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Nominations for UIP Executive Committee positions open on the 8th April, 2025. Nominations close 23:59 (UTC) 19th June, 2025.
The election for all positions will be held during the UIP General Council Meetings to be held during the World Congress of the International Union of Phlebology from 8-11 October, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
*Nominations marked with an asterix (*) have been made by a member society, but the nominee has not accepted yet.
The UIP has received the following nominations (listed by position, then alphabetically):
President Elect
Ahmet Kürsat Bozkurt
Zaza Lazarashvili
General Secretary
Alvaro Orrego
*A nomination has been made by the Uruguayan Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
Treasurer
Rodrigo Rial
Chair of Science Committee
*A nomination has been made by the Australasian College of Phlebology
Chair of Education Committee
*A nomination has been made by the Chinese Association of Phlebology
Chair of Congress and Events
No nominations
Vice-Presidents
Willy Chi
Ayman Mohamed
Wassila Taha
*A nomination has been made by the Ecuadorian Society of Phlebolymphology and Microcirculation
*A nomination has been made by the Paraguayan Society of Phlebology
Ahmet Kürsat Bozkurt
Nominated by the Turkish Society of Phlebology
Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery
Istanbul University – Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Founder, Dr. Kürsat Bozkurt Varicose Veins and Vascular Diseases Clinic
He was born in Izmir in 1962. He graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1985. He completed his residency at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in 1993. He became Associate Professor in 1997 and Professor in 2003 in the same department. During his residency, he worked in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Royal Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland for five months. Between 1994-1995, he worked as a specialist in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of Castle Hill Hospital in England for 2 years.
He was accepted as a "Fellow of International College of Angiology (FICA)" in 1993. He passed the necessary exams and received the title of "Fellow European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (FEBCS)" in 2003.
He has several books, book chapters, articles in international scientific journals and over 1500 citations. He has been the editor of the National Guideline for Peripheral Artery and Vein Diseases since 2008. He served as the President of the National Vascular Surgery Association between 2008-2012, the President of the Asian Vascular Surgery Association between 2012-2013, and the President of the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery between 2020-2022. He was the President of Union International Phlebology 2022 World Congress. He currently serves as the President-elect of the European College of Phlebology and the General Secretary of Union International Phlebology.
Rationale
1. To develop the care of venous patients in the world
2. To develop intersociety relations in vein and lymphatic community
3. To increase the funds of UIP
4. Organize several guidelines for venous and lymphatic care
5. Organize missions to treat venous patients in the underdeveloped regions
Zaza Lazarashvili
Nomination from Georgian Association of Angiologists and Vascular Surgeons
Prof. Zaza Lazarashvili is a vascular surgeon, serving as head and founder of the Chapidze Cardiovascular Hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia, as well as professor of vascular surgery at the Tbilisi State University. Since 2002 he had PhD degree.
In Georgia he introduced mini-invasive vein surgery, endo-venous procedures and innovative pelvic venous disorder management and he has served as member of the National Council for Accreditation of Educational Programs.
Along the years Prof. Lazarashvili actively participates in international educational and scientific activities, having been member of the international committee of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), serving as international ambassador of American Venous forum (AVF) and member of the International Pelvic Vein Working Group (IPVWG).
Under his leadership, important regional projects have been implemented: Black Sea Venous meeting, Near East – North Africa (NENA) Venous Society, together with a dedicated global project on Pelvic Venous Disorders in conjunction with the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His last initiative, which is actively developing, is European Pelvic Vein Alliance (EPVA). He is the author of the Consensus Document of the International Union of Phlebology “Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.” Zaza Lazarashvili has published more than 30 scientific papers and 1 monography, he is member of the editorial board of the Turkish Journal of Vascular Surgery and associated Editor of “Acta Phlebologica”. He is the past president of Georgian Association of Angiologists and Vascular Surgeons and the convener of the International Union of Phlebology 2027 World Congress. From 2018 to 2022 he has served as member of the Education Committee of the International Union of Phlebology.
Since 2022 he has been elected as vice-president of the International Union of Phlebology.
