It is my distinct honor and pleasure to be writing to you as your 2019-2020 Western Vascular Society President. This year we will celebrate the 35th Western Vascular Society Annual Meeting at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, CA from September 26-29, 2020. I have been attending WVS meetings consecutively since 2002 when Cornelius Olcott was our President and I was still an active duty vascular surgeon in the U.S. Army. I can’t believe that was 17 years ago.

One thing all members remember is the experience of their very first meeting and the thrill of meeting the titans of vascular surgery. Time has not changed. In fact, our Western Vascular Society members are leading-edge innovators and key opinion leaders in vascular surgery. Watch our new membership experience video for a closer look at a resident presenter experience.

The program committee led by Vincent Rowe, MD is open for abstract submissions. I feel confident they will keep all the traditions of our successful program and bring back a few favorites. For example, the Monday night event will have us see the return of a black-tie formal for the Presidential Banquet. New this year, will be a Founder’s Award competition for a presentation by a new member who is in their first three years of membership. The Robert Hye Memorial Resident Presentation Award will continue to be given to the top three residents who give full presentations. Please see the option to donate on the registration site and support this worthy fund in memory of Dr. Hye.

On behalf of the executive council, I thank you for your commitment to our society’s growth. Please make sure to sponsor vascular surgeons in your community to attend our annual meeting for the first time, or for those who have attended a meeting to apply for membership by July 1, 2020. Grow with us to face the future together leading our teams to provide modern vascular care. 35 years on mission together is worthy to pack your black tie and celebrate how far we have come!