American College of Phlebology Becomes American Vein and Lymphatic Society

December 11, 2018—The members of the American College of Phlebology (ACP) have voted to change the society's name to the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS). In addition, the American College of Phlebology Foundation will become the Foundation for Venous and Lymphatic Disease.

According to the announcement, the ACP had strong recognition within the field of vein disease; however, the term “phlebology” was not well known outside of the field. As the society worked to increase recognition within the American Medical Association and with public and private payors, the leadership realized that a change in terminology would help the society continue to grow in these arenas.

The society's board of directors presented the proposed name change to the membership, which approved it by an overwhelming majority at the 2018 ACP Annual Congress held November 8–11 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The AVLS is composed of 2,000 members who are physicians and allied health professionals concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of venous and lymphatic disorders, such as varicose and spider veins, venous ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis. More information about the society is available online at www.veinandlymph.org.

According to the AVLS announcement, the name change is part of the society’s mission and vision to provide advocacy efforts, research opportunities, and superior education to members and the field of venous and lymphatic medicine. The new name emphasizes the identity of the society and its members as providers of appropriate treatment for lymphatic and venous patients.

Dean J. Bender, Executive Director of the AVLS, commented, “This is a pivotal moment in the identity of our society. We are embracing both venous and lymphatic medicine as well as expanding our influence to include not only education, but also advocacy and research in our field."