May 2007 | Vol. 25, No. 5

SVU Member Profile

Patricia S. Marques, RN RVT FSVU

Director, Clinical Development
Vascular Associates Laboratory, Inc.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

When did you start your current position?

I started my current position at Vascular Associates Laboratory in July 1995.

What degrees and credentials do you have?

I am a registered nurse from Sydney, Australia and graduated in 1971. I attained the RVT credential in1986 from ARDMS, and became a Fellow of the Society in 1997.

Where and when did you get your vascular training?

When I entered this field in 1979, only indirect methods were used and were taught either by equipment application specialists, going to one of only a few courses available, or visiting a colleague who was gracious enough to teach you a new modality. I first learned how to use the fluid filled OPG and CPA by going to a course in Tucson, AZ. My employer and mentor, Dr. Terry Jones, taught me venous assessment using a CW Doppler. Duplex scanning was learned by attending a course, visiting a colleague’s lab, and working with other technologists in our lab.

How long have you been in the vascular technology profession?

A total of 28 years, since April 1979.

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

I had been working for a Baton Rouge vascular surgeon, Terry R. Jones, MD, in his private practice for six months when he asked me if I would be interested in learning how to do vascular testing. Liking a challenge, I, of course, agreed.

What and where was your first job in vascular technology?

I worked in a two man vascular practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, performing vascular testing and assisting the physicians in clinic. This was a great learning experience as I saw the patient initially with the physician, did the study, was with the physician when he gave them the results, and if any procedure was done, saw them thereafter. At times, I was able to scrub in during the surgical procedure. This really completed the learning experience! As we got busier this opportunity became less of an option.

When did you join SVU?

I joined the Society, then known as SNIVT, in February 1980 and attended my first SNIVT Annual Meeting in Chicago that same year.

What do you like best about your current position?

Having the diversity afforded me by my employers, who I have worked for, for over 27 years, to continue to be challenged. Currently, I am involved with a sister company, Surgisys LLC, in the development of web-based applications to provide outcome reporting for accreditation, pay for performance and quality assurance. This interested me as I have long been a proponent of reportable quality outcomes and accreditation.

When did you serve on the SVU Board of Directors?

I was on the Board from 1993-2001. I was a Director for the first three years and then served as Vice President, Treasurer, and President (2000-2001).

On which SVU Committees have you served and when?

I have been a member of the Chapters Committee since 1989, having served as Co-Chair from 1989-1990 and Chair from 1991-1992. Awards Committee service as Chair in 1992, member from 1998-1993, and as Chair since 2006. Served on the Program Committee, now the Annual Conference Committee, from 1993-1997 and functioned as Chair from 1994-1996. I was Chair of the Meetings Committee from 1996-1999 and then again in 2003. It was a privilege to be on the Government Relations Committee several times, first in 1994 when SVT was involved in developing the first national Medicare Payment Policy for noninvasive vascular testing. I served again from 2001 to 2003, where for two years I was SVU’s Vice Chair of Government Relations. I have been a member of the Nominations Committee since 2001 and deem this a very important service. For the last two years I have had the pleasure of heading up the 30th Anniversary Subcommittee and am impressed with what we as a Society have accomplished. Whew! No wonder I feel older!

Are you a member of an SVU Affiliated Chapter?

I was a member of Delta Region Vascular Technologists (DRVT), an affiliated chapter, which was in existence from 1988-2002. Unfortunately, the chapter was dissolved and the money we had accumulated was donated to the SVU Government Relations Fund.

If yes, what positions have you served at that chapter, if any, and when?

I was the Founding President of DRVT from 1988-1989, Program Committee Chair 1990, Vice President 1996-1999, and Treasurer from 2000 until dissolution in 2002.

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

The key is communication. It has been my experience and observation that if the lines of communication are kept open between both entities then it benefits all. The Chapters Subcommittee is the conduit between the chapters and SVU and should be utilized by the chapters.

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

I feel there are two important issues facing our profession today, lack of certified experienced personnel and continued reduction in reimbursement. We all need to be actively involved in addressing these issues.

What tips would you give to today’s ultrasound students about their career in the vascular ultrasound profession?

Work hard, read voraciously, take advantage of any and all opportunities available to you, be curious, identify a mentor or mentors as they are priceless, make contacts (instructors, fellow students, faculty at meetings) as they are an invaluable resource.

How can SVU better serve its members in the future?

Continue to be the voice of vascular ultrasound in all matters affecting our profession from education, legislative, reimbursement, and intersocietal issues.

Any other comments you would like to add about your membership in SVU since 1980 and how the Society has changed?

I have always valued my membership in the Society and have made life long friends as a result. I have been impressed and thankful for the generosity of its members. The Society’s existence and prominence has been a result of the talented hard working people, volunteers and staff, who have worked diligently on our behalf and who have made us what we are today.

Name of Spouse and Children?

My husband, Frank, who is also an RN, and I have been married for 36 years and did not have any children. I have enjoyed “adopting” the children of relatives and friends and as friends jokingly have stated “enjoy them and send them back to their parents”. How true!

Any Pets?

We have two female black labs, Bonnie and Lovie, who is truly lovable, and a female cat, Chrissy, who “adopted” us eight years ago. Frank jokes about being surrounded by all these “sheilas” (Australian slang for females).

What do you do for fun and relaxation when not working?

For fun I love to cook, my creative outlet, and really enjoy traveling (anywhere). To relax I love to walk and/or jog and especially derive pleasure from reading.