During my work as Vice-President of the UIP and as a previous member of the UIP Educational Committee, I have had the chance to witness the UIP beyond meaningful features that are in need to be protected, as well as the unmet needs that need to be fulfilled. Along these years I have dedicated myself to travel to all continents to visit the member’s meetings and local clinical practices in order also to understand how we can collaborate at best. Apart the election time common words, I strongly believe in the translation into action, for which ADVOCACY is of paramount importance toward the Colleagues, the Scientific Societies and the patient. In this context, I’ve always focused in engaging diplomatic relationships with the different Governmental parts, so that the good intentions can turn into good Actions.
That’s why this is the line I choose for my candidacy:
“Good intentions, Good actions”.
The concept applies to many different aspects of our everyday professional life: the good Teamwork, the good Clinical Practice, the Good Moral Engagement, the Good interaction with the Governance leading to an appropriate advancement of vein-lymphatic care.
While focusing on the Macro global aspects, we should also never forget about the Local Realities that should be protected and enhanced in their relationship with the UIP. This is another aspect I include in my top three commitments: REGIONAL and RURAL REPRESENTATION is mandatory to make sure UIP stays as the reference point in the Phlebology and Lymphology world.
In this constant both ways shift between local and global realities, the third top priority I see is the EQUALITY principle protection for which everybody must receive the same attention and care. With this principle we are designing the UIP 2027 World Congress in Georgia and with the same will I look forward for listening to ALL Colleagues and Societies who will like to reach out to me for a brainstorming on how we can be of best service TOGETHER.
Alvaro Orrego
Nominated by the Chilean Phlebology and Lymphology Foundation
Dear colleagues,
My name is Alvaro Orrego, a Vascular Surgeon based in Viña del Mar, Chile. I am married and a father of three. My professional focus is phlebolymphology, where I have been a pioneer in Latin America—introducing endovenous laser and radiofrequency for the treatment of chronic venous disease. I have actively promoted best practices and consistently updated the management of varicose veins, telangiectasias, incompetent perforator veins, multilayer compression bandaging, pelvic venous disease, and thromboembolic disorders, among others—always advocating for our specialty’s leadership in these treatments. I have also developed a method to assess dermal and subdermal reticular veins using duplex ultrasound.
I am deeply committed to medical education and the dissemination of knowledge. I have served as President of the Latin American Venous Forum, the International Committee of the American Venous Forum, the Vascular Surgery Division of the Chilean Society of Surgeons, the Chilean Society of Phlebology and Lymphology, and the Chilean Phlebology and Lymphology Foundation. I actively contribute to scientific, continuing education, and guideline development committees. I serve on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Vascular Surgery–Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, where I was honored as Reviewer of the Year in 2023. I also review for Phlebology and Acta Phlebologica.
I strongly believe that scientific progress must translate into real benefits for our patients. They are the ultimate goal of all our efforts. This conviction drives my daily work—and it is what inspires me to apply for the position of Secretary General of this distinguished society.
I would like to apply for the position of General Secretary on the Executive Committee of the UIP, with a strong commitment to contributing to the proper administration of the institution. I am eager to take on a key role in coordination, communication, and administrative operations, which are essential to strengthening our society.
If elected, I will fully carry out all duties of the General Secretary with dedication, responsibility, and commitment. In addition, I have many ideas that could further enhance the important work the UIP is doing, and I would be pleased to share and develop them with the Executive Committee, in a spirit of openness, respect, and collaboration.
According to UIP bylaws (Article 109), the role of the General Secretary includes important responsibilities such as:
I submit this candidacy with a deep sense of responsibility and a spirit of service, with the aim of contributing to institutional development and ensuring the continuity of transparent, efficient, and well-coordinated organizational work.
Pending acceptance
Nomination from the Uruguayan Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
Rodrigo Rial
Nominated by the Spanish Chapter of Phlebology and Lymphology
My involvement in Phlebology stems from my background in Vascular Surgery. In Spain, Phlebology is included within the five-year postgraduate training program for the Specialty of Angiology and Vascular Surgery. Since 2005, I have held various roles within the Executive Board of the Spanish Chapter of Phlebology and Lymphology, serving as Board Member, Secretary, Member of the Scientific Committee, Vice President, and ultimately, President during the 2019–2023 term.
I joined the Executive Board of the UIP as Vice President (West and South Europe) at the Istanbul Congress in 2022, and over the past year, I have been acting as Treasurer following the resignation of Dr. Paul Thibault, to whom I would like to pay tribute here.
I am currently also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Pan-American Society of Phlebology and Lymphology.
