Nick Morrison, M.D. was named as one of Vein Magazine’s Most Influential Venous Professionals. The magazine interviewed Dr. Morrison and we thought we would share a few of the Q and A’s:
Q. A decade ago, few would have foreseen the crossover in types of vein treatments being offered at other specialty practices. Where do you think the next big movement is going to be and how will it affect vein practice?
A. I expect physicians of all sorts to play a larger role in the specialty development. I expect more and different minimally invasive procedures to come to the forefront in the treatment of venous disease. And I expect to have industry be an important part of this growth and development.
Q. What advancements are long overdue?
A. Procedures that abolish the need for local anesthesia. And most importantly, public and physician awareness of venous disorders, including modern treatment and consequences of venous disorders without treatment.
Q. What is the biggest challenge in your work?
A. Obtaining good scientific evidence for venous disorder diagnosis and treatment. Matching patients’ expectations with combined medical and cosmetic outcomes. Helping patients realize the importance of maintenance care.
Q. Have you been actively involved in any public awareness campaigns? Please give us the details on how the campaign was structured, examples of campaign materials and the response received from the community in which you practice.
A. Arizona PBS special call-in program sponsored by the American College of Phlebology and its Foundation, where in a 30-minute panel discussed venous disorders which was played during a 4-hour call-in program manned by an expert phone bank panel to answer the public’s questions. That program will likely go national.
Also, we have regular participation in health fairs, chamber of commerce lectures, retirement community lectures, and various media articles and appearances to teach about superficial vein disease. I have also participated in the AVF’s vein screening days.
Q. You are well-known in your field of work. What is something about you that would surprise your colleagues?
A. I am a tri-athlete, father of three, grandfather of four. Fidteen years ago, I hated speaking in front of groups. I now do that nationally and internationally on a monthly basis. Those who know me outside of work consider me to be a movie buff.
Q. What made you decide to work in phlebology and what do you wish you had known before you did?
A. I saw a need for patients with venous disorders that was not being met and because of how academically rewarding the field is.
Reprinted with permission from VEIN Magazine, Vol. 2, Issue 1, Fall 2008. See full article at this link:
http://www.veindirectory.org/magazine/article/25_most_influential_nick_morrison_md_facs_facph
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