American College of Phlebology: Phlebology Wins AMA Recognition as a Self-Designated Practice Area; Decision Signals Increased Awareness in Medical Community of the Severity of Vein Disease and Outstanding Advances In Treatment.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The American College of Phlebology (ACP) announced that Phlebology -- the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease that afflicts some 80 million Americans -- has been recently approved for inclusion in the list of self-designated medical practices sanctioned by the American Medical Association (AMA). This decision by the AMA means physicians who diagnose and treat venous disorders can now select Phlebology as their primary or secondary area of practice.

"Until now, vein disease has been largely ignored by the medical community even though it is extremely common and significantly impacts the quality of life of affected patients. The AMA's recognition of the specialty of Phlebology demonstrates the situation is changing," said ACP President Dr. Steven Zimmet.

"It's tremendous that the AMA is recognizing Phlebology as a specialty and realizing the evaluation and treatment of venous diseases is important," said Dr. Helane Fronek, a San Diego-based phlebologist and editor of The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians. "New developments in diagnosis and treatment are making a huge difference in people's lives. As phlebologists we have a lot of things to share with our colleagues."

Dr. Robert Min, acting chairman of radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College, agreed that there has been a dearth of training in phlebology. "Venous disease is extraordinarily common, but poorly understood or taught in the medical community," said Dr. Min.

In fact, the ACP is focusing on educating the medical community about state-of-art treatments for venous disease. They've organized a Speakers Bureau to visit medical schools. To arrange a presentation by the ACP's Speakers' Bureau, or to become a member of the ACP, go to www.phlebology.org or call 510-834-6500.

The ACP is a nonprofit multi-specialty organization committed to improving standards of practice and patient care in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. ACP membership has almost doubled since 2000. Members come from vascular surgery, dermatology, general surgery, interventional radiology, cosmetic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology. family and general practice.