John Mauriello

A colleague had this to say: “John Mauriello is a Master; I consider him one of the pioneers in modern phlebology. He cares about the profession and is dedicated and committed to its advancement. He was doing phlebology long before EVLA evolved. John is one of the original Fellows of the ACP and is also President-elect of the ACP. He definitely deserves mention.”.

Where do you see the specialty of phlebology in 5 years? 10 years?

I see major hospitals having vein clinics. I also see OB/GYN and Cardiologists getting more involved. They are the primary care providers for the elderly and females which are the two largest groups of afflicted patients. Once they learn these treatments, which they can very easily, their referrals will stop.

In your opinion, which area of research is yielding the most advancement in the field?

Better, smaller ultrasound devices. Let’s face it without ultrasound this field would not be where it is today.

What is the biggest challenge in your work?

Dealing with insurance companies. They want to continually cut cost and over burden us with needless paper work. Supplies and wages continue to rise so the whole system will come to a screeching halt at some point.

Are you involved in leading or teaching educational symposiums at clinics, hospitals, universities, etc? Please share your experiences.

I speak regularly at the ACP, IVC and occasionally at other meetings.

Tell us about any publications or research you are currently working on or recently finished.

I’m working on two abstracts for the IUP in 2009. Can’t give details.

What efforts have you been involved in to foster cooperation (rather than competition) between the various venous educational organizations so that the greatest number has access to the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease?

I personally network with members of the AVF, SIR, IVC and others who are not members of the ACP and would like to see all those interested in Phlebology consolidate their efforts.

Have you been actively involved in any public awareness campaigns? Please give us the details on how the campaign was structured, examples of campaign materials and the response received from the community in which you practice.

We were involved in the DVT awareness program and offered free screening. I also volunteer to speak to any group that asks. I enjoy doing call in radio shows. Educating the public is very important.

What aspects of community service are you involved in, both within and outside medical service?

Medicine and Phlebology takes up all of my time except for my family which always comes first.

You are well-known in your field of work. What is something about you that would surprise your colleagues?

I’m a dyslexic

What made you decide to work in phlebology and what do you wish you had known before you did?

I had a spiritual calling to get out of anesthesia. My wife had sclerotherapy treatment which introduced me to the field. I was seeing chronic pain patients some of which had leg pains from chronic venous disease. I learned that treating their veins would help them return to full activities.

If you could share one bit of advice with a rookie, what would it be?

If your primary goal is not to help people, stay out of medicine.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Being able to help people so they can get on with their lives and be healthy productive individuals.

If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be? Why?

I’d be teaching. I’m good at it and It’s not work because I love doing it.