2024 Gaspar Symposium Focuses on Breaking Barriers

Vascular surgeons are used to collaborating. Since the vascular system reaches every part of the body, it’s normal for vascular surgeons to work closely with other specialists. But this year’s Gaspar Symposium takes that principle even further, with a broad vision of revolutionary leaps through collaborative care.

“Crossing boundaries is the way forward,” said Kenneth Ziegler, MD, the faculty course director for this year’s symposium, “When we get out of the silo and partner with everyone, we can give our patients the best in modern medical care.”

Ziegler was careful to point out that collaboration with medical professionals at all levels is key to this vision. “This is all about the importance of forging new pathways,” he explained. “Nurses and Advanced Practice Providers have their own expertise and unique perspectives. When surgeons recognize our own limitations and ask for their insight, we can make massive advances just by talking.”

This year’s topics include the nationally famous collaborative work done at USC’s Aortic Center, the limb-saving multidisciplinary work of the Division of Vascular Surgery’s Toe and Flow program, complex vascular repairs in the chest, and even social science approaches to looking at care disparities.

Sukgu Han, MD, MS, the Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, was also enthusiastic about the 2024 program. “This year, we are thrilled to have the event bringing together leading experts and innovators from multiple fields focusing on improving the care of patients affected by vascular diseases. We are honored to have Dr Gilbert R Upchurch as our distinguished visiting professor. Dr. Upchurch is the chair of the department of surgery at the University of Florida. He is a world-renowned vascular surgeon, scientist, and educator. He will provide us with the Guideline Updates AHA/ACC Joint Committee Report on Thoracic Aortic Endografting for Descending Thoracic Aneurysms during the symposium. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting event.”

Dr. Ziegler noted that residents and medical students who are considering vascular surgery will find this year’s Gaspar Symposium especially valuable. “This is a portal to what their practices will be like in the future.”

The 28th annual Max R. Gaspar, MD Symposium: A Tale of Two Programs: Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Delivery of Vascular Care, presented by the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy and the USC Office of Continuing Medical Education

Registration is complimentary for students, residents, and fellows.

Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 7:00 am to 4:05 pm
The Westin Pasadena
191 N. Los Robles Avenue

Parking: Entrance off Union Street at Los Robles Ave. Self-parking $18, Valet $21

Online registration is available here. Early-bird pricing for live registration ends August 30, 2024, at 12pm PDT. CME credit is available.

On-site registration is available September 5 at 7:00 am at the Westin Pasadena.