Deficiencies Persist in the Experience of UK Vascular Trainees

Aims.To evaluate the training experience of the current United Kingdom (UK) vascular trainees. Methods. A Web-based questionnaire was administered to 217 members of the Rouleaux Club, which represents UK vascular and endovascular trainees, between May and June 2011. Results. A total of 153 trainees (71% response rate) completed the survey; 52% were in posts that do not offer endovascular training, 88% performed <10 peripheral angiograms, and 67% performed part or all of <10 endovascular aneurysm repairs in the last year. Half had no access to formal ultrasound training; 85% believe that vascular access will play a role in their future practice, but 49% performed no vascular access procedures in the past year. No experience of endovenous laser, radiofrequency ablation, or foam sclerotherapy was reported by 33%, 49%, and 46%, respectively. Conclusions. Trainee experience is insufficient for a modern specialist practice. Separate specialty training in the United Kingdom must address these deficiencies.