Congratulations to Suren Shenoy and all the folks at Washington University School of Medicine, as well as the participating faculty, for a very successful and productive Practicum. Additionally we would like to again thank our industry partners for their support. The hands-on activities were outstanding and the didactic portions were very informative. The environment on campus was conducive to learning and comfortable. The social evening at The Arch was enjoyed by all.

As the practicum has come and gone, we have turned our attention to the spring biennial meeting, the 13th Vascular Access for Hemodialysis Symposium on May 9-11, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida. 

After considering many eastern locations, we have decided upon Orlando for a number of reasons. Airline access is good for both US passengers, but also for our international colleagues. Additionally, the weather is friendly and the area offers opportunities for families and others to be entertained in a number of venues before, during and after our conference.

We considered a number of sites for the conference, and it was decided that the Ritz Carlton provided the best options. In addition to the beautiful grounds and accommodations, we negotiated a very good rate and will be the only group on that site at that time. Tom Vesely and the Program Committee have been working hard to come up with a unique, interesting learning session. I know they have been working hard to perfect their program and I am confident it will be a success. In addition to the invited speakers, as usual there will be opportunities during open sessions to present your studies, thoughts or videos.

We encourage you to submit an abstract to the meeting. Mechanisms for online submission of abstracts will be available through our website and the 2012 Symposium page.

We also continue to look for members who are interested in investing time in the activities of our committees. Curriculum, Website, Bylaws, Clinical Practice and Nursing and Allied Health committees can still use more energy.If interested, contact us and let us know of your interest.

Finally, after some interesting negotiations with the editors of the Journal of Vascular Access, we have renewed the electronic access to the current and past issues of the JVA. All members will be receiving information about the on-line subscription and Member Only area of this website in the near future. 

Again, save the date for the VASA Vascular Access for Hemodialysis Symposium on May 9-11, 2012.We look forward to seeing you in Orlando in May!

Sincerely yours,


Mitchell L. Henry, MD
President