Nick Morrison, MD, FACS, FACPh

A colleague had this to say: “Nick has become an internationally recognized and often
requested speaker at vein meetings around the world. There is no other person who has
developed and maintains such an international presence in the field of phlebology.”

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

I expect to see significant growth in the specialty in 5 years, with less growth at 10 years, but more specialists dedicated solely to phlebology.

A decade ago, few would have foreseen the crossover in types of vein treatments being offered at other specialty practices. Where do you think the next big movement is going to be and how will it affect vein practice?

I expect vascular specialists of all sorts to play a larger role in the specialty development. I expect more and different minimally invasive procedures to come to the forefront in the treatment of venous disease. And I expect to have industry be an important part of this growth and development.

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

Foam sclerotherapy, non-thermal ablation procedures, combined systemic and injected drug therapy for treatment of venous disease.

What advancements are long overdue?

Safety and efficacy of foam sclerotherapy. Abolishing the need for local anesthesia. And most importantly, public and physician awareness of venous disease, including modern treatment and consequences of venous disease without treatment.

With all the talk about "going green", where do you think modern medicine will contribute the most? Where do you think it will fall short?

Innovation drives medical care, as it does "going green", and I would expect medicine to help lead the way. My office has shown commitment to "going green" in the conversion from a paper chart to electronic chart program.

What is the biggest challenge in your work?

Obtaining good scientific evidence for venous disease diagnosis and treatment. Matching patients' expectations with combined medical and cosmetic outcomes. Helping patients realize the importance of maintenance care.

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 organize and hold an annual invitation meeting of venous specialists from several societies, including ACP, AVF, SIR, SVS, SVU, and others. I give lectures at the meetings of many societies interested in venous disease.

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.

Regular participation in health fairs, chamber of commerce lectures, retirement community lectures, and various media articles and appearances to teach about superficial vein disease. I have also participated in the AVF's vein screening days.

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

I am a tri-athlete, father of three, grandfather of two. Twelve years ago, I hated speaking in front of groups. Those who know me outside of work consider me to be a movie buff.

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

How academically rewarding the field is.