Vascular Surgery
Andrea Klein, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Residency Assistant Program Director
Department of Surgery
andrea.klein@utsouthwestern.edu (Preferred method of contact)
About the Specialty
Vascular Surgery is a field within General Surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the circulation throughout the human body. We treat all parts of the vascular system apart from the heart and the brain. Our field requires a comprehensive knowledge of both the detailed anatomy of the arterial and venous systems, as well as the pathology and underlying physiology of the vascular tree..
Answers to Common Questions
- Attributes of a Competitive Student
What factors typically make a student competitive for this specialty?
Step 2 score, strong letter of recommendation from within vascular surgery, leadership qualities, research opportunities
- Research
How important is research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
Research within the field of vascular surgery or general surgery is important for residency applications, as well as publications within these fields for the CV.
- Shadowing
How can students identify opportunities for shadowing?
Exposure in the operating room is the best way to learn about vascular and endovascular surgery. We welcome anyone who is interested in shadowing. Students can contact myself directly regarding shadowing opportunities within vascular surgery. We also have a vascular surgery interest group that would be useful to join if any student is interested in learning more about this specialty.
- Electives
What electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Pursuing an elective in Vascular Surgery would be useful to any student interested in this specialty.
Based on your experience, what tips do you have for students to shine on your electives?
Come with a positive attitude and interest in learning from the faculty and residents the students will interact with. Additionally, preparing for any cases is highly encouraged so the student can follow along better throughout the procedures.
- 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?
November-December
- 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, but at least two strong letters should be from within vascular surgery
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
General surgery letters are valued in our application, as well as letters from research mentors.
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
It is encouraged to obtain a letter from a high profile surgeon at our institution; however, this would only benefit the applicant if the letter writer knows the student well. A generic letter from a well known surgeon is not recommended.
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
No; however, if a student did an away rotation then obtaining a letter of recommendations from the away institutions Chairman or Program Director is recommended.
