Happy Holidays and Best Wishes!

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the December holidays. December 31, 2007 will mark the end of my term as President of the Society and it is hard for me to believe that my two years are nearing an end. One of my first official acts as President of SVU was to write a President’s message for the February 2006 e-Spectrum online newsletter, and one of my last acts will be this message in this December 2007 e-Spectrum issue.

I want to share with you what a privilege it has been to represent SVU in different capacities for the past two years, along with the opportunity to work with other societies on like issues to help better the ultrasound profession. The ability to do so has been professionally and personally rewarding to me.

I became a member of the Society of Non-Invasive Vascular Technology (SNIVT) in April 1981 and was encouraged by those around me to become involved and learn those skills that would provide my patients with competent quality exams. I was fortunate in that I had former SNIVT President Lee Nix as a mentor. Lee’s enthusiasm and passion for the vascular profession was “catching” and I have tried to repay that opportunity by making myself available to others learning in the profession. I have watched our profession grow in many directions, from two changes in our name, to the re-direction in the Mission of our Society, and a working Strategic Plan that is reviewed each year by the Board of Directors. All of this brought its own set of challenges, but in the end the Society for Vascular Ultrasound has remained a strong presence in this dedicated profession. For me to be a part of the SVU leadership that has participated in the process is an honor.

My involvement with SVU, then SVT, on a more visible level began in the early 1990’s as Local Arrangements Chair, when the Annual Conference was being held in Washington, DC. During that time I was taken under wing by Patricia Marques, who was the Annual Conference Chair. I then had the opportunity to participate with the Annual Conference and eventually became Annual Conference Chair myself.  Functioning in this capacity, I was able to network with many individuals in the profession. What an opportunity it was, and the best part is I still have contact with them today. I have and continue to be enthused about the vascular technology profession and the ability it has to assist in the clinical course of the patient, along with the working relationship it brings with the physician. Any profession can be rewarding, but what makes it truly rewarding is your personal level of conviction, the desire to continue to learn and the commitment to quality. I have found this in my profession and in the Society I have chosen to participate in as a member since 1981.

DRA Challenge

Having served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, the opportunity to work with others committed to quality patient care has also strengthened my belief that SVU is a Society dedicated to providing the tools to accomplish this. Our profession has now survived the first year of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), and in listening to my peers as they discuss how they are facing these challenges, one theme continues to remain strong -- How Do We Continue to Provide Quality Care and Technical Competence When Faced with Decreasing Reimbursement?  I find that uplifting in that the profession is looking for ways to increase efficiency, focus on the need and provide quality, in addition to working together when the need arises. The Board Members and Executive Committee bring varied backgrounds and talents to SVU, but they come together to achieve the Mission of the Society and the SVU Strategic Plan.

SVU’s Advocacy Effort

 The SVU has a continued strong presence in Government Relations, with many thanks to Anne Jones, Frank West, Bill Schroedter, Dave Parlato and others who have championed many advocacy issues for SVU, along with valuable assistance and guidance from Dr. Robert Zwolak and SVU’s legal counsel -- Bill Sarraille of the Sidley Austin law firm in Washington, DC. If you have been reading the monthly e-Spectrum online newsletter you have been well informed on our regulatory and legislative advocacy successes as well as set backs, and your opportunity to participate in the process when called upon.

Special Thanks

As you read this message, I want you to remember that SVU is a volunteer organization with only four full time employees. The successes we have achieved are even more impressive when you consider that it is done with extensive volunteer work and they believe in the end result. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Haracznak, SVU’s Executive Director, for his hard work these past five plus years. Steve accepted the ED position in March 2002 and immediately had to bring himself to a functioning level with the many issues our Society was facing and helping us to develop a working Strategic Plan. He is a strong believer in SVU and the work he has done demonstrates that. Missi McLean, Frankie Hamme, and India Gorden create an effective team that work with Steve to accomplish our goals. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to SVU.

New Leadership

In 2008 the new Executive Committee, under the leadership of new SVU President Michael Schwebler, will work with the Board of Directors to continue the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. Michael brings to this leadership position many talents and a vision; and he will have a competent and passionate team that will work with him to realize the Mission of SVU and grow SVU even further.

Challenge and Good Bye

In parting, I challenge the younger SVU members to use their talents; become involved and carry on the Mission of SVU by their commitment and the desire to be the next leaders in this dedicated profession. The first step is to become involved in SVU, the rest falls into place.

Take care and best wishes for a wonderful year-end holiday and for a great career in the vascular ultrasound profession. I may no longer be SVU President in 2008, but I’m not going away completely; I will continue to provide SVU with whatever assistance it needs from me because I believe in SVU and so should you. Thank you!