Southern Association for Vascular surgery

2009 President's Message

Thomas C. Naslund, MD

The 32nd Annual Meeting in Naples, Florida was a success in all areas. The scientific program was superb, organized by another skilled effort from our Program Committee chaired by William Marston. Likewise the Postgraduate Course arranged by Scott Stevens on the topic of venous disease was excellent. The amenities at the Ritz Carlton provided our membership the highest degree of luxury and services available.

While the Scientific Program continues to produce exceedingly high quality papers, the Mock Oral Exams have emerged as a cornerstone attraction for our vascular trainees. Recorder Tom Huber’s efforts are making the mock orals an important assessment for trainees throughout our region, assisting both trainees as well as program directors in any perceived fellow deficiencies. The environment of these exams provides regional fellows familiarization with the nature of oral board examination and the SAVS. Expanding participation by fellows can only richen this experience in future years.

Next year’s annual meeting at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort will be held January 14-17. Efforts are already underway to make this another valued gathering in terms of the scientific program, postgraduate course, mock oral exams, and the social events. Please set aside time now to attend this meeting and enjoy the beauty of winter in the Arizona dessert. I look forward to seeing you in Tucson.

TOM

Thomas C. Naslund, M.D.
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery
President, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery
TCN/mh