Kathleen Ozsvath (New York, USA), past president of the Eastern Vascular Society (EVS), is an esteemed vascular surgeon with expertise in the treatment of superficial and deep venous disease, including long-term sequelae of chronic venous disease. Mapping her career as an active researcher, society leader and clinician, Ozsvath tells Venous News of her proudest moments, biggest concerns, and shares what her ‘superpower’ is.
Why did you pursue a career in medicine?
I truly always wanted to help people. When I was a small child in the early 1970s, I remember watching a news show on Michael DeBakey and coronary bypass surgery. I decided then that I wanted to be a surgeon.
Who have been your career mentors, and what is the best advice they gave you?
Donna Mendes—the first African American woman to have her vascular boards in vascular surgery—was a very important mentor to me. She is a talented surgeon and was an incredible role model. Dhiraj Shah—he was a world renowned expert in carotid surgery and aortic surgery and taught me when I was a fellow and as a young attending surgeon. Vivian Gahtan offered me many opportunities in research and mentored me throughout my career. She is an incredible role model and friend.
Ruth Bush is an invaluable friend and role model. I can call her anytime for advice and guidance. Lowell Kabnick trained me as a resident. He has provided fantastic opportunities over the years through our friendship and as members of the American Venous Forum (AVF). Anila Hingorani was my third-year resident when I was an intern. He has been there as a mentor ever since and has been there to offer help, advice and support over the past 25 years. Hingorani was instrumental in assisting me with starting our deep vein practice many years ago.
Jim McKinnsey has been an incredible mentor in the EVS. I am the immediate past president of that society and he mentored me throughout. Linda Harris has been a great role model and has also provided me with great opportunities over the years. We serve together in the International Society of Women Vascular Surgeons on the executive board.
Although there were so many along the way, each of these people guided me in my career. They were there when I had questions, and many supported me behind the scenes in ways I only found out about in retrospect. Each of these mentors taught me skills, some inside and some outside the operating room. They provided opportunities that I will be forever grateful for.
Can you outline one of your most memorable cases?
I dealt with a ruptured aneurysm when I was a very junior attending. It was a difficult case. I had to call my senior partners for advice, and the patient did well. Ten years later, her family called me to tell me she had passed. I was very sad and called that same senior partner to tell him how sad I was. He told me that I should be proud as she lived 10 years more after the emergency surgery we performed. I really appreciated that perspective.
I have had many other memorable cases since then, but I think what I love so much about my career is that I am blessed to have developed long-lasting relationships with my patients. I have taken care of patients, their children and even some grandchildren. I appreciate the trust they have in me.
As far as venous patients, I have had a very difficult patient recently with terrible wounds on her extremities due to venous disease which required several devices to treat. I was worried about using VenaSeal (Medtronic). Radiofrequency ablation has previously worked in this patient, but the vein has subsequently reopened. I decided to go ahead with VenaSeal and the ulcer healed after a few months, after being one of the worst wounds I had ever treated. That case was very interesting, as it just shows that working hard and not giving up will make all the difference in some instances.
What has been the most important development in the venous space over the course of your career?
The evolving technology. Thermal ablation was practically brand new when I started practising, and now it’s the gold standard. Additionally, the advent of dedicated venous stents has changed the way we treat deep venous disease. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is also a game changer. The future is bright!
What do you think are some of the major trials that are needed in the venous space?
Pelvic venous disease needs a lot more research. Treatment is not uniform, and results are mixed. I know that this is being worked on, and these data will be very important in the future.
What advice would you give someone who is looking to start a career in medicine?
If you love it, do it!
What was your experience as president of EVS? What did you achieve during your time in this role?
Serving as the third female EVS president was quite an honour. It is the largest regional society in the USA. At the 2024 EVS meeting (19–22 September , Charleston, USA), we had the first ever vein education programme that included talks by experts focusing on venous disease and treatment, a hands-on industry session for attendees and a deep vein simulation experience for trainees. Additionally, we had a symposium on venous cases supported by industry colleagues. It was well attended and very well received.
I also hosted the first community service event at the annual meeting. Together with my colleagues, we created an event for local patients to learn about vascular disease. Participants were given vital information and compression stockings, had their ankle brachial index (ABI) checked, and were able to ask questions from experts in vascular surgery, as well as meet local vascular surgeons. This was also supported by our industry partners. This was an incredible event.
As a venous and vascular surgeon, what is your superpower?
My superpower as I see it comes from being a mother. I have learned to navigate difficult situations from my experience raising a beautiful daughter. She taught me patience, the art of negotiating, learning to see two sides of a debate, and the importance of family dynamics. I face my role at work in a similar way. As chief of surgery, I use what I have learned to help guide colleagues and staff. I approach work as a family unit that works best when respected, listened to, and then guided. We are a work family.
You have previously mentioned the patriarchal system of learning that is present in surgical training today, how do you see this changing?
I do see many positive changes over the past 30 years. In recent years, behavioural issues are being directly addressed, and disrespectful treatment of trainees and staff, as well as fellow colleagues is no longer accepted. I have worked closely with surgeons in my department when issues have come up. Education and sensitivity training has really made a big difference when issues have come up. Mutual respect is of the greatest importance.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the venous world?
Technology is moving faster than research. This is causing difficulty with insurance coverage. We need more well-constructed research.
What has been the proudest moment of your career to date?
I have had many proud moments. The incredible feeling when a patient does well is the greatest reward—to save a leg, a life, or make the patient feel better with less pain. I have gotten several awards over the course of my career. It is always an honour to receive an award that my colleagues and co-workers have given me. More recently, my hospital was given great accolades for work I began to improve quality of care. This is a great feeling and a true honour that I share with all who have worked alongside me on these measures.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of medicine?
I love to travel, cook, and spend time with my beautiful daughter.
