ABVLM History & Mission
Our Story:
Advancing Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Founded in 2007, the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in patient care for those affected by venous and lymphatic disorders. Our board was created with the vision of elevating the standards of medicine in this specialized field — improving outcomes and enhancing lives.
Our Mission:
From our inception, ABVLM has been dedicated to setting and upholding rigorous standards for physicians who specialize in venous and lymphatic medicine. Through our comprehensive certification and maintenance of certification programs, we ensure that practitioners demonstrate both initial and ongoing excellence in knowledge, skills, and patient care.
Educational Leadership:
ABVLM establishes educational benchmarks for residency and fellowship programs, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. We foster a continuous learning culture, guiding physicians on the path to mastery and ethical practice.
Lead the Way in Patient-Centered Care
As demand grows for expert care in venous and lymphatic disorders, certified specialists are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive and evidence-based solutions. Mastery in this field requires a blend of thorough clinical evaluation, mastery of noninvasive diagnostic tools (such as duplex ultrasound, CTV, MRV, and plethysmography), and proficiency with an expanding spectrum of therapeutic options—from compression therapy and pharmacologic strategies to minimally invasive procedures and surgical interventions.
Our Role:
ABVLM remains a non-profit, independent organization committed to scientific and educational advancement in venous and lymphatic medicine. While our work centers on supporting and certifying physicians, we do not determine hospital privileges or define practice rights—our focus remains on setting standards and supporting excellence.
Join us as we continue our mission—advancing knowledge, supporting innovation, and improving patient care across the field of venous and lymphatic medicine.
Our History
The American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) has a focused and evolving history rooted in the need to standardize and elevate care in venous and lymphatic medicine. Here's a summary of its development and purpose:
Founding and Purpose
Established in 2007, originally as the American Board of Phlebology, the ABVLM was created to:
Improve standards of care for venous and lymphatic disorders
Provide a formal certification process for physicians practicing in this field
Promote educational standards and training programs
In June 2013, the organization officially changed its name to the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine to better reflect its scope and mission
Why It Was Created
The ABVLM was formed in response to concerns that many physicians offering vein care lacked formal training in venous and lymphatic medicine.
Physicians from diverse specialties—dermatology, emergency medicine, family practice, interventional radiology, vascular medicine, and vascular surgery—were providing vein services without standardized education
The board aimed to:
Develop a rigorous certification exam
Require maintenance of certification
Advance educational standards in the field
