What is a vein specialist?
A vein specialist, or phlebologist, is a licensed physician that has a dedicated and sincere interest in the comprehensive treatment of chronic venous disease. Proper training includes an accredited residency or fellowship that specifically encompasses the field of venous disease.
Commonly a phlebologist comes from a background of vascular surgery, general surgery, cardiac surgery, interventional radiology, dermatology, anesthesiology, or family practice. Comprehensive treatment of chronic venous disease means that a phlebologist must have the training, understanding and resources to appropriately manage more than just varicose veins. Deep vein thrombosis, proximal vein outflow obstruction and venous ulcers are important aspects of venous disease that must be taken into consideration. A phlebologist offers conservative, minimally invasive and surgical treatment options for the extremely varied aspects of vein problems. The dedicated vein specialist must be willing to continue to 1) learn new concepts and techniques in this rapidly evolving field, 2) subject their practice to the scrutiny of outside regulatory boards or medical specialty societies, and 3) follow their outcomes in a standardized format that allows their results
to be compared with others.
Michael A. Vasquez MD, FACS, RVT
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery
SUNY Buffalo Department of Surgery
The Venous Institute of Buffalo
www.VenousInstitute.com
