A Conversation with...
Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT

RT Image talks with the recently installed president of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU), Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT, who discusses her goals for her two-year term, advocacy issues, membership recruitment and the society’s annual conference.

RT Image: What major accomplishments have you seen in the SVU since its founding in 1977?

Melissa A. Vickery: Over the years, the SVU has established itself as the source for vascular ultrasound education by providing quality educational opportunities to its members and those individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of vascular imaging. SVU continues to champion advocacy issues on behalf of their membership related to maintaining the profession, reimbursement and quality of care.

RT: The SVU continues to be in the forefront of efforts to address regulatory and legislative issues that have a tremendous impact on key issues such as supervision, reimbursement and quality of care. What is your focus for future advocacy issues?

Vickery: Our future focus is to preserve our profession. Recently, the House of Representatives and the Senate passed separate versions of the Deficit Reduction Act that includes provisions that will have a potentially devastating blow to the reimbursements for non-invasive vascular testing. The proposed cuts would be between 8 percent and 51 percent, depending on the procedure done.

Vascular ultrasound services are the most dramatically affected and if not addressed will affect where and how we work, along with access to care. Addressing this will require much time, effort and money, along with interaction amongst the affected groups to combat this.

RT: At more than 4,200 members, the society has its highest membership to date. How has the SVU's "Each One Reach One" initiative enhanced membership, and what steps will you take to grow the society's numbers during your term?

Vickery: "Each One – Reach One," which was implemented by SVU Immediate Past President George Berdejo, has been effective because it is a personal interaction with others in our profession to outline the benefits of belonging to a society which is dedicated to the performance of vascular ultrasound. Our future goal is to continue to enhance educational opportunities, and provide a strong resource for our membership, in addition to identifying those who would benefit from this resource.

RT: What do you have in store for the SVU annual conference this year in June in Philadelphia?

Vickery: In addition to our Scientific Abstract Sessions, we will have invited speakers who will address a variety of topics to include venous insufficiency, vein ablation and duplex follow-up to endovascular procedures. Skill Sessions will also be offered this year, which allow the member to have more interaction with the speaker on a variety of topics that will include abdominal visceral testing and follow-up to endovascular procedures.

RT: What do you see for the future direction of the SVU?

Vickery: To continue to provide what we do best and maintain the quality of education that our society has become known for in the vascular technology profession, and to continue our ongoing and effective regulatory and legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of the all vascular technologists.

RT: What are your specific goals during your term?

Vickery: We recently revisited our strategic plan, and it is my goal to see that the changes we have made in the short-term plan are followed through with the help of the board of directors and the membership. SVU has strong team skills, and our accomplishments are the result of working together.

RT: Any other comments?

Vickery: SVU, along with other ultrasound professions, has come to realize that working together, when the need arises, is a benefit to all and that we must continue to keep the lines of communication open.

— Tom Schaffner