Report from the president of U.E.M.S. division of vascular surgery

Abstract

This is the first annual report from the Division of Vascular Surgery in the Union Europeenne des Medecins Specialistes (UEMS). Its purpose is to inform vascular surgeons of progress made during the year by this committee which officially represents their interests within the medico-political structure of the European Union. Having agreed a Constitution and the Statutes in the opening sessions, the Division went on to make the important decision to establish a European Board of Vascular Surgery. This Board will be concerned exclusively with matters related to training, but its creation could significantly alter the status of European vascular surgery relative to other surgical specialities and may eventually impact upon the organisation of clinical services. A brief summary of the structure and function of the UEMS and the European Speciality boards may assist fuller appreciation of the implications of this decision.