Embracing Warm Weather with Confidence – A Guide to Staying Active in Summer with Prosthetics

As the weather gets warmer, you may notice some seasonal changes that affect your prosthetic. From variations in fit to increased perspiration, these factors can’t be avoided altogether — but with the right care, you can continue to enjoy your favorite summer activities with minimal impact on your prosthetic use.

Prosthetics in the Heat: What to Expect from Seasonal Changes

Oftentimes, warm weather leads to swelling in your extremities. Heat prompts blood vessels to dilate, and gravity forces fluids to move down into your hands or legs. Known as heat edema, this phenomenon is normal, but can be particularly irritating if you find your prosthetic fits differently when the temperature rises. Besides being uncomfortable, an ill-fitting prosthetic can lead to more serious issues, including skin sores, pain, and instability.

Summer may also introduce opportunities to enjoy more warm-weather fun. From boating to beachside vacations, there are plenty of outdoor activities to fill the long, temperate days of summer. Chances are these experiences will also lead to an increase in moisture levels, whether it’s sweat, water, or a combination of both.

Moisture damage could be a concern depending on the type of prosthetic device you have. For instance, metal components can corrode or electronic components could be compromised. And no matter which type of device you have, trapped moisture can create an environment for infections, or could cause your prosthetic to slip out of place.

Tips for Wearing Prosthetics in the Heat

Even with the less-than-ideal aspects of summer to consider, you can enjoy outdoor activities safely and comfortably as a prosthetics wearer — here’s how.

Block Out Moisture

Keeping your residual limb dry is one of the most important ways to maintain safe and comfortable use of your prosthetic in warm weather. You can’t avoid sweating in the heat, but moisture-absorbing prosthetic socks are a simple solution. These sheath-like garments are made from moisture-wicking materials to keep your residual limb dry and comfortable. If you’re planning a long outing, consider packing multiple socks for easy changes.  

Clean or Change Your Liner

Prosthetic liners are designed to enhance safety and comfort by creating a cushion between your residual limb and the prosthetic socket. While some may last up to 12 months, others may begin to wear within six to nine months. As with the prosthesis itself, a liner’s longevity will also depend on individual factors, such as your activity levels.

Since weather-related moisture may accelerate wear and tear, it’s especially important to check your liner this time of year. You may need to change it sooner, or you might find that having an extra one as backup comes in handy. For example, you’ll want to wash your liner with soap and water often during the summer to keep it clean and free of bacteria. Consider using a fresh one while your go-to liner dries.

See Your Prosthetist

If you’re experiencing any discomfort or fit issues, don’t wait to see your prosthetist. While a permanent prosthesis can be expected to last up to five years, you may need a new socket if the tissue of your residual limb has settled into shape, or the socket has become damaged. Our prosthetic care team is here to ensure the maximum level of comfort and support, whether you require minor adjustments or being fitted with an entirely new device.

Schedule a Prosthetics Appointment With Vascular Surgical Associates

From prosthetic walking and training to pre-surgical consultations and follow-up care, rely on our dedicated physicians and prosthetists for comprehensive prosthetic care. To schedule an appointment, use our online request form or call our office at 770-423-0595.

New Douglasville office will offer increased provider availability and access

Patients can experience all inclusive vascular care at Vascular Surgical Associates new location in Douglasville (6095 Professional Parkway, Suite B203, Douglasville), conveniently located next to Wellstar Douglas Medical Center hospital. The new office will allow experts at Vascular Surgical Associates to continue meeting the community’s needs. 

Vascular Surgical Associates has maintained an office in Douglasville since 2002. With 5,300 square feet, the new Douglasville location has been designed to meet the diverse vascular care of each patient. The spacious, state-of-the-art facility can accommodate two physicians simultaneously to ensure efficient care.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new Douglasville location, which represents our ongoing efforts to support our community,” says Tiffany Little, Executive Director and COO. With this facility, we are confident in our ability to continue providing vascular care to our patient community, regardless of where they are on their healthcare journey.”

With ultrasound services, prosthetic solutions, a dedicated gait training room, and a third angio suite, patients can be confident they will receive holistic vascular care treatment options under one roof.

