EmPowHER webinars
The EmPowHER webinars are a series of educational sessions organized by Vein & Lymphatic University (VLU). Each episode brings together medical professionals to discuss advancements in venous and lymphatic health, sharing insights, techniques, and best practices.
Season 2, episode 4
Women Leaders in Vascular Surgery: Insights from Around the World
In this episode of EmPowHER Webinars, Dr. Ruth Bush and Dr. Kathleen Ozsvath moderate a discussion with women leaders in vascular surgery, sharing their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on professional growth and leadership.
The conversation explores key questions:
- How do women navigate career advancement in vascular surgery?
- What impact do mentorship and sponsorship have on professional development?
- How can surgeons balance clinical practice, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments?
Mentorship & Sponsorship
Mentorship provides guidance, while sponsorship actively helps professionals advance by opening doors and creating opportunities. The right sponsor can be a turning point in a career. For some, mentorship started early—a senior colleague encouraged them to step into leadership, or a friend sent an email about committee openings. Others found support outside their institutions, where experienced leaders helped shape their professional paths.The advice is clear: take the opportunities that come your way. If someone sees potential in you, believe them, even if you have doubts.“You don’t always realize in the moment how much someone is helping you until you look back.”
Impostor Syndrome in Surgery
Even highly accomplished professionals experience impostor syndrome, questioning their own skills and achievements. Self-doubt never fully disappears, but it can be managed.One way to manage impostor syndrome is to talk about it. Senior colleagues remind younger surgeons of their strengths, and teaching residents reinforces confidence by highlighting accumulated knowledge. Another key strategy is stepping back and recognizing the work done. Whether it’s successfully performing a complex case or mentoring the next generation, acknowledging accomplishments helps silence self-doubt.“Even before giving a major talk, I still question myself. The feeling doesn’t always go away—it just gets quieter.”
“I had to stop and realize—the things I do every day are not things that everyone can do.”
Breaking the ‘Glass Ceiling’
Barriers still exist in leadership, but the way forward is not waiting for change—it’s creating it. When opportunities are not available, it is up to us to build them. While the situation is improving, challenges remain. Women often have to prove themselves more, work harder, and navigate institutional biases. Some leadership positions are still out of reach unless the system itself is redefined. One solution is forming new spaces instead of waiting for inclusion. In cases where organizations lacked leadership roles for women, separate networks were built to train, mentor, and advance more professionals.Success stories exist—hospitals where women hold top leadership positions and departments where gender is no longer a limiting factor. The advice is to take initiative and seek leadership roles rather than waiting to be invited.“If the ceiling isn’t moving, we need to move it ourselves.”
Balancing Life & Leadership
Work-life balance is not about perfection—it is about flexibility and knowing when to shift priorities. The key is adjusting and forgiving yourself when things aren’t perfect. Managing demanding careers while maintaining personal well-being requires setting boundaries and recognizing when to step back. Some emphasize the importance of asking for help—whether it’s arranging support for aging parents, seeking mentorship, or building a network of trusted colleagues.Others stress the need for personal time. Hobbies, sports, and moments away from work help maintain perspective. For some, it’s horseback riding. For others, it’s reading, music, or simply having dinner with friends.“You can’t do everything alone. There’s no prize for struggling in silence.”
“There’s no perfect balance. Some days you focus on work. Some days you focus on life. And that’s okay.”
Advocating for Women’s Health in Global Medicine
Women’s health concerns are often dismissed, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ensuring better advocacy in healthcare is critical. Pelvic venous disorders and other conditions specific to women frequently go undiagnosed because pain is not taken seriously. Many patients struggle for years before finding a doctor who listens and investigates further.The panelists stress the need for more women physicians advocating for better care, ensuring that medical research, treatment approaches, and diagnostic guidelines prioritize women’s unique health concerns.“Women’s pain is often dismissed. They are told it’s normal, that it’s in their head. We need to change that.”
Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
The future of leadership in medicine depends on those willing to step forward. Now is the time to act. The session ends with a call to action—for women in medicine to support each other, push for leadership roles, and advocate for patient care improvements.As this season of EmPowHER Webinars comes to a close, the panelists encourage attendees to stay involved, seek mentorship, and never hesitate to step into leadership.“We need to open doors for the next generation. If we don’t, who will?”
Season 2, episode 3
Cosmetic
In this episode of EmPowHER Webinars, we explore the evolving role of hybrid techniques in vein treatments — where science meets aesthetics.
- What are the latest innovations in cosmetic vein treatment?
- How do global leaders integrate cutting-edge laser and sclerotherapy techniques for superior results?
- And what lessons can we learn from experts who balance medical precision with patient-centered care?
Join Dr. Nara Medeiros and Dr. Solange Evangelista as they share their expertise on CLA and foam sclerotherapy, offering insights into the future of minimally invasive vein treatments.
Beyond the Surface: The Role of CLA and Foam Sclerotherapy
When we talk about vein treatments, we’re not just talking about cosmetics—we’re talking about function, precision, and finding the best technique for the right patient. In this session, we take a deep dive into CLA and foam sclerotherapy, exploring how these techniques are shaping the way we approach venous disease.The key is targeting feeder veins, selecting the right technique for the vein type, and ensuring long-lasting aesthetic results.“We’re not just treating spider veins—we’re improving the whole venous system, and that’s what makes the difference.”
Mastering the CLA Technique: More Than Just Laser
The CLA technique, developed by Professor Kazu, isn’t just about laser or sclerotherapy—it’s about synergy. The goal isn’t to burn the vein; it’s to cook it gently, allowing for a more controlled, effective treatment. As Dr. Nara Medeiros explains, CLA is a structured, step-by-step method, where transdermal laser is applied first, followed by sclerotherapy injections. This ensures that the hemoglobin is converted into methemoglobin, allowing for better absorption and enhanced sclerosant action.Targeting reticular veins and telangiectasias with CLA significantly reduces hyperpigmentation and matting, leading to better patient satisfaction.“Laser alone isn’t the key. It’s the combination of laser and sclerotherapy that gives the best results.”
Foam Sclerotherapy: Optimizing Results with the Right Approach
Dr. Solange Evangelista dives into the science of foam sclerotherapy, explaining why bubble size, gas composition, and injection technique make all the difference. Instead of traditional hand-mixed foam, she advocates for controlled, nitrogen-free microfoam, which creates smaller, more stable bubbles that last longer in the vein. The technique involves targeting feeder veins with ultrasound guidance, ensuring better clearance of telangiectasias and reducing matting risks. This allows for a more consistent cosmetic outcome, with fewer sessions required.The foam properties influence how the sclerosant interacts with the vein, directly impacting treatment success and complication rates.“Blood is the enemy of sclerotherapy—so the goal is to fully displace it with the right foam.”
Minimizing Complications: What Really Works?
One of the biggest concerns with vein treatments is hyperpigmentation and matting—especially when treating aesthetic cases. Both experts agree that the key to minimizing these complications lies in:- Targeting the correct feeder veins first to avoid excessive superficial injections.
- Using lower fluence in darker skin types to reduce pigmentation risks.
- Applying compression therapy to enhance sclerosant effectiveness and prevent post-treatment swelling.
Post-treatment photo documentation is essential to track progress and ensure patients understand their results over time.“When we combine laser and sclerotherapy properly, we significantly reduce side effects like hyperpigmentation.”
Final Thoughts: Why Hybrid Techniques Are the Future
As more patients seek minimally invasive, aesthetic vein treatments, experts are seeing a shift from traditional methods toward customized hybrid approaches. Combining transdermal laser, ultrasound guidance, and sclerotherapy allows for a more tailored, effective treatment plan. For Dr. Medeiros and Dr. Evangelista, the most important takeaway is that vein treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all—they require careful assessment, patient education, and continuous refinement of techniques.“The best treatment is the one that gives both the doctor and the patient confidence in the results.”
