Knowledge, know-how, and vascular surgeons.

Abstract

Vascular surgeons know vascular disease and its treatment, yet uncertainties about the future of their specialty require an examination of its two basic components: knowledge and know-how. Knowledge, or understanding, flows from research efforts, and expands the scientific basis of our medical knowledge. It is imperative that new knowledge through funded research continues so that vascular surgical science progresses. Know-how, or skill, is a crucial component of the vascular surgeon's armamentarium and has been recognized through our history as a criterion of a surgeon's proficiency. The vascular fellowship program provides the vascular surgical trainee with the knowledge and know-how necessary to become accomplished and qualified for certification in this specialty. Future progress in vascular surgery depends on new knowledge and know-how and their innovative application to human vascular disease. This may involve a formal cooperative relationship between the two national vascular societies and our colleagues in interventional radiology to develop a comprehensive vascular health care program. The societies together must continually evaluate the forces for change that are prevalent in the health care environment to expand this program. This will ensure a healthy forecast for our dynamic specialty in the twenty-first century.