Vascular Surgical Associates is committed to delivering convenient vascular care. As a testament to their dedication, the Douglasville facility includes an access center tailored to assist individuals receiving dialysis treatments. The access center offers essential medical services as well as transportation options, alleviating challenges in accessing care.

To schedule an appointment with a Vascular Surgical Associates expert in Douglasville, please call 770-423-0595. The office hours for the Douglasville location are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. The Angio Suite will operate from 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. For further information, visit vascularsurgical.com/.

Vascular Surgical Associates highly skilled team includes 13 board certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts an accredited non-invasive vascular lab at all nine locations, two angio suites, five vein clinics, and a very large wound department. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office. Go to vascularsurgical.com/ for daily updates. 

Interviews are available upon request.

If you notice your varicose veins more in the spring than fall or winter, you’re not alone. As the temperature rises, heat can cause already swollen veins to widen further. This allows them to fill with even more blood, prompting them to bulge and become more visible.

To make matters worse, warm weather can make varicose veins increasingly difficult to conceal. But there are a few things you can do to improve varicose vein health in spring and beyond. 

Five Tips for Dealing with Varicose Veins in Spring

1. Get Moving

While exercise won’t cure existing varicose veins, it can reduce the chances of them developing. Physical activity improves circulation and helps you maintain a healthy weight: two factors that reduce varicose vein risk.

Not sure where to begin? Walking is a simple low-impact exercise to try as spring weather sets in. Other options include yoga, cycling, and swimming. No matter which activity you choose, aim for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week — this will satisfy the recommendation for aerobic exercise, which supports healthy circulation.

2. Skip the Salt

Excess salt triggers water retention in your body, creating a systemic fluid increase. This extra fluid then leads to swelling and pressure in your legs, contributing to varicose veins. Springtime holidays often call for sodium-rich dishes, from ham on Easter to Matzo ball soup on Passover or hot dogs at baseball games. So avoid adding any extra table salt to your food, especially if it’s high in sodium already. When possible, choose low-sodium ingredients, including canned vegetables and broths.

3. Prepare for Spring Travel

Long periods of sitting can allow blood to pool in your legs, which can cause or worsen varicose veins — not to mention potentially increasing your risk of blood clots. The effect may be worse during flights, when air pressure changes in the plane’s cabin reduce oxygenation in your blood.

Whether you’re going by plane, train, or car, take frequent breaks to get up and walk around. Try calf raises and stretches to promote blood flow in your lower legs while seated. And before long trips, put on a pair of compression socks. The graduated compression of these garments helps to promote blood flow back upwards from the ankles for better overall circulation and varicose vein prevention.

4. Elevate your Feet

Though exercise is important for varicose vein health, whether you’ve been on your feet doing spring cleaning or the warm weather has prompted you to become more active outdoors, it’s important to give your legs some rest. Elevating your feet can help with venous aches and pains by reducing swelling in your lower legs while having a positive effect on your overall circulation. Aim to prop your legs higher than your heart for about 15 minutes, up to four times a day.

5. Book Varicose Vein Treatment

While the above approaches might control the symptoms of varicose veins or prevent more from forming, they won’t do much to eliminate existing ones. Only professional procedures can remove varicose veins, and spring is an excellent time to schedule yours. Treatments such as injectable foams are minimally invasive, meaning your legs will heal up right in time for summer. By scheduling vein treatment in the spring, you’ll be able to embrace warmer days with greater comfort and confidence.

Schedule a Varicose Vein Appointment With Vascular Surgical Associates

If you’re ready to banish your bothersome varicose veins, turn to Vascular Surgical Associates. Our vein experts offer several varicose vein treatments, including procedures that are virtually pain and hassle-free, with little downtime. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 770-423-0595 or request a visit using our online form.

Love it or hate it, winter weather is fully upon us. And while snow, sleet, wind, and ice can pose challenges for everyone, being a lower limb amputee calls for extra care. Not only does cold weather affect prosthetics, but it can also impact your residual limb.

