AVF at EVS in Charleston, SC

In September, AVF leadership had the honor of attending the Eastern Vascular Society (EVS) Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.

AVF board member Kathleen Ozsvath (left) and her daughter before the EVS Gala. The sign above congratulates Kathleen on her position as EVS President!

AVF and EVS members worked together to host a Day of Service in Charleston, SC. Similar to the AVF event in Tampa, FL earlier this year, residents of Charleston were able to obtain free screenings and education.

AVF’s Venous Equity and Inclusivity (VEI) Committee

The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity was the focus of an exciting new initiative when AVF announced “Venous for All” in 2022.  This effort, led by Drs Ruth Bush, Kathleen Ozsvath, Misaki Kiguchi, and Elna Masuda formalized into an ad hoc DEI committee. Over the last couple of years, this team has successfully carried out the mission-aligned goal of incorporating these themes into exciting sessions at the annual AVF meetings. The enthusiasm around these sessions and topics have reinforced the importance and relevance of a commitment to this area to allow our society to be true leaders in venous disease care.

In 2024, the ad hoc DEI committee was formalized into a named DEI committee under the executive branch of the AVF Board of Directors. This committee, currently chaired by Dr Karem Harth and co-chaired by Dr Oszvath, proposed a name change from DEI Committee to Venous Equity and Inclusivity Committee (VEI Committee), which was later approved by leadership. This committee maintains the goals of advancing awareness, understanding, acceptance, and respect of all ideas and people, and provides guidance on needed research and data on disparities in venous care.

As the VEI Committee forges ahead with its efforts and ideas, a priority will be to foster research on topics that are sensitive to health disparities among underserved and underrepresented populations with a focus on venous health. We are excited about this work and look forward to bringing these efforts to our AVF annual meetings, to our members, and, importantly, to our patients.

AVF Member Spotlight

Dr. Álvaro Orrego Díaz, MD

Dr. Álvaro Orrego Díaz is a distinguished physician and vascular surgeon, specializing in the treatment of venous diseases (varicose veins and telangiectasias). He is a nationally and internationally renowned professional, who throughout his career has received numerous accolades and has been a member of various institutions and organizations related to Phlebology and Lymphology. He is always in pursuit of the latest knowledge to ensure the best patient care. Dr. Orrego graduated from the University of Chile in 1993 and later specialized in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery with academic excellence.

Credentials

• Presidentof the Chilean Foundation of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Distinguished Memberof the American Venous Forum (AVF)
• Chairof the AVF International Committee
• Memberof the AVF Continuing Education Committee
• AVF Delegateto the International Union of Phlebology (UIP)
• Program Committee Memberof AVF Venous2024
• Distinguished Reviewerfor the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatics (JVS-VL), Editorial Board Member
• Guest Editorfor the Latin American Supplement of JVS
• Memberof the Pan-American Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Past-Presidentof the Education Committee of the Pan-American Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Associate Editorof the journal Acta Phlebologica

Other Roles:

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Member of the Chilean Society of Surgeons
• Former Member of the Therapeutic Guidelines Committee of the American Venous Forum
• Professor at San Sebastián University (Chile), Vascular Rehabilitation Diploma
• Former President of the Vascular Surgery Department of the Chilean Society of Surgeons
• Former President of the Chilean Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Former President of the Latin American Venous Forum
• Member of the International Union of Angiology (IUA) since July 2008
• Member of the Latin American Chapter of the International Endovenous Laser Working Group
• Associate Member of the Chilean Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery since July 2004
• Guest Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Salvador, Buenos Aires
• Organizer of various international congresses and symposiums, invited professor, panelist, and discussion panel president
• Named Illustrious Foreign Citizenin recognition of his Phlebology scientific work in the Republic of Peru, May 2012
• Professor of the 1st MASTER IN PHLEBOLOGY AND LYMPHOLOGY organized by the University of Alcalá (Madrid) and the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid in 2010
• Medical Director at Laser&Veins Clinic in Viña del Mar, Chile

Publications Dr. Alvaro Orrego has contributed to numerous scientific publications, including his participation in a chapter for the book “Tips and Tricks in Angiology”, chapter: “Treating Incompetent Perforating Veins”, C. Allegra, PL. Antigniani, E. Kalodiki. Minerva Medica Editions, 2016. P. 164-167.

• National Scientific Journals: 13
• International Scientific Journals: 17

On June 20, 2023, Dr. Álvaro Orrego received the great news of being named “REVIEWER OF THE YEAR 2023” by the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatics (JVS-VL, the most prestigious journal in the specialty worldwide), recognizing his expertise and dedication.

Conferences

• National Congresses, Courses, and Conferences: 35
• International Congresses, Courses, and Conferences: 52

Why did you join the AVF?

I joined the AVF because it was, and still is, in my opinion, the most prestigious institution for its scientific quality, teaching skills, and warmth. Over time, my initial vision fell short as belonging to and becoming involved with the institution allowed me to achieve a professional and personal profile far beyond what I expected.

What made you want to serve in a leadership role?

I decided to serve in a leadership role because of the need to collaborate in disseminating the highest level of phlebology and lymphology worldwide. Through the training of specialists in the field, we can provide the best treatments to their patients, bringing happiness both to them and to the treating physician. Our mission is to serve patients by eliminating or reducing their suffering.

What is your vision for the AVF over the next 3 years?

In the coming years, I hope AVF will maintain its position as the leading scientific institution in phlebology and lymphology worldwide, expanding its work globally so that its seeds are planted without borders, allowing trees to grow whose noble shade shelters good doctors who are dedicated to their love for patients.

As Chair of the International Committee, I would like to involve key figures from other countries in the task of globalizing our American Venous Forum world.

Proud to be a member of AVF!

Welcome New AVF Members!

Sept/Oct 2024