Message from the President

FRED A. WEAVER, MD, 2008-2009 PRESIDENT

The Western Vascular Society (WVS) was organized in 1986 by a small visionary group of university vascular surgeons from the western United States. Today, The WVS is home to vascular surgeons who practice the broad spectrum of vascular surgery in both community and university settings. The membership is diverse and includes surgeons from not only the western United States but also Alberta, British Columbia and the Pacific Rim. Together, these WVS vascular surgeons provide vascular care for a population of over 75 million.

As the WVS has grown in number and stature, so has the quality of the meetings. This was evident at our last meeting in Silverado where our immediate Past President, Dr. Alexander Clowes organized one of the best. The quality of the presentations and discussion at the Silverado meeting was evidence of the current vitality and importance of the Western Vascular Society. We are anticipating an equally exciting and stimulating 2009 meeting as we look forward to the 24th Annual Meeting in Tucson, Arizona.

The venue for the 24th meeting will be the spectacular Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The Resort offers beautiful guest rooms, two championship golf courses, a Spa and Tennis center and many other amenities that will be enjoyed by those members, guests and their families who attend. We are, at present, actively engaged in the planning process for this meeting which will include not only an outstanding Scientific Program, but also The Resident Forum. The Forum has become an important opportunity for residents in training to present work in progress, preliminary reports and basic science research in the discipline of vascular surgery. The Annual Meeting and Resident Forum would not be possible without our loyal educational sponsors and partners. We are thankful for their past support and look forward to their attendance and participation at the 24th WVS. So please mark your calendars and plan to attend the 24th Annual Meeting and 16th Resident Forum, September 19-22, 2009.

Since its inception the Western Vascular Society has provided an annual retreat from the rigors of practice where we as fellow vascular surgeons meet to debate and advance the care of the patient with vascular disease. The continued vitality of this meeting and the WVS is predicated on the strength and participation of the membership and the renewal of the organization through the admission of new members. New members are critical to the well being of the WVS, so I would ask all current members to consider nominating deserving colleagues for membership in this great organization.

I look forward to seeing all of you in Tucson and another successful meeting of the Western Vascular Society.

Best wishes,

Fred