More than 30 million people in the U.S. live with venous insufficiency and as we approach another year in the 21st century, we are faced with two challenges that we must overcome in order to deliver exceptional care. The first of these challenges is ensuring those performing vascular studies and invasive procedures have continuous education, allowing them to excel in their knowledge, skills and abilities.
The second of these challenges is ensuring those who do continue with additional training and education can satisfy requirements to achieve or maintain professional credentials, all the while educating patients to recognize and use this as part of their selection of their healthcare provider.
To address the first challenge, we must recognize the diversity of the vascular field and the needs each area requires. Vascular ultrasound is one of the fastest growing fields and starting to encompass more than just technologists needing to advance their education. Physicians alike must be familiar with ultrasound techniques as more invasive procedures are now being guided by the use of ultrasound, and they need to be able to lead their practice team during a procedure.
The Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) recognizes the challenge faced due to the diversity of the vascular field and at the 2014 SVU Annual Conference, SVU is taking the first step to address it.
Education
Hearing from experts in the field on unique case studies and learning the newest testing techniques and procedures one may have not seen before are the initial steps in overcoming the first challenge stated above. Professional societies are a great resource to acquire this much needed information. With over 70 presentations, 17 CME credits and an exciting poster session, the SVU Annual Conference in 2014 is the conference to attend. “Attendees will engage in a team-based environment identifying appropriate testing strategies, advancing their interpretation skills, formulating treatment plans and improving the management of the practice. To complement the sessions, we have over 30 exhibitors who will be showcasing technology, software and products that are designed to improve patient care. 2014 is shaping up to provide something for everyone”, says Judy Fried, RN, RVT, FSVU, SVU Annual Conference Chair.
In addition to the exceptional sessions, attendees will earn CME credits in vascular ultrasound, interpretation and venous disease necessary to satisfy professional credentials such as RVT, RPhS and RPVI, as well as lab accreditation requirements for both vascular lab and vein clinics. With at least 17 CME credits offered just at this one conference, this is more than half of the 30 credits many are required to have over three years.
Technology Advancements
Vascular labs may not be using the latest equipment and reporting software or may not be exposed to equipment that provides advanced clarity and accuracy. Most often, it’s no fault of the practice, but may be due to the lack of awareness about the advancements out there. Many conferences offer an extensive exhibit hall and SVU is not any different. With over 40 exhibitors expected, attendees will be able to explore a wide range of products that will enhance and improve their practice and the care they provide to the patient. In addition, SVU provides a unique chance for attendees to have a more personalized demonstration through the Technology Theater, a showcase of products in a more intimate setting. This is limited to 10 vendors and a great chance for attendees to discover what they are looking for.
A new addition to this year’s program is the use of ultrasound during interventional procedures. To assist both technologists and physicians new to this application, we have created a one hour session to provide instructions and hands-on experience for ultrasound guided techniques.
Expertise
With over 30 presenters there is one thing for certain, you will not be able to find this volume-of knowledge in three days anywhere else. We are very excited to welcome Timothy Goldfarb, MHSA, CEO, University of Florida Health Shands, as the 2014 Annual Conference keynote speaker. Mr. Goldfarb joined UF Health Shands as CEO in 2001 and has been very active with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, America’s Essential Hospitals, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Hospital Association.
With the rapid movement toward consolidation and more consumer involvement in product selection and purchase, Mr. Goldfarb will be addressing the role of academic medicine and technology and the effect it has on healthcare reform.
The 2014 SVU Annual Conference is taking place August 6-9, 2014 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Additional information can be found at www.svunet.org/annualconference.
“The SVU Annual Conference Committee and the SVU staff collaborated to develop what should end up being our very best Annual Conference ever. We are bringing together a long list of vascular luminaries and the number of exhibitors and sponsors has already exceeded our expectations. All vascular and venous professionals should join us in Walt Disney World”, Thomas Stefaniak, CAE, MBA, Executive Director, SVU.
Founded in 1977, SVU is the only professional organization completely dedicated to the advancement of non-invasive vascular technology used in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease. SVU is comprised of more than 5,200 vascular technologists, physicians, cardiologists and other allied health professionals. SVU is committed to providing exceptional education to those in vascular ultrasound, medicine and surgery including vascular physicians and cardiologists. Providing over 18 vascular-specific AMA PRA Category 1 CME CreditsTM each year free for members through a peer-reviewed journal and webinars, SVU ensures the continued education of vascular technologists, physicians, surgeons and cardiologists. SVU’s web address is www.svunet.org.
