This being my inaugural message to the SVU membership as President, the first order of business is to welcome the 890 new members who joined the SVU in 2007, to make a total of more than 4,400 members. Many of the new members are students which I find especially encouraging as you are the future of our vascular ultrasound profession and SVU. Also, to the 88% of members who elected to renew their SVU membership in 2007, thank you for your continued support of SVU. 2007 was a banner year for SVU in growth in new members and retention of existing members without which the SVU could not function or exist. The mission of SVU can only be realized by the ongoing participation of the membership for the benefit of all those involved with and touched by non-invasive vascular testing.

SVU Transition

During my tenure on the Board of Directors, I have observed SVU transition from an organization experiencing membership decline and increasing financial concerns into a professional organization with slow but steady growth in both membership and scope of services resulting in a financially stable SVU ready to take on a number of new and exciting projects. I now have the good fortune of taking office in a position to enjoy the fruits of all the hard work of so many past and current Board members, committee / subcommittee chairs and all those who participate in the activities that make SVU the great organization that it is. However, none deserve more credit than our small but mighty staff: Steve, Missi, Frankie, India and quite possibly the world’s most dedicated volunteer, Anne Jones, who does exceptional work for SVU on various regulatory and legislative advocacy issues. Together, we will work to further the mission and expand the influence of SVU.

Strategic Planning

My immediate focus as President is to prepare the Board for our fourth consecutive strategic planning session with Marc Chinoy of The Regis Group at the December 2008 Board meeting. The most recent three-year Strategic Plan (2006-2008) has taken shape with nearly 85% of the objectives having been completed or taken on a perpetual state within the operations of the SVU. The remaining 15% exist as works in progress or have been abandoned as a result of changes in the environment. Prior to the session (throughout 2008) we will be gathering data in preparation for the development of a new two-year Strategic Plan because the ultrasound profession is changing too quickly to wait three years before doing a new plan. A great deal of information will be required as the ultrasound profession continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Special care must be taken in determining SVU’s position on a number of key issues and the allocation of SVU’s resources in response to the needs of the membership and ultrasound profession.

There are a number of issues that will continue to capture our attention. The lingering negative effects of the DRA and the threat of additional reductions in reimbursement further promote the philosophy of “doing more with less.” Most strategies for coping with the DRA focus on increased throughput and gains in efficiency. The question becomes, at what cost in regard to the quality of care and safety in the work place will these gains be achieved? In an already under populated profession with an aging workforce, more than half of which are reported to be working in pain resulting from musculoskeletal injury, SVU can scarcely afford to place even greater demands on the system. In addition to financial constraints, we anticipate increased demand for non-invasive vascular testing services resulting from demographics (an aging population), proliferation of treatment options, and an increased emphasis on wellness and primary prevention resulting in greater demand for screening services.

The SVU stands ready to address these issues and pursue many more beneficial projects and programs while serving as the Voice for the Vascular Ultrasound Profession since 1977. Through our ongoing advocacy efforts we will continue to lobby for the establishment of a minimum education and credentialing standard for participation in the vascular ultrasound profession via the CARE Bill. SVU’s products and educational programs, now in greater demand then ever, will continue to be the premier source for knowledge and training. In collaboration with GE, SVU plans to offer this summer a series of high quality DVDs on SVU’s Professional Performance Guidelines designed to provide valuable insight to those performing vascular testing. Lastly we will continue to enhance our offerings in the way of courses and conferences that provide unique opportunities for clinical education, research and networking. Our 2008 Annual Conference in San Diego in June promises to be one of the best ever with many new and timely vascular ultrasound topics. You can explore all of these programs on the SVU website which is visited by approximately 30,000 individuals each month.

During my two-year term as President , I will have the privilege of working with an excellent Executive Committee and Board who are supported by the talented SVU office staff, dedicated committee/subcommittee chairs, and countless volunteers. I am confident that together we will perpetuate the proud tradition that is SVU and invite every member to take stock and participate whenever possible in the activities of our Society.