Chapter News

Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Technologists

The Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Technologists (GPVT) chapter 2008 Spring Symposium was held on May 31, 2008 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, St. Margaret’s campus. Ed Hardy, GPVT President, started off the symposium with a business meeting to discuss SVU and GPVT news. The first speaker, Dr. Matthew Heller of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Division of Abdominal Imaging, spoke on Vascular Ultrasound of the Abdominal Viscera. Dr. Steven Leers, Medical Director of UPMC Shadyside and UPMC St Margaret’s Vascular Labs, discussed Intra-Operative Carotid Duplex Scanning. Dr. Leers, also the Chair of ARDMS, updated the attendees on the upcoming ARDMS recertification process. Amy Steinmetz, RVT, RDMS, gave an informative talk on AV Fistulas and Venous Mapping Prior to Surgery. The program ended with a talk by Debbie Pirt, RVT, FSVU, on Arterial Duplex Imaging: Should we do more or should we do less?

The highlight of the meeting, however, was when GPVT honored long time friend and colleague Elaine Householder, RN, RVT, of the VA Medical Center on her retirement. A short PowerPoint presentation on her career highlights preceded Elaine being presented with a plaque for her dedicated service to GPVT for many years. Elaine was GPVT secretary for eight years and GPVT president for four years. She also is a long time member of SVU and GPVT and a supporter of both organizations. Sherry Jones, who hosted the meeting, had a special retirement cake for Elaine made for all attendees. There was representation from almost every hospital and private vascular labs in the area, our general ultrasound friends and representatives of Community College of Allegheny County were there to give Elaine a perfect send off. All of the old GPVT officers were also in attendance. Tears and hugs all around, saying goodbye to old friends and meeting new ones is the best perk of being a member of a professional organization such as SVU and the Greater Pittsburgh Vascular Technologists. We love you and will miss you Elaine.

Outstanding Chapter Award

The SVU Affiliated Chapters Outstanding Chapter Award was awarded to two chapters this year. Northern Ohio Vascular Association (NOVA) is a past recipient of this award. President Margaret Park and her members continue to be an example of a successful chapter in supplying continuing education for their members including student involvement, increasing their membership, and their dedication to the promotion of SVU. NOVA completed their website this year which has been instrumental in their increased membership and continuing success.

This is the first time award for our other award winning chapter, Northwest Vascular Technologists (NWVT), whose President is David Olsen. Northwest Vascular is one of three SVU affiliated chapters on the West Coast. Northwest Vascular represents both Washington and Oregon and they rotate their annual conference between the two states. In the past two years they have grown to a membership of nearly 300 members due in part to online membership and registration for their meeting. Their website has been a huge success in publicizing their meetings, local job listings and vendor listings. We continue to expect great things from Northwest.

Outstanding Chapter Individual Award

Angela M. Jagan, RN, RVT, of the Northern Ohio Vascular Association (NOVA) was the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Chapter Individual Recognition Award. An individual chapter member is presented with this award certificate for outstanding dedication and service to their chapter, SVU and the vascular profession. Angela has served as chapter president of the Northern Ohio Vascular Association for three terms. She has continued to be a valuable educator to our area, teaching at local society meetings and affiliated ultrasound schools. Angie has been directly responsible for securing funding and support from our industry representatives, and is a vital part of the NOVA backbone. Angie also is an active member of SVU who has served on the Membership Committee and is the Midwest Regional Advisor for the Chapters Subcommittee. Angie began her career as a RN and works for University Hospital of Cleveland. She has been previously highlighted in the SVU member profile section of e-Spectrum.

Chapters’ Breakfast in San Diego

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Chapters Breakfast this year in San Diego. Attendance was somewhat limited due to the wonderful breakfast tutorials that were offered at the same time. Six chapters were represented by either a president or members of the chapter. Koko and I had decided to recognize all of our chapters this year for their continuing promotion of the vascular profession with education, communication and support of SVU with a Certificate of Recognition. These certificates were given to those chapter members who could attend. The certificates have been mailed to the presidents of those chapters who could not attend. Discussion at the breakfast included: responsibilities of chapter officers, suggestions for chapter meetings, development of new chapters, and the importance of the chapters and its members. Vicki Gatz is the new Volunteer Coordinator for SVU. Any individual who would like to volunteer for an SVU Committee/Subcommittee or to assist SVU in any way can contact Vicki at vlgatz00@uky.edu. Several individuals at the breakfast expressed interest in forming SVU chapters. If you are interested in forming a chapter or if we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Koko (parkm@ccf.org) or Jeanette (jeflannery@sbhcs.com). Special thanks to the four chapters who contributed funds toward our breakfast: Northern Ohio Vascular Association, North Jersey Vascular Association, Suncoast Society for Vascular Ultrasound and Twin Cities Vascular Society. Since there is a great interest in the SVU breakfast tutorials, we may try something different next year for our Chapters get-together. Hope to see you in Denver.