We have recently changed the structure of our course so that instead of having a long lecture on Sunday, we provide our preceptors with our programmed learning CDs and DVDs. These materials are sent to the preceptors about two weeks before the preceptorship. The DVDs demonstrate and explain the initial patient evaluation. The CDs consist of about 300 individual power point slides that provide a comprehensive introduction to the practice of phlebology. We have found that this approach is greatly superior to the old eight hour lecture approach, as it allows the preceptors to learn at a pace appropriate for their particular background, and also allows them to review areas as needed.

The programmed instruction begins with a review of general venous anatomy and physiology, the classification of varicose veins and includes a thorough discussion of the pathophysiology of reflux and its relationship to the development of venous disease. Next, principles of conducting a thorough phlebology examination are reviewed including the use of hand held Doppler and venous ultrasound. Then, general principles of sclerotherapy treatment are covered in detailed including a discussion of sclerosing agents, treatment techniques (which will be demonstrated during the clinical portion of the course) and the management of complications.

During the clinical portion of the course, specialized attention will be given to the following topics:

• SURFACE SCLEROTHERAPY
     

  Treatment of spider veins and reticular veins with
        conventional (surface) sclerotherapy. Foam technique
        will be thoroughly reviewed.

  ULTRASOUND GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY
  

• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy treatment of varicose
        veins and incompetent tributary veins with ultrasound
        guided closure of incompetent SFJs.

LASER


      Treatment of leg spider veins & facial veins.
• Advacnced Venous Ultrasonography
• Digital PPG
• EVLT
        EndoVenous Laser Treatment - exciting new laser
        treatment for SFJ reflux and GSV disease
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy
        Microsurgery

Special attention will be devoted to initial patient evaluation, as each preceptor will be monitored and trained in a one-to-one evaluation of actual patients.

Medical Assistants Welcome!

Medical assistants play an important role in a successful vein care practice and preceptors are encouraged to bring one or two medical assistants with them to their preceptorship to learn tricks and tips from the Willamette Vein Centre' staff. The assistants will be trained in the preparation of sclerosing agents and will participate in actual procedures. The fee for each medical assistant is $500. 

Business Aspects of a Phlebology Practice and Marketing

Sound business management of a vein practice is vital to success. According to the preceptor's wishes and needs, we are happy to discuss certain principles of business management and practice marketing we have found important to our success.

Cameras & Video Equipment Welcome!

You will want to review all you've learned at your preceptorship and nothing facilitates that more than pictures. Preceptors are welcomed to bring still cameras and video equipment with them to their preceptorship. Remember, you are seeing real patients when you are here, and we only ask that you be courteous and professional in the taking of photographs and that you always get permission from patients to photograph them before any images are recorded.

Curriculum

Through programmed instruction, clinical presentation and the observation of a variety of procedures and practices, the following course curriculum will be followed as much as possible (subject to change with each preceptorship):

• Anatomy & Physiology of the superficial venous system
• Applied Anatomy to the Principles of Sclerotherapy
• The Phlebology Examination
• Sclerotherapy Principles
• Sclerotherapy Techniques
• Ultrasound Examination of the Venous Patient
• Special Diagnostic Devices
• Surface sclerotherapy of reticular veins and spider veins
• Foam surface sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (foam technique)
• LASER
• Inferior types of venous treatments
• Marketing of Your Phlebology Practice
• Supplies Used for Sclerotherapy
• Sclerotherapy Emergency Protocols

Preceptors are reminded that for the clinical component of their preceptorship will be observing real patients of Willamette Vein Centre' and will therefore be exposed to the same variety of real vein problems and conditions they can expect to see in their own practices. We will make every attempt to provide a variety of cases according to the preceptors wishes, but we cannot guarantee that patients with every type of venous disease will be seen during the training visit.