I. UIP: introduction
I. UIP: introduction
Presidential Lecture
Nick Morrison (US)
Following a short welcome, the President presented the role of International Union of Phlebology:
1. Strengthen the links between the member societies, either existing or to be created, which have a special interest in the study and therapy of venous and lymphatic disorders.
2. Promulgate recommendations on the teaching of phlebology, as well as the training and continuing medical education of phlebologists.
3. Promote a consensus on all aspects of venous and lymphatic disorders.
4. Encourage clinical and basic research on venous and lymphatic disorders.
5. Promotion of regional, national, and international congresses in order to foster an exchange of information between the phlebology communities.
6. Encourage the creation and activities of national phlebology societies or professional associations.
UIP future: our vision and mission
Kurosh Parsi (Australia)
In 2019, there was a global representation of 74 member societies, including 8 multinational societies from 48 countries.
•International Union of Phlebology strengths
1. It brings the world of phlebology together.
2. Multiple consensus guidelines initiated and published under the auspices of the International Union of Phlebology.
•International Union of Phlebology challenges
1. Juggling language barriers and cultural differences.
2. It has been criticized for too much “politics.”
3. The International Union of Phlebology is totally dependent on its executive committee.
4. The regulations are based on out-of-date methods of voting and elections.
5. No sound financial structure.
The current mandate is for the International Union of Phlebology to represent all member societies equally. Unfortunately, phlebology is present in not more than 100 countries and, when present, it is not represented as a specialty or subspecialty. It is also not understood by the public.
Problems we face as a specialty:
1. Training is limited or nonexistent in many countries.
2. Vascular training programs do not have a strong venous or lymphatic component.
3. In the developing world, doctors need help.
4. Phlebology is a multidisciplinary specialty with several components from vascular surgery, medicine, interventional radiology, and dermatology. Phlebology training needs to bring all disciplines together.
