Vein Specialist

This year, the AVF held its Day of Service in conjunction with the annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on February 15, 2025.  Members of the Venous CommUNITY collaborated with the Society of Black Vascular Surgeons, Emory Healthcare, Morehouse Healthcare, Morehouse School of Medicine Department of Community Engagement, and Grady Health to host this event at the Antioch Urban Ministries, Inc.

With the goal of educating those in underserved communities about venous disease, members of the AVF provided patient education by distributing n brochures followed by time for attendees to ask questions and engage with venous disease experts. JOBST and Juzo graciously hosted booths where attendees were measured for and given medical grade compression stockings. The AVF also connected attendees to local recommended providers to increase accessibility for any attendee.  Local vascular surgeons and physician assistants, along with medical and public health students, were available to community members who desired leg circulation (venous and arterial) screening, provided education and counseling for those with chronic conditions, and set up referrals to local providers based on clinical assessments. The Morehouse School of Medicine HEAL Clinic assisted community members with chronic disease screenings (diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension) as well as flu shots. This was all in combination with the Antioch Urban Ministries’ food bank and clothing shop.

One new addition to the Day of Service was the attendance of four National Football League alumni: Andrew Bolton (former running back of the Detroit Lions), Dominque Easley (former defensive tackle of the New England Patriots and the LA Rams, Super Bowl Champion), Perry Kemp (former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers), and Ronnie Shields (former tight end for the Seattle Seahawks).  It was great meeting these inspirational figures, talking to them about giving back to the community and getting pictures and autographs.  The children loved wearing the Super Bowl ring and getting pictures!

Thank you, JOBST, Juzo, Medstar, USA Therm, Penumbra, Boston-Scientific, Cook Medical, Koya, Morehouse HEAL Clinic, and AOTI for your support of this year’s Day of Service!

We look forward to next year’s Day of Service in Denver, Colorado at AVF2026!

Dear AVF President Ruth Bush,MD, JD, MPH:

I am Dr. Kilsoo Yie from South Korea, and I recently had the honor of attending VENOUS2025, where I presented our research and had the invaluable opportunity to engage in academic discussions and build connections with AVF members. It is truly a privilege to write to you.

I have dedicated the past 20 years to cardiovascular surgery, with a focus on aortic, peripheral vascular, and venous diseases. During my time in academia, I performed more than 1,000 aortic and cardiac surgeries; but six years ago, I transitioned to private practice, where I currently run a vascular clinic. Our clinic performs approximately 500 CVD surgeries and 1,000 AV access-related surgeries and interventions annually. My academic interests include the characteristics and pathophysiology of symptomatic C0 patients, identifying optimal treatment strategies, as well as compression therapy principles and updated approaches to the treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLU).

Attending AVF this year was a remarkable milestone in my life. Of course, learning about the latest research trends from leading centers, meeting many distinguished figures whom I had previously only known through publications, and engaging in in-depth discussions on commonalities and differences in venous disease management across countries were all invaluable experiences. However, what left the greatest impact on me was your presidential address.

Your discussion on the five levels of leadership and the way you connected it to AVF’s members and ultimate goals was truly inspiring. I have no doubt that your words motivated and influenced not only me but also many others in the audience. (In fact, right after your speech, I purchased Jim Collins’ e-book from Amazon Korea and read nearly the entire book on my flight home.) The passion and sincerity you conveyed have the power to transform the thoughts and actions of ordinary individuals, guiding them toward something greater. In this regard, I want to express my deepest admiration and respect for you.

This was my first visit to the United States, and to be honest, I had always been hesitant about traveling due to my perception that, unlike Korea, gun possession is legal in the US. (I hope you understand my initial concerns.) However, after experiencing AVF firsthand, I now realize how much I would have regretted not attending this incredible event.

I am profoundly grateful to you and AVF for providing me with this life-changing experience—one filled with inspiration, meaningful discussions, and personal growth. Thanks to this meeting, I was encouraged by Dr. Murayama from Japan to attend the upcoming Japanese Society for Phlebology Annual Meeting this summer, and our team is actively considering participation. Moreover, I sincerely look forward to meeting you again next year in Denver, Colorado, where I hope to present even more advanced research.

