Vascular Surgery in Greece
A pioneering specialty with an autonomous body of knowledge and training curriculum.
Vascular Surgery in Greece
Vascular Surgery is the medical specialty officially recognized by the Greek State (Government Gazette 1989), whose subject matter is the diagnosis, conservative (pharmaceutical) and surgical (classic or minimally invasive) treatment, and monitoring of diseases of the vessels (arteries, veins & lymphatic vessels) of the human body, as well as the complications arising from the treatment of these conditions.
Veins carry blood that is poor in oxygen — after it has been consumed by the organs — from the body toward the heart. This pathway between the heart and the body is also known as the systemic circulation.
The vessels of the heart and the intracranial vessels are the exception.
Full Autonomy
Recognized by UEMS in 2004
Historical Development
The Evolution of the Specialty
Vascular diseases have shown increased frequency over the last 3-4 decades as a consequence of the modern way of life. The need for specialization and the integration of endovascular techniques pushed the Vascular Surgery specialty toward its gradual independence, both at the educational/training level and at the professional level.
Under the auspices of the Hellenic Vascular Surgery Society (later the Hellenic Society of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery – HSVES), Greece was a pioneering country and EU member state in recognizing Vascular Surgery and in establishing an autonomous body of knowledge and an educational training cycle (Government Gazette 1989).
Official Recognition (Government Gazette)
Vascular Surgery is officially recognized by the Greek State as an autonomous medical specialty (Government Gazette 1989).
UEMS Examinations Begin
UEMS begins conducting written, oral, and practical examinations, awarding the FEBVS title to successful candidates.
Full Autonomy from UEMS
The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) grants Vascular Surgery full autonomy.
European Recognition & FEBVS Certification
Timely diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications such as skin changes, ulcers, and thromboses.
The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) granted it full autonomy in 2004. Since 1996, the UEMS has conducted written, oral, and practical examinations, awarding successful candidates the title FEBVS (Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery) as certification of a vascular surgeon's level of training.
Collaboration & Overlap
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Overlap with healthcare professionals who have treated, and continue to successfully treat, vascular diseases prior to the establishment of the Vascular Surgery specialty is a given, and collaboration among colleagues is seamless, with the ultimate goal of improving the services provided to the patient.
Full Autonomy
The term Angiology (the study of vessels — originally an anatomical term) usually refers to specialized engagement with vascular diseases, while the term Angiologist is used for physicians of any specialty who work in angiology.
Scientific Societies
Organizations & Societies
Besides HSVES, other scientific societies of shared interest that are active in Greece.
HSVES
Hellenic Society of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery
The official scientific society for the field of Vascular Surgery in our country.
Hellenic Angiology Society
A society of shared scientific interest active in Greece.
Hellenic Phlebology Society
A specialized society for diseases of the venous system.
Hellenic Lymphology Society
A society dedicated to diseases of the lymphatic system.
IVD
Institute for Vascular Diseases
A research- and education-oriented institute for vascular diseases.
Professional Association of Vascular Surgeons of Greece
The Professional Association of Vascular Surgeons of Greece is the professional body of Greek vascular surgeons, which handles patient complaints, addresses matters of improper conduct among its members, and acts to protect the professional rights of vascular surgeons in Greece.
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