You don’t have to be stuck inside until spring, though. Find out what to expect through the winter and how to prepare yourself for harsh weather below.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Prosthetics?

Safety Hazards

Icy walkways and snow-covered surfaces make for slippery conditions. These hazards pose fall risks for everyone, including amputees. While environmental awareness is important in all conditions, it’s especially critical in winter.

Joint Pain

Many lower-limb amputees load their intact limb with more weight, even with a properly fitting prosthetic. It’s therefore an unfortunate fact that you may have some degree of arthritis in your intact limb. If symptoms feel worse during winter, it’s not just in your head. Barometric pressure changes can impact joints and make them feel stiffer or more painful than usual.

Residual Limb Discomfort

There’s less atmospheric moisture during winter, which means everything tends to feel a bit dryer. This may also be the case with your residual limb. If your skin becomes too dry, it can lead to itchiness or irritation. Chilly temperatures can also cause stiffness and pain throughout your residual limb.

Damage to Prosthetics

Many prosthetics are made to withstand a range of environmental conditions. Yet, no material will be able to endure the corrosive effects of road salt and other melting solutions for too long. Minimizing exposure to these agents is key to preserving the lifespan of your prosthetic.

4 Cold Weather Safety Tips for Lower Limb Amputees

Winter certainly brings a unique set of challenges for people who use prosthetics, but you can confront them by being prepared. Navigate the cold weather safely with these tips.

1. Increase Your Traction

While you’ll want to avoid slippery surfaces whenever possible, having the right gear can help you stay safe should you encounter them. Rubber-soled footwear is a good start, but consider adding cleats to your prosthetics for extra traction, too. If you use a cane or crutch, add a spiked bottom to stabilize it.

2. Tread Carefully

Snow and slush are easy to spot, but thin ice can be invisible. And black ice isn’t exclusive to roadways; it can also form in parking lots and other paved surfaces. Sidewalks, steps, and ramps can all become covered with a thin sheen of ice. If the temperature is below freezing (or has been recently), assume any outdoor surfaces could be slippery, and tread with extra caution.

3. Bundle Up

Keep joint and residual limb discomfort to a minimum by dressing warm. This will also prevent shrinkage in your residual limb, which could affect the fit of your prosthetic. Layer up and bring cold weather accessories like gloves and a hat to avoid getting a chill when you’re heading out.

4. Maintain Your Prosthetic

If you have any maintenance concerns, now is the time to address them. Have your prosthetist investigate any loose screws or bolts, unfamiliar sounds such as squeaks or clicks, sticking parts, or other signs of damage. Continue practicing your home care routine to keep your prosthetic performing well through winter weather, too. Be diligent about cleaning it, especially if you’ve encountered corrosive materials like ice melt.  

Schedule Prosthetic Care With Vascular Surgical Associates

Vascular Surgical Associates’ Prosthetics Center is your source for unparalleled prosthetics care in every season. From pre-surgical prosthesis counseling to follow-up adjustments, our team is committed to ensuring your comfort, and helping you reach your long-term goals. For appointments, submit a request online or call our office at 770-423-0595.

Highly-skilled providers now diagnosing and treating vascular disorders at acclaimed facility

Vascular Surgical Associates, Georgia’s premier source for diagnosing and treating vascular disorders, is now expanding its highly skilled services to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center in Cartersville, Georgia. This offers patients greater access to Vascular Surgical Associates’ acclaimed providers and their expertise.

All Vascular Surgical Associates physicians are joining the staff at Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center to perform surgeries, treat inpatients, and answer nightly ER calls. Specifically, Drs. John E. Jones, Emily Lagergren, Veer Chahwala, and Jeffrey Stein are planning to routinely serve the location. Additionally, Vascular Surgical Associates will serve as the medical director for the hospital’s wound department. 

“We’re thrilled at this expansion,” says Tiffany Little, Executive Director and COO. “We hope the local referring doctors see the value in Vascular Surgical Associates becoming a part of the local hospital system to help cultivate great continuity of care for patients’ needs.”

