The biennial Strandness Symposium provides a comprehensive review and update on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to vascular disease.  This was the 17^th symposium andonce again it featured a poster session that allowed submissions from all attendees.  

 

Tavia DeFazio, MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R), Radiography & Sonography Education program manager, atWVU Medicine United Hospital Center, represented North Central West Virginia at this year’s symposium.  She competed against 15 other posters from residents and fellows in vascular surgery, radiology, and cardiology from various U.S. hospitals.  

 

The presentation by the primary poster author was followed by a discussion with the judges and audience.  Presenters were judged on the following criteria:  Quality of the oral presentation, effective use of the poster space, organization and development of concepts being presented, ability to effectively defend the management plan by responding to questions posed by the audience, and the experience or level of training of the presenter. 

 

“My poster project, entitled Acute Compartment Syndrome, is an example of how the healthcare team at UHC came together to save a patient’s arm,” said DeFazio. “It was a group effort that made this a reality, from the vascular surgeon to all the catheterization laboratory, ICU, and OR nurses.  I was humbled to have had the opportunity to complete the ultrasound for this patient and to work with my esteemed colleagues on this mission.” 

 

DeFazio’s efforts paid off, as she received second place at this year’s symposium.  She has worked at UHC for more than 15 years and resides in Clarksburg with her family. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo of DeFazio courtesy of UHC.