Simply put, phlebology is the branch of medicine devoted to the study of modern ways of treating varicose vein and spider vein problems.
It is a relatively recent addition to the long list of sanctioned medical specialties for doctors.
It may sound like overkill to have a specialty devoted to just the study of varicose vein disorders but the training and knowledge required is actually very extensive.
In the last couple of years there has literally been an avalanche of new high technology procedures for treating varicose vein diseases.
It is estimated that there are over 80 million people in the United States alone that suffer from varicose vein problems so the demand for the specialty is certainly there as well.
So if you have a problem with a varicose vein, do not be surprised if your primary care physician refers you to a phlebologist.
It is estimated by professionals in the field that it takes at least 1 year of apprenticeship -under the guidance of a dedicated phlebologist -before a doctor or nurse will be able to handle 90 percent of cases involving varicose vein disorders.
For full expertise in the field a doctor would require at least 3 years of training.
The training would involve all of the different new areas for varicose vein treatment including endovenous laser treatment, duplex ultrasound exams, radio frequency ablation, sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy and any other newly emerging technologies.
These new technologies represent a radical departure from the old surgical procedure of removing veins to treat the problem.
Most doctors need a totally new mind set in order to take advantage of the new and better ways of treating varicose vein diseases.
Prior to 2005 diseases associated with varicose veins were considered to be the expertise of dermatologists in America.
But dermatologists were also expected to be specialists in sexually transmitted diseases as well.
They were sort ofjacks - of - all - trades that had anything to do with skin surface problems.
But in 2005 the AMA officially recognized phlebology as a dedicated specialty for physicians.
The United States is actually lagging behind the rest of the world in this regard.
In Europe phlebology has been an established specialty for well over 50 years.
Several associations have also been in existence for quite some time to support the study of phlebology.
The American College of Phlebology was established in 1985 and has been very actively involved in the study of varicose vein disease ever since.
Not only do they promote the education of doctors, nurses and others in the medical field but they also serve as a knowledge source for the general public.
The American Venous Forum is a relatively new organization.
Established in 2005 its purpose is to provide an international forum for the exchange of information regarding varicose vein treatment and care.
They are very active in promoting public awareness of the dangers and treatments for varicose veins.
A doctor interested in learning more about varicose vein diseases or anyone suffering from varicose vein problems would do well to contact both of these organizations.
It is a relatively recent addition to the long list of sanctioned medical specialties for doctors.
It may sound like overkill to have a specialty devoted to just the study of varicose vein disorders but the training and knowledge required is actually very extensive.
In the last couple of years there has literally been an avalanche of new high technology procedures for treating varicose vein diseases.
It is estimated that there are over 80 million people in the United States alone that suffer from varicose vein problems so the demand for the specialty is certainly there as well.
So if you have a problem with a varicose vein, do not be surprised if your primary care physician refers you to a phlebologist.
It is estimated by professionals in the field that it takes at least 1 year of apprenticeship -under the guidance of a dedicated phlebologist -before a doctor or nurse will be able to handle 90 percent of cases involving varicose vein disorders.
For full expertise in the field a doctor would require at least 3 years of training.
The training would involve all of the different new areas for varicose vein treatment including endovenous laser treatment, duplex ultrasound exams, radio frequency ablation, sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy and any other newly emerging technologies.
These new technologies represent a radical departure from the old surgical procedure of removing veins to treat the problem.
Most doctors need a totally new mind set in order to take advantage of the new and better ways of treating varicose vein diseases.
Prior to 2005 diseases associated with varicose veins were considered to be the expertise of dermatologists in America.
But dermatologists were also expected to be specialists in sexually transmitted diseases as well.
They were sort ofjacks - of - all - trades that had anything to do with skin surface problems.
But in 2005 the AMA officially recognized phlebology as a dedicated specialty for physicians.
The United States is actually lagging behind the rest of the world in this regard.
In Europe phlebology has been an established specialty for well over 50 years.
Several associations have also been in existence for quite some time to support the study of phlebology.
The American College of Phlebology was established in 1985 and has been very actively involved in the study of varicose vein disease ever since.
Not only do they promote the education of doctors, nurses and others in the medical field but they also serve as a knowledge source for the general public.
The American Venous Forum is a relatively new organization.
Established in 2005 its purpose is to provide an international forum for the exchange of information regarding varicose vein treatment and care.
They are very active in promoting public awareness of the dangers and treatments for varicose veins.
A doctor interested in learning more about varicose vein diseases or anyone suffering from varicose vein problems would do well to contact both of these organizations.
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