John J. Bergan, MD, FACS, Hon, FRCS (Eng.), FACPh

A colleague had this to say: “Simply one of the best spoken and most knowledgeable on venous disease and the various treatment options, Dr. Bergan brought validity to the use of sclerotherapy as an alternative to venous surgery. His brilliant mind, captivating speaking style, academic credentials and embracing personality have transformed phlebology from small time to big time.”

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

Very active for the next 20 years and I plan to be a part of that.

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?

Women will enter the field giving it intelligence and charm. I plan to be a part of that too.

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

The study of inflammation of the veins.

What technological advances are contributing to the quality of vein treatment that most excite you?

Foam sclerotherapy.

What advancements are long overdue?

Differentiation of the various types of thrombosis.

How does the current state of health insurance affect your practice and what are the pitfalls?

Reimbursement lags far behind development of procedures.

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?

Who knows?

What is the biggest challenge in your work?

Time for clinical and basic research.

Describe an unlikely success story.

None come to mind. Success is easy to achieve.

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

Yes, every other week, I travel to lecture and discuss phlebology.

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

I’m working on a book on phlebolymphedema and research on inflammatory markers in treatment of venous insufficiency.

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?

Joining in the meetings and exchanging points of view.

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

Continuing to work past retirement.

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

Vein problems are common and are commonly neglected. I would have liked knowing about their complexity

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

Study the past, investigate the future.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Interested young people.

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

Nothing comes to mind.

What question did we not ask that we should? Now, answer it!!

How can we interest young doctors in phlebology?