Helen Jones
What’s the denominator? An 8-year audit of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm outcomes, including rates of conservative and palliative management
Introduction In the UK, more than 4,900 deaths annually are attributed to aortic pathologies,1 with aneurysms and dissections being the leading causes, particularly in men over 65. Aneurysms, often undetectable until rupture, are at higher risk of rupturing if they exhibit pain, increase in size by more than 1 cm/year or have diameters larger than…
The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland and Rouleaux Club membership survey on the role of Physician Associates in vascular surgery
Background Physicians Associates (PAs) were first introduced in the UK in 2003. They work under the supervision of doctors and undertake day-to-day tasks in general practice and hospital settings. They undertake a two-year postgraduate degree which focuses on the general aspects of adult medical care.1 PAs are not part of the medical or nursing staff…
Is there a cuckoo in the nest? How to rear and develop a new professional group
In this edition of JVSGBI, we can see the views of VSGBI members at various stages of their career on working with a new group of colleagues, Physician Associates (PAs).1 This survey followed a vigorous debate that played out in both social and mainstream media. The ramifications spread to the highest levels of medical leadership,…
Foreword
Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the JVSGBI. The first editorial provides a response from (past) presidents of the VSGBI and Rouleaux Club regarding findings from a survey, also in this edition, of UK vascular surgeons regarding the role of physicians’ associates in vascular surgery. This survey highlights concerns regarding scope of practice, governance…
