SVS Critical Initiatives For 2006-2007

Goal 1: Meet member needs through continuing education and advocacy.

1.Develop a comprehensive plan for providing continuing medical education to vascular surgeons.

• Conduct a retreat to develop a continuing education strategic plan for vascular surgery.
• Establish an advisory task force of industry and other vascular societies to work together on key CME issues and enhance communication and collaboration.
• Develop a plan for how SVS will help members with maintenance of certification.
• Increase the information to members relative to all vascular meetings.
• Promote international participation in the Vascular Annual Meeting.

Referred to Education Council for implementation.

2.Advocate with policymakers on behalf of vascular patients and vascular surgeons.

• Establish an advisory task force of industry and other vascular societies to work together on key legislative issues and enhance communication and collaboration.
• Continue member surveys to regularly capture important data impacting SVS and industry positions on policy issues.
• Increase the information on practice management to the membership and outline its impact on reimbursement issues.

Referred to Clinical Practice Council for implementation.

Goal 2: Promote the specialty.

1.Improve understanding of vascular disease and the specialty of vascular surgery through branding and outreach to the public and other specialties.

• Establish an advisory task force of industry and other vascular societies to work together on a comprehensive marketing plan for the specialty.
• The task force should review all current SVS outreach programs, evaluate effectiveness, recommend changes and/or maintain the current approach.

Referred to Communications Committee for implementation.

2.Develop strategies for attracting high-quality candidates into vascular surgery training programs.

• Establish an advisory task .force of industry and other vascular societies to work together on a comprehensive marketing plan for attracting medical students and surgical residents into the specialty.
• Develop a communication strategy with medical students outlining the positive position of our specialty, transmitting the enthusiasm for our specialty and our job satisfaction.
• Develop a plan to increase attendance of trainees and women at the Vascular Annual Meeting.
• Create a section on the Web site for trainees.

Referred to Recruitment Work Group to oversee implementation by Communications Committee, Education Council, Fellows Council, and APDVS.

Goal 3: Promote professionalism through research and standard setting.

1.Expand SVS outcomes analysis activities.

• Develop a three to five year plan outlining outcomes analysis activities, including identifying ways to work collaboratively with industry.

Referred to Outcomes Committee.

2.Promote stronger participation of vascular surgeons in clinical trials.

• Create a task force to explore funding and locations for future clinical trials.

Referred to Research Council.

3.Accelerate development of SVS reporting standards, practice guidelines, credentialing statements and position papers.

• Create a Practice Guidelines Committee to stimulate and oversee guidelines work groups.

Referred to Clinical Practice Council.

4.Pursue an accreditation program for comprehensive vascular care centers.

• Take a leadership role in the certification of vascular centers.
• Create a Vascular Center Accreditation Work Group.

Referred to Clinical Practice Council.

Goal 4: Unify the specialty.

1.Establish mechanisms to enhance relationships among SVS, regional societies, and national vascular societies.

• Create opportunities for communication on unity issues within vascular surgery, exploring models to enhance two-way dialogue.

Referred to Board of Directors.