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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Medical Student Portal

Vascular Surgery Specialty at a Glance

Students interested in vascular surgery should focus on obtaining strong clinical experience in surgery, particularly in fields related to vascular surgery such as general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and interventional radiology. They should also seek out research opportunities in vascular surgery and related fields, connect with vascular surgeons for mentorship, and consider completing away rotations in vascular surgery programs to gain exposure and experience in the specialty.

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Vascular surgery is a dynamic field offering diverse challenges, blending open and minimally invasive techniques to treat life-threatening and chronic conditions. It provides the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients' lives, from saving limbs to preventing strokes, while fostering long-term patient relationships. The specialty is at the forefront of medical innovation, with growing demand driven by an aging population and lifestyle-related diseases, ensuring career stability. Vascular surgeons enjoy a balance of acute and chronic care, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and opportunities for research, teaching and global health work. For students who value anatomy, precision and impactful problem-solving, vascular surgery is a fulfilling and versatile career choice.

To prepare for vascular surgery during Phase 1 (Years 1 and 2) of medical school, focus on building a solid foundation and gaining early exposure to the field:

  • Master Basic Sciences: Focus on anatomy (especially vascular structures), cardiovascular physiology, and pathology to understand vascular diseases like atherosclerosis and aneurysms.
  • Explore Vascular Surgery: Shadow vascular surgeons, attend relevant lectures, and join surgery-related student organizations to get early exposure.
  • Develop Surgical Skills: Participate in suturing workshops and basic surgical skills courses to build foundational skills for later rotations.
  • Focus on Cardiovascular Health: Study cardiology and related subjects to understand the vascular system’s role in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
  • Engage in Research: Assist with research projects related to vascular surgery or cardiovascular topics to gain experience and build your CV.
  • Network with Mentors: Connect with vascular surgeons for advice, mentorship, and future clinical opportunities.
  • Prepare for Step 1: Study hard for Step 1 (or equivalent), focusing on vascular topics and basic sciences.

Some electives that would be beneficial in pursuing a Vascular Surgery career would be:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • General Surgery
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery - this can help gain a better understanding of Vascular procedures that intertwine with Cardiovascular procedures
  • Interventional Radiology - this way you can gain a different viewpoint of the minimally invasive and endovascular procedures/interventions.
  • Neurology
  • Nephrology

The ideal electives for students pursuing vascular surgery should provide exposure to both the surgical and non-surgical aspects of the field. Electives in vascular surgery, interventional radiology, and cardiothoracic surgery offer the most direct and relevant experiences. However, electives in fields like nephrology and neurology will help build a broader understanding of comorbid conditions that affect vascular patients.

General Surgery is the recommended Sub-I, since your first two clinical years will primarily be General Surgery rotations, and this can help you gain fundamental knowledge.

Yes, an away rotation is highly recommended for an interview with vascular surgery. This provides an opportunity for us to see your commitment to the specialty and ensures that you have firsthand experience with the day-to-day life of a vascular surgery resident.

Research is a vital component of our program, with a mandatory two-year research period following your clinical PGY-2 year. While the research does not have to be specific to vascular surgery, focusing on vascular-related projects demonstrates your commitment and specialized interest in the field.

Residency training in IU School of Medicine's program is a seven-year commitment, including two mandatory research years. During this time, you also have the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree which will be fully funded by the school if completed within Indiana University.

We would like to see at least three letters of recommendation from a vascular surgery specialist, as well as one from a program director and/or an associate/assistant program director in surgery. This allows us to gain better insight on the applicant's clinical knowledge, personality, surgical knowledge and commitment to surgery.

Audible Bleeding: The Vascular Surgery Podcast has a variety of content for all levels of learners.

Mentoring comes from all levels in our residency program, meaning our intern and junior residents benefit from mentorship, not only from the staff, but our senior residents and fellows as well. This peer-mentorship can be both formal and informal in nature. We additionally have formally assigned staff-mentors who check in with us every six months at a minimum; however, we have frequent contact with all staff, so mentorship and feedback is not limited only to this time.