Letter from SVU Student Board Representative Bruce Mashburn

To my fellow Vascular Technology students across the nation:

As your newly appointed Student Representative to the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) Board of Directors, I would like to take a moment to describe my experiences at this year's SVU Annual Conference recently held in Philadelphia. I fully enjoyed my first ever SVU Annual Conference, and I'm anxious to attend future events!

The conference was preceded by the biannual SVU Board of Director's meeting, which I had the great fortune to attend. Seeing first hand the efforts the Board members and Committee Chairs put forth in their desire to make the SVU a highly professional organization representing Vascular Technologists around the world makes me proud to say that I am a member. Often times, the value of the SVU to its "student" members was discussed. It was apparent that enhancements to the SVU for the sake of its more than 200 "student" members are a top concern of the current Board and Committee Chairs. Student members should expect to see additional benefits in the coming year making student membership in SVU even more advantageous.

The conference provided me many opportunities for learning throughout the day. From morning tutorials, to numerous guest speakers, to various skills sessions, my chances to expand my knowledge never seemed to end. I met many of the industry's top professionals, and made many, what I hope to be, life long friends. A fact that I now belonged to a large "team" of highly skilled professionals who consider each other friends became ever more apparent day by day.

As the conference progressed, I began to realize how important my membership in the SVU truly was. The SVU is a tremendously strong organization looking out for my best interests as a future Vascular Technologist. Realizing the role the SVU plays in supporting my future career, I have become eager to offer return support in any way possible, as my added support can only help make the SVU stronger on my behalf.

Fellow students, I encourage you to take full advantage of the benefits the SVU offers its "student" members, and please tell your fellow students about these benefits as well. I'm certain many students are unaware of the benefits the SVU has to offer, and we should pass along the news of this great opportunity. The cost of "student" membership is very low, and the benefits far outweigh the minimal fee. From the monthly newsletters, to the "student profile" Directory, the benefits are numerous. Though I will not graduate from my educational program until the year 2007, I have already been approached by companies looking to hire Vascular Technologists due to my information listed within the "student profile" Directory. This is truly a wonderful benefit for the student population, and all job seeking students should take full advantage of this fantastic "free" opportunity.

Not only is a "student" membership very beneficial, but increasing our student memberships will help the SVU become a stronger organization and help build a better future for us all. By building upon the SVU's membership base, our voice in the Vascular Ultrasound community will certainly become louder.

Realizing many student members were unable to attend the conference due to various reasons, I can only hope that many more students may find a way to attend SVU's 30th Annual Conference in Baltimore, June 7-9, 2007, and be able to enjoy in the experience as I have. I have an entirely new outlook on my future having attended the conference, and I can honestly say I am proud that I have chosen Vascular Technology as my profession.

Please feel free to contact me at any time should you have questions or concerns relating to the SVU and its student members. It is my goal to enhance the "student" member experience while acting as your representative on the SVU Board of Directors for the next year.