We stand on the shoulders of giants—pioneers who transformed bold ideas into standard practice. From the first successful aneurysm repairs to the evolution of endovascular therapy, our field has never been static. It has been defined by innovation. With this, I’m proud and honored to be the 50th VESS President. Those of you who attend, know that this meeting is different than other meetings. The energy and youthfulness of our membership, combined with the agility of our Society and everlasting comradery are what make VESS truly special. Our structure empowers members not only to share ideas, but to act on them.
Today, vascular surgery sits at a remarkable crossroads. We manage an aging population with increasing complexity—diabetes, renal failure, frailty, and multilevel disease. We navigate value-based care, workforce shortages, prior authorization burdens, and expanding multidisciplinary competition.
And yet, there has never been a more dynamic and exciting time to practice vascular surgery. We occupy a uniquely powerful space in medicine, moving seamlessly between open and endovascular techniques while managing vascular disease from carotid to pedal. Ours is a specialty defined not only by technical precision, but by longitudinal patient relationships and thoughtful clinical judgment. This breadth and adaptability distinguish us. But versatility alone is not enough. Our greatest strength is not found in devices or technology—it is found in our people. We must champion trainees as they navigate increasingly demanding training pathways, foster diversity in background and perspective, prioritize wellness and sustainability in a field known for its intensity, and ensure that the next generation of vascular surgeon’s experiences not only the challenge of this profession, but also its deep fulfillment and joy.
Todd Berland, MD
New York University
President 2026-2027