PRESIDENTIAL-ADDRESS - KNOWLEDGE, KNOW-HOW, AND VASCULAR SURGEONS

Vascular surgeons know vascular disease and its treatment, yet uncerta inties about the future of their specialty require an examination of i ts two basic components: knowledge and know-how. Knowledge, or underst anding, 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 criter ion of a surgeon's proficiency. The vascular fellowship program provid es the vascular surgical trainee with the knowledge and know-how neces sary to become accomplished and qualified for certification in this sp ecialty. Future progress in vascular surgery depends on new knowledge and know-how and their innovative application to human vascular diseas e. This may involve a formal cooperative relationship between the two national vascular societies and our colleagues in interventional radio logy to develop a comprehensive vascular health care program. The soci eties together must continually evaluate the forces for change that ar e prevalent in the health care environment to expand this program. Thi s will ensure a healthy forecast for our dynamic specialty in the twen ty-fist century.