Vascular Surgical Associates has a history of serving the community with its Cartersville location since 2017, offering ultrasounds, provider visits, prosthetics, and vein surgeries. The Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center expansion enhances local patient needs, such as outpatient surgery and inpatient care. 

A ribbon cutting recognizing the expansion will take place at Vascular Surgical Associates’ Cartersville location (962 Joe Frank Harris Parkway, Suite 202, Cartersville) at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30. Following the ribbon cutting, an open house takes place from 3-5 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the space and mingle with the Vascular Surgical Associates staff and providers. 

For more information about Vascular Surgical Associates expanding to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center or to make an appointment, please call 770-423-0595 or visit vascularsurgical.com/.

Vascular Surgical Associates highly skilled team includes 13 board certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts an accredited non-invasive vascular lab at all nine locations, two angio suites, five vein clinics, and a very large wound department. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office Go to vascularsurgical.com/ for daily updates. 

Interviews are available upon request.

Drs. Arun Chervu and Shariq Sayeed Receive This Peer-Driven Honor

Two physicians from Vascular Surgical Associates are recognized as Top Doctors in the January issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine. Drs. Arun Chervu and Shariq Sayeed appear on the list, which annually honors notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape.

“At Vascular Surgical Associates, we prioritize personalized care through cutting-edge vascular treatments and procedures,” says Tiffany Little, Executive Director and COO. “This award is proof of our commitment to deliver expert services. We are thankful for the honor of having two of our physicians featured on this year’s list.”

Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine uses a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York. Each physician included is chosen through peer nomination, research, and a stringent vetting process. The publications feature 1,732 Top Doctors and 51 Rising Stars representing the following counties: Bartow, Bibb, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, and Spalding.

To schedule an appointment call 770-423-0595 or request an appointment online.

Dr. Aurn Chervu is a partner at Vascular Surgical Associates, PC in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Chervu received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude and received his doctor of medicine degree from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency and fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Chervu’s hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital. He is actively involved in clinical research and is Director of Clinical Trials for Vascular Surgical Associates.

Dr. Shariq Sayeed received his undergraduate degree in biology at Emory University. He received his doctor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. After completing his surgical residency, he pursued a vascular/endovascular surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Sayeed is board certified in general and vascular surgery. His hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital.

Vascular Surgical Associates highly skilled team includes 13 board-certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts an accredited non-invasive vascular lab at all nine locations, two angio suites, five vein clinics, and a very large wound department. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office.

In the age of Dr. Google, it’s hard to know what information is credible when it comes to your health. For every science-based recommendation you’ll encounter, there’s a marketing ploy promising wellness — often backed by nothing other than a hunch. So where on this spectrum do compression socks fall? The answer might surprise you.

What Are Compression Socks?

Also referred to as compression stockings, compression socks are a tool used in compression therapy. These garments consist of socks or sleeves made with compression materials designed to gently apply pressure to your legs for enhanced circulation. They’re meant to fit more snugly than regular socks, but shouldn’t feel so tight that they’re uncomfortable.

There are several types and strengths of compression socks available. Some feature graduated compression, with a tighter fit near the heel that loosens as the sock moves up your calf. Others have a tube-like fit, and sit on your lower leg without any material covering your feet.

Do Compression Socks Offer Real Benefits?

While there are indeed plenty of wellness marketing ploys to avoid, compression socks aren’t one of them. These garments improve your muscles’ pump system, enabling blood to flow back upwards after moving through your lower legs. This way, they can deliver a number of proven health benefits, and we have the empirical data to prove it.

For one, they’ve been shown to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in passengers on flights that are longer than five hours. Thorough research of over 50 studies also provides high-quality evidence supporting the use of compression socks for patients with chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when the valves in your veins lose their ability to pump blood back to your heart, resulting in symptoms like varicose veins, leg cramping, and swelling.

Wearing compression stockings is also recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for:

• Swelling in the legs
• Leg aches and feeling of heaviness
• Overall blood clot prevention, especially during periods of inactivity (such as post-surgery)

Who Should Be Wearing Compression Socks?

