In response to the need for specialized education of surgeons interested in treating arterial and venous diseases, the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University established a fellowship program in peripheral vascular surgery. Since 1974 the program has prepared surgeons who wish primarily to pursue careers in academic vascular surgery. The residency in general vascular surgery is administered by the vascular service, a division of the Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School.
Residents participating in the two-year program take courses in biostatistics and epidemiology.
All residents participate in the annual vascular symposium each December. The program has been approved by the American Board of Surgery and the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The program also provides research experience in vascular biology. During the clinical year, residents acquire experience in vascular surgery, endovascular surgical techniques, and diagnostic testing at VA Chicago Health Care System Lakeside Division and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Residents complete three-month rotations at both hospitals' peripheral vascular service, to which all patients with vascular disorders are admitted.