Supporting endovascular practice in 2023 and beyond: the BSET Fellowship Programme

Abstract

British Society of Endovascular Therapy (BSET) Fellowships were introduced to provide an opportunity for vascular or interventional radiology trainees to acquire new or more complex endovascular skills during a 6-month period in a UK-based endovascular unit of their choice. They were established in 2008 in response to the rapidly expanding field of endovascular practice, with the aim to support high quality endovascular training as well as a new hybrid skillset for those from a vascular surgical background. Since vascular surgery gained independence as a specialty in 2012, evolutions in both vascular surgery and interventional radiology training programmes have facilitated increased exposure to complex endovascular interventions. However, these Fellowships continue to offer a unique opportunity, where trainees benefit from a period of concentrated exposure, working to develop a specific subspecialty interest and ‘fine tune’ their skills in preparation for consultant practice. Further, these Fellowships also offer interventional radiology trainees to be exposed to a larger volume and variety of endovascular procedures, benefiting their future independent practice.