I have held other leadership roles in the Executive Committee in the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, as well as in the Society of Endovascular Surgery,
My daily clinical practice takes place in two hospitals, where I treat both arterial and venous patients. I serve as Clinical Head of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at MD Vascular Care Clinics, University Hospitals HM Madrid & HM Torrelodones. I am also a Senior Statutory Staff Member in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, holding the Highest Level of Skills, at University Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain (1996–2020). I have been on voluntary leave of absence since 2020.
The Treasury of a Scientific Society plays a crucial role in shaping its future actions and scientific initiatives. My proposal is to strengthen the financial health of the UIP through a transparent partnership with industry, while also ensuring that member societies consistently fulfill their obligations.
It is essential that the membership fees paid by each society are reinvested in ways that benefit their members—whether through scholarships or support for local congresses.
Transparency and sound financial management within the Treasury are fundamental to maintaining the prestige of this global Society, which I would be honored to serve in this capacity.
Pending acceptance
Pending nomination from Australasian College of Phlebology
Pending acceptance
Pending nomination from Chinese Association of Phlebology
No nominations
Willy Chi
Nominated by the Chinese Association of Phlebology
Yung Wei (Willy) Chi is a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of California, Davis since 2017. Previously he held the Associate Professor position from 2010-2017. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of California and medical degree from the Kanasis City University in Missouri, he finished both residency and fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to moving to U.C. Davis, he was the Director of Vascular Services at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, CA. He is widely published in the field of arterial, venous and lymphatic medicine with over 60 peer reviewed publications, 1400 citations and lectures globally. He holds a H-Index of 18. He sits on the editorial board of Phlebology, Vascular Medicine, Veins and Lymphatic, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Chinese Medical Journal, and is the Chinese language editor for International Angiology, the Associate Editor for Vascular Investigation and Therapy, and the Associate Editor for Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Research. Professionally, he held various positions in the American Vein and Lymphatic Society as a foundation and society board member from 2014 to 2020. He has served the venous-lymphatic World International Network foundation (vWIN) since 2016, developing numerous scientific, educational, humanitarian and awareness projects. As the International Committee Chair for the Chinese Association of Phlebology, he has worked tirelessly connecting the East with West.
In my vision, the International Union of Phlebology (UIP) represents the vein-lymphatic world hub where all the continents can connect and grow stronger together. Different backgrounds, needs, and clinical scenarios can become one great chance of learning from each-other on how to advocate at best for both our patients and colleagues. The role of vice-president I envision is first of all the one facilitating the interaction and synergy among the representatives of the different regions. As the International Liaison for the Chinese Association of Phlebology for the past year and being a board member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society from 2018-2020, I have had the chance to experience directly the importance of bridging cultures for the best global advancement. While on one side a specific diplomacy is needed, on the other side the personal connection plays a fundamental role to facilitate the execution of the projects. In this sense I’d like to promote a strong interaction among the six vice-presidents, with at least a dedicated meeting every 3 months, to foster connection and collaboration. Another topic that I witnessed being involved in countries such as China and USA is the heterogeneity of the vein-lymphatic management, particularly in the rural areas. Reaching to the regions that are still missing a proper representation of good clinical practice in phlebology and lymphology is another priority of mine. As I’d like to propose herein the top three missions I’d like to accomplish as potential vice-president, I’ll add also the advocacy of the UIP inside the vascular and satellite discipline. As a Professor of Medicine at the University of California Davis in the last 8 years I have strived for maximizing the collaboration among the different specialties involved in leg care in my institution. Having seen the result of such synergy in the everyday clinical practice, I’d be honored in connecting the different specialties of the different regions.
Ayman Mohamed
Nominated by the Egyptian Venous Forum
Professor of vascular surgery department of Egyptian military academy and Co of Royal vascular center – Alexandria, Egypt. 1984 he was graduated at School of medicine of Alexandria University – Egypt. 1990 got training and master’s degree of general surgery. 1991 Got a scholarship to Fitzsimons army medical center and Colorado University-USA, with Dr. Hammond and supervised by Professor Robert Rutherford. 2001 Become lecturer of vascular surgery and got PHD Degree. 2005 Joined Emory University, Atlanta GA.-USA. With Professor Elliot Chicof and Professor Atef Salam. 2007-2016 Returned back to Egypt as professor and chairman of vascular surgery department of military academy. 2016 became Consultant of vascular surgery for Egyptian ministry of health 2016 till now. 2018 He was nominated as a consultant of lymphology and vascular surgery for Egyptian Ministry of sports.2016-2024 he was elected as general secretary of Vascular Society of Egypt and was chosen as Editor in chief of Egyptian Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery (2020-2024). He is President and founder of Egyptian venous forum and now he is editor in chief of Egyptian Journal of Phlebology & lymphology
I would like to represent Afrika for the first time in UIP history, encouraging more Afrikan countries (more than 50 countries) and societies to join UIP membership and activities. Also looking forward to share knowledge and experience between African and international doctors worldwide. Raising awareness of phlebology and lymphology in my country and, also developing internal and global education projects along the universe.
