the vascular field.

For more information and updates on the free headshots, attendees should visit SVS Central for more information.—Marlén Gomez