Oakland, CA - The American College of Phlebology (ACP) announced that phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, which afflicts 80 million Americans, has been recently added to the list of self-designated practice focus areas recognized by the American Osteopathic Association, (AOA). This action by the AOA means osteopathic physicians who diagnose and treat venous disorders, including varicose veins, can now have phlebology as their primary or secondary self-designated area of practice focus. Phlebology is the medical discipline that involves the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders, including spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers, congenital venous abnormalities, venous thromboembolism and other disorders of venous origin. Diagnostic techniques used include the history and physical examinations, venous imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasound, CT and MR, plethysmographic techniques and laboratory evaluation related to venous thromboembolism. Therapeutic interventions include compression, sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, cutaneous vascular laser, endovenous laser, radiofrequency occlusion, surgical treatments, vasoactive medications and the management of venous thromboembolism.
“The acceptance of phlebology as a medical science has been long awaited among physicians dedicated to treating venous disease. With both the American Osteopathic Association, (AOA), and the American Medical Association, (AMA), identifying phlebology as an area of medicine practiced by its physicians, the legitimacy of phlebology as a field of medicine rendering medically necessary vein care as opposed to mere cosmetic concerns has been recognized, stated Dr. Robert Min, President of the ACP and acting chairman of radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Medical insurance carriers have recognized the need for phlebologic treatments and offer benefits for vein procedures utilizing new FDA approved devices.”
Dr. Marlin Schul, Chairman of the ACP Specialty Recognition Committee, noted there has been a dearth of training in phlebology. ”Venous disease is extraordinarily common, but poorly understood or taught in the medical community. This recognition by the AOA will help in our efforts to provide education and ‘postgraduate training in the best ways to deliver treatment for venous conditions. ”
Its tremendous that the AOA is recognizing phlebology as a focus of medical practice,” said Samuel Coor, DO, a Washington state-based phlebologist and associate editor of VeinLine. ”Topics related to venous disease are appearing in medical journals in record numbers. Medical textbooks are beginning to incorporate new information. As phlebologists we have expert knowledge to share with our colleagues.”
At the University Medical Group-Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina, Marcus Stanbro, DO, FABVM, has contributed many hours imparting his knowledge of phlebology to fellows and other interested physicians. Most recently, requests for lectures on phlebologic topics have lead him to Georgia, Florida and South Dakota. Dr. Stanbro is a former recipient of the ACPs BNS-Jobst Research Award. ”As a DO, Im proud to contribute to the field of phlebology and am even more proud the AOA has recognized us. But, let me say this. It is not about ’us.’ It is about patients. If patients realize we have expertise to share, we can change the quality of their lives. By recognizing us, the AOA has helped shape public awareness and improved public health. It is a giant stride forward.”
To further advance the field of phlebology, the ACP created the Foundation for the Future of Phlebology. This affiliate organization seeks to secure the financial support necessary to advance the educational and medical research needs of practicing phelbologists. ”It is by pursuing education that the knowledge and skill required to properly diagnose and treat venous disorders is attained. Insights gained through research and technological advancements will continue to change the face of this field of medicine,” explained N. Scott Howell, DO, a Florida phlebologist who serves on the ACP Professional Education Committee.
”As newly recognized phelbologists, we stand on the backs of the many physicians, allied health professionals and researchers who have come before us. Without their dedication to advancing phlebology as a field, we would not have become recognized. This moment would not be happening,” said Dr Steve Zimmet, a past president of the ACP who practices in Austin, Texas. Osteopathic physicians interested in phlebology demonstrate their expertise as researchers, authors, lecturers, teachers and clinicians. In addition, several DOs volunteer their time on committees of the American College of Phlebology. ”The AOA realizes this and is willing to acknowledge our contributions by allowing us to define ourselves as phelbologists. We are thankful.”
The ACP is a nonprofit, multi-specialty organization committed to improving standards of practice and patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. The quest for knowledge within the area of phlebology has caused the number of ACP members to almost double since the year 2000. Members are both osteopathic physicians or DOs and allopathic physicians or MDs whose practice roots may be traced back to vascular surgery, dermatology, general surgery, interventional radiology, cosmetic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, family and general practice, emergency medicine and anesthesiology. Now dedicated to treating venous disorders, the recognition of Phlebology as a medical discipline has given a legitimate face or identity to this mixed background of specialists who are experts at treating vein disorders. Its about time. If you would like to know more about phlebology or would like to become a member of the American College of Phlebology please visit www.phlebology.org or call 510-346-6800.