Once again, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude for your warm hospitality and for the leadership and integrity you exemplify as both a scholar and a leader.

I look forward to seeing you again.

Best regards,

Dr. Kilsoo Yie

In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied the gods to bring the fire of knowledge to humanity, igniting the flame of progress and civilization. Similarly, science must not remain confined; its true purpose is fulfilled when it is shared, transcends borders, and sparks new minds across the world. With this vision, the American Venous Forum (AVF) reaffirms its commitment to education and medical excellence on a global scale, fostering spaces for learning and exchange among specialists from all corners of the world.  

This pursuit, like in the myth, is not without sacrifices. Often, our dedication to this vocation demands effort and commitment beyond the personal. But it all becomes meaningful when we see the joyful faces of those we help.  

In this spirit, the Villavicencio and International Symposia, recently held in Atlanta as part of the AVF 2025 Annual Meeting, stood as a testament to the power of international scientific collaboration. Both events brought together renowned experts in phlebology and lymphology, establishing themselves as essential platforms for disseminating the most advanced knowledge in our field.  

The International Symposium stood out for its impact and reach, reaffirming the importance of a scientific dialogue without borders. Coordinating these symposia and actively participating in the conference has been an honor, and I take great pride in contributing to this effort to globalize knowledge.  

The AVF continues its mission to educate and train those who treat venous and lymphatic diseases, grounding its work in the highest quality science, best clinical practices, and a deep respect for the medical community and patients. Science, like a vast mosaic of knowledge, is enriched by every unique and valuable contribution that emerges from different regions of the world.  

But the borders we seek to overcome are not only geographic. They also involve breaking down barriers between the material and the intimate, between the biology of disease and the love we have for our patients. Because in medicine, as in the story of Prometheus, true transcendence lies in sharing the light with those who need it most.  

The VENOUS2025 Physician-in-training (PIT) sessions kicked off on Saturday morning in a combined session with the Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) with live ultrasound demonstrations. Every year, the PIT session provides a platform for interactive and informative sessions on the latest in venous disease and its application to clinical practice and best outcomes.

There were attendees from across the globe. Some attendees had also attended the AVF’s Venous Early Career Course in Chicago in 2024 and had returned for more education.

To begin, in a well-attended and engaging session led by Steve Elias, MD and the Early Career Committee members, attendees were given the opportunity to interview and examine the patients before ultrasound was performed.

The Saturday afternoon session included case-based interactive presentations on superficial, mixed, and post-thrombotic disease. As always, audience participation and debate on the best approach to treatment made for a valuable learning opportunity for participants.

On Sunday morning, Early Career Committee members presented interesting cases of superficial and deep venous intervention including device therapies for DVT. This was followed by a fast-paced, hands-on workshop where participants spent time at various booths that showcased different technologies and devices including those for compression, imaging, and venous therapies.

These sessions were well-received, well-attended, and reinforced the importance of continuing education and mentorship in developing future leaders and practitioners in venous disease.

The VENOUS2025 APP session offered a two-day, dual didactic and hands-on platform addressing diagnosis and treatment of venous disease, pelvic venous disease, EHIT, and DVT. This program had multiple sessions with live demonstrations in ultrasound imaging, interpretation, hands-on sclerotherapy, as well as multiple presentations from our experts in panel discussions on all aspects of venous pathophysiology.

Additionally, a discussion on aesthetic vein practice management related to the details of IAC vein practice accreditation was presented. A combined PIT and APP hands-on workshop brought clinicians and industry together with multiple tables for each group to visit, offering demonstrations and education that featured innovative products and devices for all who attended. An active showcase gave attendees an opportunity to engage and ask questions, truly emphasizing the power of collaboration and growth that serves the needs of our vascular patients.

A passport-like book was given to each person to receive a stamp from our highlighted vendors as they attended their table. After attendees visited all the tables, they submitted their passport to the registration desk to enter a raffle with 3 chances to win a prize. We extend a special thank you to all our industry supporters including Medtronic, JUZO, AOTI, USA Therm, Penumbra, Boston Scientific, ENVVeno Medical, BD, Koya, Smith & Nephew, and Tactile. We hope with continued collaboration and combined efforts we can continue to grow this innovative program for future clinicians.