JJ Guex, MD, FACPh
A colleague had this to say: “JJ Guex is one of the most creative thinkers in the field; he questions everything, and welcomes everyone. His research is relevant, unique and intriguing.”
Where do you see the specialty of phlebology in 5 years? 10 years?
Much more simple, patient friendly, esthetic and affordable.
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?
Painless, office-based technologies without adverse events.
In your opinion, which area of research is yielding the most advancement in the field?
Endovenous chemical ablation.
What technological advances are contributing to the quality of vein treatment that most excite you?
Ultrasound-guided endovenous chemical ablation.
How does the current state of health insurance affect your practice and what are the pitfalls?
Reduced access to modern (endovenous thermal ablation) treatments for many.
What is the biggest challenge in your work?
100% good results, 0 % side effects.
Is there a particular case that stands out in your mind?
Extensive venous malformations.
Describe an unlikely success story.
Finding a genetic therapy to reduce vascular malformations.
Are you involved in leading or teaching educational symposiums at clinics, hospitals, universities, etc? Please share your experiences.
I've been teaching phlebology for 20 years, physicians older than 45 are much more interested. Clinical sense is probably the most important tool, however it cannot be purchased. It requires practice, good will, and special brains.
Tell us about any publications or research you are currently working on or recently finished.
Complications of sclerotherapy. Health related Quality of Life assessment.
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 have organized joint meetings.
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.
I created the National Week on Venous Diseases in France in 2004 – Present.
What aspects of community service are you involved in, both within and outside medical service?
Humanitarian.
You are well-known in your field of work. What is something about you that would surprise your colleagues?
They know everything about me.
What made you decide to work in phlebology and what do you wish you had known before you did?
My father and grandfather were already in the field.
If you could share one bit of advice with a rookie, what would it be?
Understand the patient's main concern and focus on it.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Pragmatism, science.
If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be? Why?
Architect or ambassador.
What question did we not ask that we should? Now, answer it!!
I like my steak grilled at very high temperature, black around but raw inside – "Pittsburgh style" with shoe strings fries and nice, full-bodied red wine, thanks for asking. Cheers!
