For the past three years, the University of Florida International Aortic Symposium has brought together leading minds from across the globe to explore the latest advancements and techniques in aortic surgery, endovascular surgery and vascular surgery.
At the forefront is Tomas Martin, M.D., director of the UF Health Aortic Disease Center, who emphasizes collaboration, innovation and learning as the pinnacles of progress in the field. Ahead of this year’s symposium, which will take place Dec. 4-6 in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Martin shares his insights on the evolution of aortic care, the technologies reshaping the field, the importance of multidisciplinary exchange and how the UF Health Aortic Disease Center is propelling the field forward and impacting patient outcomes around the world.
Q: How does bringing together experts in the field from all over the world for the International Aortic Symposium spark new innovation in aortic disease?
A: Most of the aortic programs, like this one, are meant to provide up-to-date information on outcomes and techniques to aortic surgeons. Bringing in experts from high-volume centers gives conference attendees information on how they can advance their own practice. Our goal is to educate attendees on what works, what doesn’t work and what techniques provide the best outcomes. The panel discussions and audience participation are key. In fact, you can watch these professionals work and talk and leave with new ideas you may even want to try in your practice. The forum we have and the panel discussions allow people to stand up, ask questions and debate in real time while really fostering learning.
Q: How are breakthroughs and new techniques showcased at the symposium?
A: Individuals push new and innovative topics at our poster session — topics that haven’t even been published yet. The individuals who submit posters briefly present to me and other leaders, and it’s amazing the great discussions that come out of it. It makes the students feel seen and heard. To me, it’s one of the best parts of the event, as it inspires these professionals to formulate new thoughts. It’s here that you can have people at the top of the field discussing these topics and say, “I never thought of that particular technique.”
Q: How is UF leading the next generation of aortic specialists?
A: All of our trainees get in-depth experience because of our volume of cases in aortic surgery and treatment of aortic disease — UF Health has the second-highest volume of cases in the nation according to Vizient Database. There’s no doubt our trainees get some of the best experience of any place in the country, maybe even the world. We include residents and fellows in everything we do, as we believe we have premier technical skills among all of our surgeons and want to showcase that. There are techniques we can give people that can dramatically improve their outcomes.
Q: What sets UF Health apart from other aortic disease centers?
A: We have long-term, consistent faculty. We rank in the top 5 to 10 programs in quality metrics nationally. When you look at the volume and results, it comes down to our experience — we have a lot of experience. What also sets us apart from other places is the close collaboration between the cardiac and vascular disciplines.
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As the ever-changing field of aortic disease continues to grow, Dr. Martin emphasizes the importance of shared learning in fostering innovation and improving outcomes. The UF International Aortic Symposium paves the way for clinical and academic excellence to drive the future of patient care in aortic disease.
Register for the UF International Aortic Symposium, which consists of nine sessions including presentations, expert speakers and extended panel discussions. Visit floridaaorta.cme.ufl.edu to explore the full agenda, meet our speakers and learn more.