The new Division of Vascular Medicine, created to deliver multidisciplinary care for patients with complex conditions, represents the only current U.S. institution to have established this specialty as its own division.

The group will enhance UT Southwestern’s ability to provide advanced care for patients, build a strong educational foundation, and enhance research, said Joshua A. Beckman, M.D., Chief of the Division of Vascular Medicine and Professor of Internal Medicine.

“This is the only Division of Vascular Medicine in the United States,” Dr. Beckman said. “We have the unique opportunity to have a stand-alone division that is built the way we want it.”

Dr. Beckman, who joined UTSW in 2022, focuses his research on the mechanism that causes vascular dysfunction, susceptibility to atherosclerosis, and functional limitations in peripheral artery disease.

The new Division will collaborate with the Division of Vascular Surgery to offer patients multidisciplinary care, said Thomas Wang, M.D., Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine.

“We created the Division in recognition of the unique expertise required both to care for patients with vascular disease and to train the next generation of physicians in the field,” Dr. Wang said. “I am grateful that the institution has supported our vision to place UTSW at the forefront of clinical care, innovation, and research in vascular medicine.”

Although vascular medicine and vascular surgery serve distinct roles, they function as a cohesive team to guide patients through their care journey. Vascular medicine – a specialty focused on diagnosis and treatment of circulatory problems affecting the arteries, veins, or lymphatic system – emphasizes nonsurgical management, offering medical therapies, lifestyle modifications, and advanced diagnostics for conditions such as peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, and aneurysms. Vascular surgery provides procedural capability, performing interventions such as angiography, vascular stent and aortic graft placement, bypass surgery, and other endovascular procedures as well as diagnostic expertise. Together, they ensure seamless care, providing timely diagnostic and management interventions when needed.

“Vascular surgery and vascular medicine work together to provide a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for patients,” said Melissa Kirkwood, M.D., Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery. “This unified approach will advance medical therapies, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to shaping the national conversation on vascular disease management.”

The divisions’ partnership within the Cardiovascular Service Line ensures a truly integrated and collaborative approach to patient care, Dr. Beckman said. Vascular Medicine and Vascular Surgery will provide, along with Cardiology, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, and other specialties, comprehensive, personalized treatment plans.

“Patients will have much more of an opportunity to see the physician they need from a full range of care,” Dr. Beckman said.