SVS officer corps on the record: priorities, opportunities and a few revealing facts
Dr. Perler: There are many members in the SVS who contribute selflessly to the SVS and are deserving of holding leadership positions so that I consider my selection to be the greatest honor of my professional career. The only way I can thank the membership for this privilege is to pledge to give every ounce of energy I have to serve the society, to serve the interests of our members and, most importantly, to serve the interests of our patients.
What is your vision for the future of the society?
Dr. Makaroun: Become the recognized leader and authority for everything vascular.
Dr. Hodgson: The SVS thrives when vibrant member participation keeps moving our specialty forward, and we are blessed with energetic young vascular surgeons anxious to do so.
Dr. Perler: The SVS will grow in membership and influence and will continue to be the leading voice for vascular surgery and forum to disseminate knowledge, develop practice standards, and allow us to participate in an increasingly global health care system.
Dr. Fairman: We need to take a leadership role in establishing international practice guidelines, grow our collaborative relationships recognizing areas of specialty overlap, continue to support the maturation of our VQI program, pursue clinical research funding focusing on evidence based therapy, better engage our community practice members, and work aggressively in Washington to enhance the value of our specialty.
What is the last great book you read?
Dr. Fairman: "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand.?
Dr. Perler: "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War" by Robert M. Gates. This book offers great lessons in what a leader is supposed to be.
Dr. Makaroun: Book: "Flash Boys" by Michael Lewis.
Dr. Hodgson: "Rutherford's Vascular Surgery."
What is your favorite aspect of the annual meeting?
Dr. Makaroun: Meeting old friends and making new ones.
Dr. Perler: The camaraderie. Getting together with colleagues and friends, not only for the exchange of ideas and to learn from each other, but in the social interactions.
