Strandness Keynote: A Career Breaking Barriers in Vascular Surgery

Tribute to Doctor Strandness

The session opened by honoring Doctor Eugene Strandness, a founder of vascular ultrasound and mentor to generations of vascular specialists, noting how much of his career path was shaped by mentorship and circumstance rather than a fixed plan.

A Career of Firsts

Doctor Donna Mendes, the first board certified African American female vascular surgeon, described her training at Columbia, Saint Luke’s and Roosevelt, and Englewood Hospital, and the barriers she faced being underestimated and overlooked because of her race and gender.

Mentorship and Leadership

Doctor Mendes recounted mentoring numerous residents who went on to become vascular surgeons, leading vascular surgery divisions at two hospitals, and now serving as vice chair of education and diversity at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Diversity and Patient Care

She closed by emphasizing that diversity in the physician workforce is not only a fairness issue but improves patient comfort and outcomes, and highlighted the Society of Black American Surgeons’ initiatives supporting women and underrepresented physicians.