Wassila Taha
Nominated by the Egypt Afrian Venous Lymphatic Association
Dr Wassila TAHA; Medical Doctor; MSc; RPVI ( USA)
She is General Secretary of EAVLA “Egypt Africa Venous Lymphatic Association“ since 2019 till current. A graduate of Cairo University, Egypt's oldest and most prestigious medical institution.
She received her clinical training in Liège - Belgium at CHU du Sartilman for Vascular Ultrasound early in her career in 1994 - 1995; which laid the foundation for her distinguished career. Becoming a leading figure in vascular diagnostics in Egypt, renowned for her accuracy in complex vascular cases throughout the region. Her pivotal role was to set up a high standard of quality for the vascular ultrasound nation-wide in Egypt. And In 2009; she has been ARDMS certified in United States of America (American Registry Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and became a member of ARDMS
In 2011; Her commitment to advancing vascular care led to the establishment of The Duplex Center and Vein Clinics of Egypt, centers of excellence specializing in vascular and ultrasound-guided modern vein therapy. She conducted hundreds of workshops introducing and spreading the concepts of modern vein therapy in diagnosis and different modern treatment modalities; currently she is part of the teaching body of the Egyptian Vascular Board. Her extensive teaching engagements extend beyond Egypt, including courses in the UAE (Cleveland Clinic - Abu Dhabi) and in India; as Co-director of the EUVIC conducted by Prof. Ravul Jindal.
A member of UIP Education Committee; 2019 till current. In April 2020;she has been selected Guest of “ Honor Box “ of UIP Newsletter.
She widely published in the field of arterial , venous and lymphatic medicine. She has a huge contribution as Speaker and Chairperson in National & International Vascular conferences for more than 500 talks.
Dr. Taha is the perfect asset for promoting a global interest toward Phlebology & Lymphology; for both her professional and humane qualities, combined with her excellent linguistic skills.
In My Vision; UIP serves as the umbrella organization uniting vein and lymphatic societies worldwide, fostering collaboration, advancing education, and promoting equitable representation across continents and with gender equity.
As a woman from Egypt, Africa, I apply for Vice- President as I see my core mission as fostering interaction and synergy among African societies; with gender equity consideration.
A central pillar of my vision is to encourage African societies in joining UIP. I began this journey by introducing the Tunisian society, with the honor of presenting Dr Jihane Ben Cheikh during the 24th UIP monthly meeting in November 2024. Consistently prioritize collaboration with our African counterparts. In our society EAVLA meetings; we’ve had the privilege of hosting distinguished representatives from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa, creating meaningful connections between North and Sub-Saharan Africa.
I firmly believe that, together, we can awaken what I often refer to as the "sleeping giant"—a continent of 54 countries, and rich in diversity, potential, and untapped expertise.
This vision aligns closely with my work in Rotary International, where I lead medical convoys to underserved regions. I was honored to secure a Rotary grant for a project providing vital treatment for patients suffering from devastating venous leg ulcers in remote areas; since 2022 till current
In summary, my vision for UIP is to unite and to promote a great synergetic interaction; together; with the UIP Vice-presidents & executive committee, strengthen international collaboration, and promote excellence in Phlebology and Lymphology. To be the voice of the often voiceless societies; particularly from Africa. My linguistic skills; my fluency in Arabic, English, and French, the three major languages of Africa, will be valuable assets and advantages in achieving my vision
I am
African: by responsibility.
Phlebologist: by passion.
UIP ian: by commitment.
Pending acceptance
Pending nomination from Ecuadorian Society of Phlebolymphology and Microcirculation
Pending acceptance
Pending nomination from Paraguayan Society of Phlebology
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