FVLD: More than Fundraising By Dr. Marlin Schul
The Foundation for Venous & Lymphatic Disease (FVLD) has been in existence for over 16 years, and I am excited to report that the Foundation is still making a significant impact in the field. The FVLD was created initially to support the vision of establishing venous & lymphatic disease as a recognized medical specialty and now is making possible an expanded vision of supporting advocacy, research and education across all facets of the field. event to support the Foundation’s efforts and encourage developing relationships among our membership, I could not help but accept. Now, as we approach our 14th event, I feel so blessed to know that I can still play golf (though not as strong a golfer) with a great group of people who have become friends at previous events.
The FVLD has raised over $12 million over the past 16 years, enabling the field of venous and lymphatic medicine to grow and thrive. When you look back at the various opportunities the FVLD made happen, you will find the creation of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Venous & Lymphatic Fellowships and the PRO Venous Registry as significant investments that have changed the landscape significantly. More recently, the FVLD has allowed the AVLS to build the resources to be strong advocates on behalf of the specialty. Then you throw in the various educational scholarships, research grants and technology advancements (virtual reality education) among a litany of other activities, and you find that the FVLD has been able to impact the future of each of us that practice in this field.
Each year, the Foundation hosts a variety of social activities around the AVLS Annual Congress that are all designed for us to interact in enjoyable ways outside a classroom, enabling us to develop deeper relationships and share our passions for what we do with each other. Although I love golf, you will find that the Foundation has developed our 2nd Expedition for those that prefer to hike and explore the surrounding areas of our Congress venue. In addition, we have an opportunity to exercise together each Saturday morning of Congress with our Annual Fun Run and Walk. There is no excuse for you not to get involved and begin your adventure with the Society and the Foundation by engaging with each other and developing new relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.
While I am personally grateful for all that we have accomplished, I want to focus on another aspect of the Foundation that has made a tremendous difference in my life. I was a relatively new member of the Society when the Foundation was created and was just starting to get to know various members beyond seeing their names on publication here and there when I was asked to Chair the 2nd Foundation Golf Outing. Now for those of you that have gotten to know me, I have three passions outside of my work routine: my family, adventure travel, and golf (not always in that order, LOL!). When asked to get involved in an
We all live and practice in challenging times, and it is only when we approach the future together that we can truly make a difference. From my own experience, I can promise you that you will not regret getting involved with the Foundation and changing our future together! 6
