Vascular surgery focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of diseases affecting the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems, excluding vessels of the brain and heart. Vascular surgeons care for patients with a wide range of vascular conditions.
For more information, visit the Vascular Surgery Board and the Society for Vascular Surgery.
The description of this surgical specialty was adapted from a description set forth by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Training Paradigms
In 2006, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved the Primary Certificate in Vascular Surgery which eliminates the requirement for certification in general surgery prior to certification in vascular surgery. This creates more than one training pathway.
This new certification program translates to more training options; there will be more time available for training in areas such as non-operative prevention, diagnosis, and management of vascular disease; shorter training periods; and more freedom of choice concerning when to enter vascular surgery.
- 0+5 track
Vascular surgery integrated track for trainees who match during medical school. Four years are devoted to vascular surgery and one year to core surgical training. Core surgery rotations may occur throughout the first three years of training. Eligible for board certification in vascular surgery only.
- 4+2 ESP track
4+2 ESP track is available to residents in programs with ESP accreditation. Allows for early entry into vascular surgery with the traditional chief year of general surgery serving as the first year of vascular training. Eligible for vascular surgery and general surgery certification.
- 5+2 track
Five years of general surgery residency plus two years of vascular surgery training. Eligible for board certification in both general surgery and vascular surgery.
For more information go to Choose Vascular | Vascular Surgery Student or Vascular Surgery Training Pathways | Society for Vascular Surgery.
Cardiothoracic Surgery as a Career
When considering Vascular Surgery, ask yourself:
- Do you want to be at the forefront of some of the most exciting new medical technologies?
- Do you want to work towards reducing health disparities?
- Do you want to lead fantastic teams across the operating room, cath lab, and clinic?
- Do you want to immerse yourself in a comprehensive approach to care, yet maintain a comfortable work-life balance?
- Does performing a variety of both open and minimally invasive procedures excite you?
- Do you want to build life-long relationships with your patients and colleagues?
If your answers to the above are YES, vascular surgery may be your specialty!
Vascular Surgery has rapidly become one of the more sought-after specialty training paradigms in surgery. A Vascular Surgeon is well versed in traditional open operations, such as carotid endarterectomy or open aneurysm repair, that represent the pinnacle of surgical technique; but also, can perform complex, minimally invasive procedures for the same disease when medically appropriate. Vascular surgery is performed in many settings including hospitals, office-based procedure labs and vein clinics. This allows for flexibility in personal lifestyle choices and family needs.
And, ultimately, ask any Vascular surgeon, and they will tell you that the most rewarding part of their job is the life-long relationships developed with patients.
Benjamin J. Pearce, MD, FACS
Birmingham, AL
2026–2027 President, Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery (APDVS)
July, 2026
