Vascular Surgery in Greece
A pioneering specialty with an autonomous field of expertise and educational curriculum
Official Recognition
Government Gazette (FEK) 1989
Vascular Surgery
in Greece
Vascular Surgery is a medical specialty officially recognized by the Greek state (Government Gazette, 1989) that focuses on the diagnosis, conservative treatment (medication), surgical treatment (traditional or minimally invasive), and follow-up of diseases of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels) of the human body, as well as any complications that may arise from treating these conditions.
Full Autonomy
Recognized by UEMS 2004
Historical Evolution
The Journey of the Specialty
Vascular diseases have seen an increased incidence over the last 3-4 decades as a consequence of the modern lifestyle. The need for specialization & the integration of endovascular techniques pushed the specialty of Vascular Surgery toward gradual independence, both at the educational/training and professional levels.
Increased Incidence of Diseases
Under the auspices of the Hellenic Vascular Surgery Society (later Hellenic Society of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery – HSVES), Greece has been a pioneering member state of the European Union in the recognition of Vascular Surgery and the establishment of an autonomous field of expertise and educational training curriculum (Government Gazette 1989).
Pioneering Country
The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) granted it full autonomy in 2004. Since 1996, the UEMS has been conducting written, oral, and practical examinations, awarding successful candidates the title of FEBVS (Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery) as a certification of the Vascular Surgeon's level of training.
European Recognition & Certification FEBVS
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications such as skin changes, ulcers and thrombosis.
Collaboration & Overlap
Interdisciplinary Cooperation
The overlap with healthcare professionals who have successfully managed, and continue to manage, vascular diseases since before the establishment of Vascular Surgery as a distinct specialty is a given; cooperation among colleagues is seamless, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of services provided to the patient.
Full Autonomy
The term Angiology (the study of blood vessels – originally an anatomical term) usually refers to the specialized field of vascular diseases, while the term Angiologist is used for physicians of all specialties who practice angiology.
Seamless Collaboration
For the patient's well-being
Scientific Societies
Organizations
& Societies
Besides HSVES, other societies of common scientific interest 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
Hellenic Angiology Society
A society of common scientific interest active in Greece
Hellenic Phlebological Society
Hellenic Phlebological Society
A specialized society for diseases of the venous system
Hellenic Lymphological Society
Hellenic Lymphological Society
A society dedicated to diseases of the lymphatic system
IVD
Institute for Vascular Diseases
Institute of Vascular Diseases with a research and educational character
Hellenic Association of Vascular Surgeons
The Hellenic Association of Vascular Surgeons is the professional union of Greek Vascular Surgeons, responsible for handling patient complaints, addressing issues of professional misconduct among its members, and acting to protect the professional rights of Vascular Surgeons in Greece.
Patient Protection
GDPR
Code of Medical Ethics and Deontology
