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Letter from the Editor: The Cannellini Caper

There is a cannellini bean shortage. So, what’s the big deal? Well, if you want a good bowl of escarole and beans, your options are limited. Traditional Italian cooking uses cannellini beans in escarole and beans. Substitutes can include great northern beans or navy beans.

Why the shortage? Weather, bad weather. Global warming. Climate change. My wife (who is Italian) and I really like a good bowl of escarole and beans, so this situation was a culinary quagmire. She is a great cook and lack of cannellini beans is a problem. None of the stores in our area had them. Blame Argentina for this. Well, not really Argentina; rather Argentinian weather. El Nińo devasted the cannellini bean crop. Extreme drought. In the United States, cannellini beans are grown in the Midwest. The web of U.S. cannellini connections runs from Progresso to General Mills, which owns Progresso, to Goya Foods which–believe it or not–is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. And you thought General Mills just made cereals! And you thought Goya was headquartered outside the U.S. And you thought our annual meeting, VENOUS2025, was going to be just like last year’s meeting.

You are wrong. Every year our Program Committee comes up with a few twists, turns, challenges, and more. Not as many twists, turns, and challenges as the Cannellini Caper. This issue of Vein Specialist highlights what will happen in Atlanta. There are our tried and true segments: the very important abstract sessions, the Sumner session, President’s session, and our AVF Celebration, plus EVF and SVM sessions, etc. But you know this. Last year included an inaugural Day of Service to the community. This year we do it again in Atlanta. Kathleen Ozsvath and Misaki Kiguchi and many others including industry come to Atlanta earlier than most of us and participate in this on Saturday. If you’d like to be part of this, let us know.

What’s really new this meeting is the Case Competition, mostly for trainees or early career attendees. We asked for different, unique cases and we received 16 submissions–and they are good. This will be a valuable session. We’ve all sat around with our friends and colleagues and said, “I have this case that I’m not sure what to do about,” or “Let me tell you about this tough case I had.” We are recreating this experience with our “Doctor’s Lounge” sessions on two days of the meeting. These will be our most interactive, unscripted sessions. Attendees will be as important as faculty to make it work. Our annual meeting Program Committee listened to some “demands” from last year and we have “supplied” you with good, interactive content.

We don’t think there will be a supply/demand issue as there is with beans. Demand is up; supply is down. All types of beans have gained worldwide popularity over the last few years (as has AVF: membership is up; meeting attendance is up). Beans are fiber rich, low fat, and have decent protein–a great combo. Everyone now wants the once lowly bean. But supply is the issue: chickpeas, a problem, India produces most, bad weather. Production is down for black beans in Canada, Australia, Turkey, and Mexico. Demand is up for black beans, especially in Brazil and Mexico. Production is down for red beans. The United Kingdom produces most. Bad weather. Atlanta most likely will have good weather for our VENOUS2025 meeting. Demand is up and we have supplied what you wanted. There is an abundance of vein disease worldwide. No shortage. Weather doesn’t affect us. Come to Atlanta so you can learn a bit more and best reap the harvest while helping patients.

Make Plans to Join Us for VENOUS2025!

Drs. Bush and Chaar celebrating at Venous 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

Success Breeds a Repeat: AVF Day of Service

Building on the success of the inaugural AVF Day of Service in 2024, we are pleased to announce our 2025 event in conjunction with the VENOUS2025 on February 15, 2025. To be held at Antioch Urban Ministries, the 2025 AVF Day of Service will include screenings, give-aways, education, referrals, and other services. We are proudly partnering with with Morehouse School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, and Grady Memorial Hospital in support of this community health event.

Plan Now to Celebrate AVF!

The annual meeting of the American Venous Forum continues to evolve into a global exchange of cutting-edge research, a community to discuss great ideas, as well as a forum for camaraderie and networking. At the helm, President Ruth Bush, MD, JD, MPH has guided the society with intention and leadership, bringing new and innovative programming.

We are so excited to celebrate Dr Bush, our colleagues and friends, the trainees of venous disease, and our industry partners. The annual meeting will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 16-19, 2025. The rich history and culture of this southern city, together with its modern vibes, makes it the perfect place to come together for learning, sharing, and celebrating. Local, regional, national, and international attendees will experience true Southern hospitality, as we dine on Southern-inspired food and dance our way to an enjoyable and unforgettable evening.

Dr Bush, together with the leadership of the American Venous Forum, looks forward to celebrating with you!