This spring, as I walked the halls of the New Orleans Convention Center, it happened again…another act of terrorism on our great land. This time, it was in Boston.

Flights transporting the attendees of the 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Interventional Radiology to and from their respective destinations were delayed and even cancelled. Chaos was being reported on every channel as we struggled to wrap our heads around the events of that day. The Boston Marathon finish line had been targeted as the first location for then unknown extremists to wreak havoc and fear amongst our innocent citizens in what should have been a time of celebration and coming together, a celebration of the human spirit. As the story unfolded, one thing rang loud and clear: They may try to destroy us, but we Americans do not and will not let these things keep us down for long.

In fact, Bostonians, in their longstanding tradition and grand fashion, have reminded us that no one can keep down our great society. We will always rise above and answer the call of others in need.

There is no better example of answering that call than that which was demonstrated by our own amazing medical professionals from the Boston-area hospitals over the ensuing hours, days and weeks. In particular, I’m reminded of one story about a marathoner, a doctor, who had already finished the race prior to the explosions. Dehydrated and exhausted himself, he proceeded directly to his hospital to tirelessly aid in treating those innocent participants and standers-by that
flooded his ER that afternoon, despite his own diminished condition. He wasn’t the only one of his kind to leap to the aid of his fellow citizens. This type of self-sacrifice and heroism are the cornerstones of our culture, and the events that unfolded that day gave the world ample opportunity to view close up that tight-knit fabric of brotherhood we have woven for more than 237 years in America. And interestingly enough, the city of Boston was in the center of it from the start.

So now, after a little time has passed and we have had an opportunity to reflect and begin to heal from that fateful day this spring, we look forward to a different event, another celebration to be held in Boston— this time, not quite as massive as the Marathon or as revolutionary as a Tea Party in the harbor, but nevertheless an important one. We will celebrate the growth of our specialty and the honor of hosting our worldwide colleagues on our own shores. The UIP World Congress is truly a celebration—a time to share the advances and discoveries that will shape the future of venous disease education, care and prevention—and I can think of no better place to hold this event than Boston. I’m sure you’ll agree that we are in for a real treat. Just take a look at what Drs. Nick Morrison and Mark Meissner have put together for this tour de force and you’ll see that you are truly in for a spectacular ride, regardless of your level of expertise in phlebology.

VEIN Magazine is proud to help represent the physicians, allied medical professionals and industry partners within this specialty, and we look forward to an exciting and funfilled educational event. For those of you who attending the UIP hosted by the American College of Phlebology, we welcome you to Boston, and we invite you to experience another celebration of the human spirit.

Cheers!

Jana Acciacca
Former Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]