
Show Notes
In this episode, we explore the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Quality Improvement (QI) Consulting Program, a free member benefit that supports vascular surgeons in designing, executing, and refining QI projects across all stages—from problem identification to dissemination. We're joined by Dr. Samantha Minc, a vascular surgeon and faculty member at Duke University, and Dr. Ashley Vavra, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and chair of the SVS Quality Improvement Committee. Both bring extensive experience in vascular care and quality-focused clinical practice. Together, they break down how the QI Consulting Program helps clinicians: Develop SMART goals and clear project aims
Identify stakeholders and select appropriate methodologies
Organize timelines and communication plans
Track process measures and assess intervention impact
Troubleshoot challenges and prepare presentation or publication materials
They also outline what the program does not provide—such as data analysis, formal instruction, or long-term mentorship—to help members understand its intended scope. The application process is straightforward: SVS members may apply during the first two weeks of each month, with up to five projects accepted per cycle. This episode stresses the value of QI in vascular surgery and offers a practical, accessible overview of how the QI Consulting Program can support meaningful improvement efforts in vascular practices. Learn more: https://vascular.org/vascular-specialists/practice-and-quality/quality/quality-improvement-consulting-program
*Gore is a financial sponsor of this podcast, which has been independently developed by the presenters and does not constitute medical advice from Gore. Always consult the Instructions for Use (IFU) prior to using any medical device.
More from Audible Bleeding
Audible Bleeding editor Wen Kawaji (@WenKawaji) is joined by Dr. Danielle Garcia, Dr. Robert Meyers, JVS editor Dr. Duncan (@ADuncanVasc), and JVS-VL editor Dr. Ruth Bush to discuss some of our favorite articles in the JVS family of journals.
Jacob Soucy (@JacobWSoucy) hosts an inside look at a timely and thought-provoking editorial published in The Vascular Specialist, the official news magazine of the Society for Vascular Surgery. In this episode, we explore the introduction of preference signaling to the integrated vascular surgery match through the lens of the editorial "This Signal Brings Noise." The discussion examines whether signaling addresses problems that exist within the vascular surgery match, how signals may influence interview selection, and the potential unintended consequences of introducing artificial scarcity into an already highly successful match process. Jacob speaks with Dr. Malachi G. Sheahan III about the motivation behind the piece, the problems preference signaling is intended to solve, how applicants and programs may approach the new system, and why signaling may turn the application process into a strategic game. They also discuss application review, virtual versus in-person interviews, the role of program reputation and mentorship in applicant decision-making, and what the vascular surgery community should watch as signaling is implemented for the first time.
Audible Bleeding Editor and vascular surgery fellow Sasank Kalipatnapu (@ksasank) is joined by James Martinson, a practicing general surgeon with an interest in vascular surgery, currently serving as the ship's surgeon for the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier; JVS editor Dr. Audra Duncan (@ADuncanVasc); and JVS-CIT editor Dr. Matthew Smeds (@MattSmeds) to discuss two great articles in the JVS family of journals. Articles: Part 1: The association between multimorbidity and arteriovenous fistula creation outcomes (Wei and Woo)
Audible Bleeding Editor and vascular surgery fellow Richa Kalsi (@KalsiMD) is joined by James Martinson, practicing general surgeon with an interest in vascular surgery currently serving as the ship's surgeon for the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier and Langford Green (@langfordgreen_), research fellow at the Center for Vascular Research at the University of Maryland currently applying to medical school, JVS editor Dr. Audra Duncan (@ADuncanVasc), and JVS-VI editor Dr. Anahita Dua (@AnahitaDua) to discuss two great articles in the JVS family of journals. Articles: Part 1: Open bypass versus endovascular therapy in chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients with prior endovascular attempts (Hamouda & Malas)
Welcome back to the Audible Bleeding Series: Landmark Papers in Vascular Surgery. In this episode, Audible Bleeding editor John Culhane and co-host Dr. Jesse Columbo are joined by our guests, Dr. David Stone, Dr. Salvatore Scali, and Dr. Anders Wanhainen to unpack one of the longest-running debates in aortic surgery: when (and whether) to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. We'll start our episode with the open-repair era and the two trials that set the basis for the 5.5 cm threshold—UKSAT and ADAM—then move into the early EVAR years with PIVOTAL and CAESAR, which asked whether fixing smaller aneurysms with endovascular technology could do better. Finally, we'll look at how modern screening programs, improved medical therapy, and current guidelines have reshaped the practical decisions we make for these patients every day.