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  • Member Spotlight

Matthew Blecha, MD, FACS, RPVI

  • VESS Member Since

    2022

  • Undergraduate Education

    Boston College, BA, Economics Major and Pre-Medical Program

  • Medical School

    Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia PA

  • Surgical Training: (General Residency/Vascular Residency/Vascular Fellowship)
    • General Surgery Residency: St. Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL
    • Vascular Residency/Fellowship: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
  • Current Practice

    Loyola University Health System, Maywood, IL

  • Professional Interests

    I enjoy practicing the entire breadth of vascular surgery including : lower extremity arterial occlusive disease; dialysis access; aortic aneurysm treatment; venous insufficiency; cerebrovascular disease; visceral and lower extremity aneurysms; venous compression syndromes; and mesenteric arterial occlusive disease. With respect to academic interests, I am actively involved in : Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) based outcomes research; teaching vascular surgery residents and fellows; and mentoring Loyola University medical students in learning the basics of clinical research and presentation of data.

  • Personal Interests

    I spend my free time engaging in aerobic exercise (biking and running); softball in the Summer; coaching pediatric baseball; taking my young son (6) to his hockey practice; full season tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears and partial season tickets to the despicable Chicago White Sox. I enjoy skiing in the Winter and outdoor rock and roll concerts in the Summer. On Saturday nights one can frequently find me at Galway Bay Pub located in the basement of 500 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois.

  • Why did you become a vascular surgeon?

    My draw to vascular surgery was the technically satisfying nature of the open surgical and endovascular procedures as well as caring for a complex patient cohort. During my general surgery residency and fellowship (2001-2007) the endovascular revolution was in full swing and I was the beneficiary of outstanding mentors at St. Joseph Hospital and a 3 month vascular rotation at Northwestern in Chicago during PGY3 which gave me exposure to the full gamut of vascular surgery in combination with excellent mentors.

  • Why did you join VESS?

    VESS creates an opportunity to share clinical experiences, research, and advancing vascular surgical education concepts in a collegial environment. The Winter ski meeting is a particular favorite with a relaxed atmosphere combing education and leisure.