VEIN: ONE YEAR LATER
VEIN: ONE YEAR LATER
FALL 2008
Welcome to the one-year anniversary issue of VEIN. Although we are constantly striving to improve, we hope you will agree we’ve been able to present a broad range of topics ranging from interviews with leading phlebologists, industry news, the business of phlebology practice, "hot" topics about the specialty and case studies. The growth of our readership (now 10,000), growth in advertiser base, and expansion in editorial focus and resources are a reflection of meeting the needs of those involved in this rapidly growing specialty.
Growth and development in Phlebology is evident all around us. Below, I have underscored developments in the industry that I feel indicate shifts of which we should all be aware.
The American College of Phlebology (ACP), now with over 2,100 members, is the largest society in the world devoted to venous disorders. The American Venous Forum has also expanded their membership and remains a very dynamic and innovative group. Both societies have important new initiatives that will expand research and education, including public education substantially. Look for some important announcements at the ACP Annual Congress in Marco Island, Florida.
Phlebology, the only English language journal devoted entirely to venous disease, is now MEDLINE-indexed. The American College of Phlebology and the Venous Forum of the Royal Society of Medicine officially endorse the Journal, and it is a pleasure to announce that the Australasian College of Phlebology has joined these groups in making it their official journal. The number of issues has gone from four to six annually, with expansion to eight per year under consideration. The first Special Issue of the Journal on Vascular Malformations, with BB Lee as guest editor, was published in December 2007 (Volume 22 Number 6). It is a fantastic resource, and is now free online through a cooperative sponsorship between the RSM, International Union of Phlebology and American College of Phlebology Foundation (http://phleb.rsmjournals.com/content/vol22/issue6).
The American College of Phlebology Foundation, publicly launched at the Annual Congress of the ACP in November 2006, continues to gain impressive support from healthcare professionals and industry. The creation of Board certification, perhaps the most significant program, would have remained a dream without the support of the Foundation.
The American Board of Phlebology (ABPh) was established in 2007. The creation of this independent specialty board was an historic milestone in Phlebology, which will contribute significantly to the recognition and acceptance of Phlebology. It is an important affirmation for those who have chosen to contribute to and work in the field of venous disease. The ABPh was established in order to:
* Improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of patient care related to the treatment of venous disorders and all aspects of venous disease
* Serve the public and the medical profession by establishing initial and continuing qualifications for certification and maintenance of certification as physician specialists in the practice of Phlebology
* Examine physician candidates for certification and maintenance of certification in the practice of Phlebology
* Establish educational standards for teaching and training programs in Phlebology
* Maintain a registry of individuals who hold certificates issued by the Board
The ABPh Certification Examination was developed using the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which establishes procedures for exam development to insure valid interpretation of score results. Standards is published and adopted by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education.
In 2008 the ABPh announced the inaugural class of diplomats; two hundred forty six (246) physicians who met the criteria for and passed the certification exam. The 2009 exam dates are April 18 - April 25, 2009. (www.americanboardofphlebology.org/dates.html).
The Certification Exam is open to licensed physicians who meet rigorous prerequisite qualifications. The criteria (http://www.americanboardofphlebology.org/ABPh_Criteria.pdf) establishes four major pathways to qualification:
* Fellowship Route
* Residency Route
* Experience Route
* Distinguished Scholar Route
The ABPh Board of Directors agreed to temporarily waive the residency requirement, as defined in the Certification Exam Prerequisites & Policies, for applicants for the 2009 exam.
The establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of Phlebology and those providers in the field who have taken the personal responsibility to certify their own knowledge, skill, and experience to help reinforce a higher standard of quality care for Phlebology patients. Upon successfully passing the exam, you become a diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology, receive a certificate suitable for framing, and have the option of being listed in the ABPh “Find a Board Certified Phlebologist” database.
We look forward to helping you keep abreast of the exciting developments in Phlebology.
Steven E. Zimmet, MD RVT FACPh