Vascular Surgery
Professor of Surgery, Chief of Vascular Surgery
Department of Surgery
melissa.kirkwood@utsouthwestern.edu (Preferred method of contact)
214-645-0545
About the Specialty
Vascular Surgery is the specialty that treats patients’ arteries and veins. We operate in all areas of the body, ex) carotid disease in the neck, thoracic aneurysms in the chest, abdominal aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease in the legs. We treat pediatric patients as well as teens, adults and seniors. Fifty percent of our cases are open surgical cases and 50% are minimally invasive endovascular surgeries. Our specialty is a very high intensity, demanding job but it is extremely rewarding.
Answers to Common Questions
- Attributes of a Competitive Student
What factors typically make a student competitive for this specialty?
Good standardized test scores and good LORs.
- Research
How important is research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
Research experience is important for successfully matching in vascular surgery.
- Shadowing
How can students identify opportunities for shadowing?
Contact the Student Interest Group student leaders for information on shadowing.
- Electives
What electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Vascular surgery elective.
Based on your experience, what tips do you have for students to shine on your electives?
Having a positive, can-do attitude. Staying involved and prepared. Helping the team.
- Away Rotations
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
No.
If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many “aways” do you recommend?
N/A
If away rotations are necessary, when should they apply and when should they be completed?
N/A
- Interview Timing
Which month do you recommend taking off to interview?
N/A
- Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are needed to apply to your specialty?
Three.
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
No.
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
General surgery.
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
No it doesn’t.
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
No.