Season 2, episode 2
Ultrasound in Venous Health: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks from the Experts
This EmPowHER Webinar Series is an an insightful session on the role of ultrasound in venous health. Leading vascular specialists from around the world share expert tips and tricks, as well as practical strategies for diagnosing and managing chronic venous disorders.
From exploring pelvic venous escape points to introducing the Fast Technique for early venous disease detection, this session provides useful clinical insights to help practitioners enhance patient care.
Join Dr. Kathleen Ozsvath, Dr. Ruth Bush, Dr. Rebeca Reachi, and Dr. Lina Vargas, along with expert speakers Dr. Aleksandra Jaworucka-Kaczorowska and Dr. Nora Sanchez Nikolat, as they discuss the latest advancements in ultrasound imaging and venous treatment protocols.
Advancing Ultrasound in Venous Health
Ultrasound technology plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders. This session explored the latest advancements in ultrasound imaging, focusing on improving diagnostic accuracy and optimizing patient outcomes.
Speakers discussed the importance of identifying pelvic venous escape points, which can significantly impact treatment success. A structured approach to scanning was highlighted as essential for detecting reflux sources and assessing venous insufficiency comprehensively.
“The key to effective treatment lies in understanding the full venous picture—not just what’s visible at first glance.”
The Fast Technique: Early Detection and Better Outcomes
A major focus of this webinar was the Fast Technique, a streamlined approach to diagnosing early venous disease. By prioritizing efficiency without compromising accuracy, this method allows for quicker assessments and improved treatment planning.
Panelists emphasized that ultrasound is not only a diagnostic tool but also an integral part of procedural guidance, ensuring precise vein access, safe intervention, and post-treatment monitoring.
“Ultrasound is more than a diagnostic step—it’s a cornerstone of modern venous care.”
Standardizing Ultrasound Protocols for Consistency
A key challenge in venous ultrasound is ensuring consistent and reproducible results across different practices. Standardized scanning protocols were discussed as a solution to reduce variability and enhance diagnostic reliability.
By following structured protocols, practitioners can improve accuracy, streamline treatment decisions, and enhance patient outcomes. The session also highlighted the role of ongoing training in maintaining high standards of ultrasound interpretation.
“Standardization in ultrasound ensures we are all speaking the same diagnostic language.”
Practical Takeaways for Clinicians
The discussion concluded with key takeaways for practitioners aiming to refine their ultrasound techniques:
- Identify hidden sources of venous reflux for more effective treatment planning.
- Use the Fast Technique to improve efficiency in early diagnosis.
- Follow standardized scanning protocols for consistent, high-quality imaging.
By integrating these insights, vascular specialists can enhance their diagnostic precision, optimize patient care, and contribute to the advancement of venous ultrasound techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good surgical results are a function of training and experience. Vascular surgeons are trained specifically to effectively diagnose and treat all types of venous disease ranging from mild telangiectasias to torturous spider veins that inhibit a patient’s quality of life. They can help you choose the best treatment or procedure for your unique needs.
Most patients report feeling very little, if any, pain during treatment. Prior to some vein treatments, you may be given tumescent anesthesia to numb the treated area.
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms 1-2 weeks after receiving treatment.
Treatment approaches for early-stage varicose veins can vary, but several common options include:
Compression stockings: Utilizing compression stockings can enhance circulation and alleviate associated symptoms.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can contribute to improved circulation and the strengthening of muscles that facilitate blood flow.
Lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and elevating your legs when possible are lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms.
Sclerotherapy: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a solution into the affected vein to collapse it and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.
As for the choice of a healthcare professional, it is advisable to consult with a vein specialist or phlebologist. These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating various vein disorders, including varicose veins.