January 2004 | Vol. 22/No. 1

SVU Member Profile

Virginia Vyniski, RVT EMT

Technical Director of Vascular Laboratory
The Cardiovascular Care Group
Belleville , NJ

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

20 years

What made you decide to enter vascular technology as a career?

I had worked as a medical technologist, and performed blood tests, EKGs, x-rays, etc. I always liked doing all types of medical testing. When I started with The Cardiovascular Care Group (formerly The Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgical Group until 2003), I saw other personnel performing arterial, venous and carotid testing and was intrigued. I talked the physicians into allowing me to help the technologists and soon started to receive on the job training. After reading some of the Journals The Group received, I decided to study for the RVT exam. It took a lot of time and effort, however, I am very proud to become the first RVT in the Group in 1989.

How do you stay up to date on changes in vascular technology?

Although I am responsible for 5 different facilities, I am fortunate to have a very competent, hard working and responsible staff. I read all the information in the Journals and Spectrum. I am also on FlowNet and there are always informative and lively discussions from my colleagues. In addition, Dr. Sales and I hold an annual symposium, and I was president of our local SVU affiliated chapter (North Jersey Vascular Association) for 10 years. We plan 2-3 educational meetings a year.

What is your education background?

I attended Lyons Institute of Medical Technology for two years and became a medical technologist in 1963. I worked as a Medical Technologist from 1963 to 1965. After a 13-year hiatus, I returned to work as a Med. Tech. and soon entered the field of vascular technology. Most of my training was on the job. The Group was very supportive of me and I was sent to Indiana , Ohio , New York , and California to attend many training sessions on TCD, Venous Scanning, etc. I also attended several Keith Mauney Courses.

When did you join SVU?

I joined the national Society in 1985.

Are you active in a SVU Affiliated State/Regional Chapter?

I was president of the North Jersey Vascular Association for over 10 years. I am currently the treasurer for this chapter.

How do you think SVU and its Chapters can work better together in the future?

I have always felt that the Chapters are the very essential foundation of the national organization. Therefore, I believe there should be continued frequent communication with the national and local chapter officers. In addition, we cannot stress enough the importance of promoting our national organization on a local level. I have found that when we explain the importance of SVU to our NJVA members, they are very enthusiastic about joining SVU.

Do you serve on any SVU Committees?

I have served on the Awards Committee and am currently serving on the Chapters Committee.

What do you feel are the biggest issues facing vascular technologists today?

We are all being asked to be more productive and are doing more with less staff. What we need is excellent scanning equipment and more dedicated, competent staff to continue being efficient and successful.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I enjoy the enthusiasm of all the students we have had over the years. I think I would like to work part time as a teacher/consultant.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

I think the very dedicated SVU officers and Board members who have kept SVU alive and well all these years have done a great job. I believe that if they continue along the same paths, especially following in the footsteps of the recent past SVU Presidents, SVU will have a very positive future.

What do you do for fun when you are not working?

Spending as much time as possible with my 15-month old granddaughter.