Clearly, compression socks are backed by credible sources, including the team here at Vascular Surgical Associates. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs to be wearing them. In general, we recommend compression socks for people who experience leg pain or leg swelling, as well as anyone who sits, stands, or travels for long periods of time. Compression socks may also enhance performance in athletes and benefit pregnant women, though supporting data is limited for these uses.

Anyone can try compression socks without a doctor’s prescription, and they pose minimal risks. If you have health concerns such as an increased risk of blood clots or circulation issues, however, speak with your provider to make sure you’re a good candidate. Purchasing compression socks with a doctor’s prescription may also allow you to apply insurance benefits.

Schedule an Appointment With Vascular Surgical Associates

If you’re considering compression socks due to a venous condition, consult with one of our doctors for a personalized recommendation. Our providers specialize in venous diseases including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, and offer a range of treatment options and leading medical technology. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-423-0595.

For many years, we’ve known that smoking has a negative impact on nearly every aspect of health. But what about vaping? Having only recently appeared within the last two decades, e-cigarettes are a newer development. As such, we have less data on how they impact your body, including artery health.

From what we’ve seen so far, however, it’s clear that people who vape have worse artery health than their peers who don’t. Here’s what we know to date.

The Impact of Vaping on Artery Health

Increased Inflammation

Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes affect your body at a cellular level. Most vaping products contain components like nicotine and menthol, as well as other harmful gasses and particles. These substances lead to irritation and inflammation within the body — specifically within the vagus nerve, which promotes blood flow by controlling your heart and lungs. Damage to this important nerve has a cascading effect, leading to impaired blood vessel function: cells in the veins and arteries become leaky and more inflamed, which is associated with a higher risk of blood clots.

Greater Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

If the elevated risk of blood clots isn’t concerning enough, researchers have also determined the blood vessel damage caused by vaping increases other cardiovascular risks, including that of heart disease. As the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart disease is already a major health issue. While other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can influence your heart disease risk, smoking is one of the biggest factors to avoid.  

Varicose Veins & Peripheral Artery Disease

In one small study, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania determined that vaping even just once could harm your blood vessels. For their research, 31 healthy, nonsmoking adults were asked to vape using a nicotine-free device. The researchers studied before and after effects, including blood flow. They found that endothelial function, which regulates the blood vessels’ ability to relax and contract, was impaired after vaping. 

When this function declines, your veins become thicker, leading to atherosclerosis (a key indicator of cardiovascular risk and a common cause of peripheral artery disease). It also allows the blood to pool in your legs, which can contribute to vein problems like varicose veins. These harmful effects could be a result of breathing in the additives that make their way into your respiratory tract and blood vessels — even when using nicotine-free vaping products.

Bottom Line: Vaping Is Dangerous to Artery & Overall Health

Vaping tends to be perceived as an attractive alternative to cigarette smoking, especially among young users, because there are a variety of flavors available, and the cost per-use is lower than that of cigarettes. The common conception that vaping is less dangerous than traditional smoking can make it compelling for both nonsmokers and current tobacco users, but healthcare professionals warn that they should not be considered a safe alternative.

But there is good news. Like traditional cigarettes, quitting e-cigarettes can improve your health. Smoking cessation allows your body to repair itself and begin the healing process. Within one month of quitting vaping, your lungs begin to heal. Within a year of stopping nicotine use, your blood vessels are restored and heart attack risk is slashed in half.

Artery issues can develop in anyone, including people who have never smoked or vaped. If you’re experiencing an issue related to artery health, allow the experts at Vascular Surgical Associates to help. With experienced specialists and state-of-the-art medical technology, we’re equipped to treat a range of venous conditions with the utmost level of care and precision. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-423-0595.

If you experience leg swelling, pain, and varicose veins, you could have chronic venous insufficiency. This condition is caused by venous reflux, an issue which causes the valves inside your veins to fail, rendering them unable to pump blood back up to your heart as they normally would.

Managing chronic venous insufficiency first calls for an accurate diagnosis (usually via medical imaging), as well as an assessment of your specific symptoms. Depending on the nature of your condition, our specialists may recommend one or more of the following treatments.

Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

In mild cases, certain lifestyle modifications may be enough to alleviate the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Here are some practices you might try to support better vein health:

• Dietary modifications: Certain foods can promote better circulation, which can therefore make it easier for the veins in your legs to pump blood back up to your heart. Fatty fish, spinach, berries, and walnuts are a few vein-healthy foods to consider. You’ll also want to avoid or cut back on foods that can spike your “bad” cholesterol, and thus hinder circulation, such as those high in saturated fats. Stay hydrated, too, as drinking enough water can also help prevent blood from becoming thicker and sluggish.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation, which can help to control the risk of venous issues like varicose veins. Moderate-intensity activities like swimming, walking, and yoga are best for vein health.
• Avoiding long periods of sitting (or standing): Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can reduce circulation and put excess pressure on your lower legs, worsening chronic venous insufficiency. If you sit for work, set a timer to get up and stand at least once an hour. Likewise, be sure to take frequent breaks to sit if you’re on your feet most of the day.
• Elevate your legs: Putting your feet up for 20– to 30–minutes throughout the day can improve circulation and reduce pressure on your feet, legs, and ankles. For the best effects, make sure your legs are positioned higher than your heart.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy involves the use of compression socks to enhance the muscle pump function in your legs, which reduces the pooling of blood seen in chronic venous insufficiency. Compression socks can be purchased online or in most pharmacies, and you don’t need a doctor’s approval to start wearing them. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to discuss health concerns with a physician first, particularly if you’re at risk of blood clots or diabetes.

Medications & Procedures to Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency

“When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control chronic venous insufficiency, medical treatments may be needed,” says Dr. Emily Lagergren.

For example, anticoagulants may be prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots, while antibiotics can be given to treat ulcers caused by the condition.

Additionally, there are minimally invasive procedures available to address varicose veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency.

Sclerotherapy, for example, is a process in which a solution is injected into smaller varicose veins to close them. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) may also be used to treat varicose veins using light therapy in a 20–30 minute procedure. In severe cases, surgeries such as vein stripping may be needed to promote optimal circulation in the legs.

Venous issues like chronic venous insufficiency can be complex, but our award-winning specialists have the expertise needed to find the right treatment for you. If you’re experiencing a vein-related issue, call 770-423-0595 to schedule an appointment or view our locations online.

Physician’s diversity and inclusion initiative leave behind positive legacy

Dr. Arun Chervu of Vascular Surgical Associates recently concluded his year-long presidency of the Georgia Vascular Society (GVS), an organization of approximately 100 vascular surgeons that works to advance vascular care through research, education, and collaboration.

“Serving as GVS president for the past year has been an amazing experience,” Dr. Chervu says. “Not only have we done a good job encouraging other professionals to join, but we put an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. There are more women and minorities involved, and that’s great to see.”

The culmination of Dr. Chervu’s GVS presidency will occur September 15-17 at the 11th Annual GVS Meeting at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds located on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. As president, it is his responsibility to book guest speakers. Among them is Dr. Julie Freischlag, CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine, both in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Additionally, the event allows members to discuss various successes and challenges in the field of vascular surgery. The latter includes everything from financial pressures to hiring shortages. Industry-related booths, student presentations, social events, and more take place across the weekend.

“It’s been an honor serving as president of GVS,” Dr. Chervu. “I hope in a small way I’ve been able to help set the stage for tomorrow’s vascular surgeons to further the field in new and exciting ways.” 

To schedule an appointment call 770-423-0595 or visit vascularsurgical.com/

Dr. Aurun Chervu is a partner at Vascular Surgical Associates, PC in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Chervu received his undergraduate degree in Chemical EngineerAtlantaAllergy.com.ing at Princeton University, graduating Magna Cum Laude and received his Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency and fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Chervu’s hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital. He is actively involved in clinical research and is Director of Clinical Trials for Vascular Surgical Associates.

Vascular Surgical Associates highly skilled team includes 13 board certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts an accredited non-invasive vascular lab at all nine locations, two angio suites, five vein clinics, and a very large wound department. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office Go to vascularsurgical.com/ for daily updates. 

Interviews are available upon request.