Membership Makes a Difference: The Dean Bender Interview

In this fascinating interview with American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) Executive Director Dean Bender, he recalls, “In 2004, most of our membership couldn’t spell lymphedema, let alone diagnose it.” Much has changed for the better since then, and Bender details how AVLS offers Advocacy, Research, and Education to its members. The role of the Foundation to fund mission-critical initiatives, how a name change ensured that lymphedema would be viewed as important as venous disease, and his vision for American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognition of venous and lymphatic medicine as a stand-alone medical specialty were discussed. To AVLS members, Dean says “Thank you” while offering a call for more engagement. Volunteerism is at the heartbeat of AVLS’ success, which offers hope and help to patients with chronic conditions. For more information, visit https://www.myavls.org. This interview was recorded in January 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube. The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.