“See one, do one, teach one” has long been the credo of surgical education.

Yet the complexity of modern vascular interventions and the diversity of European training pathways demand more than an apprenticeship alone. High‑fidelity simulation, structured feedback, and data‑driven programme evaluation are now essential cornerstones of excellence. Yet across Europe, training pathways and resources vary widely, leaving some trainees under-exposed to critical cases and others overwhelmed without structured feedback.

This post explores why robust training and mentoring matter more than ever—and how the upcoming EVaST Survey will help us measure and improve them.

Decades of research have taught us that higher procedural volumes and formal skills curricula correlate with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Technical prowess, however, is only half the story: cognitive decision-making under duress, radiation safety, and device selection also demand systematic instruction. When these elements are rigorously taught—and not left to happenstance—both patient outcomes and trainee confidence improve.

But mastery is built on more than checklists and classroom lectures. Mentorship remains the secret ingredient. Trainees who benefit from regular one-on-one coaching report greater self-efficacy, reduced burnout, and clearer career trajectories—things like research opportunities or leadership roles often arrive through a mentor’s endorsement. In modern vascular units, effective mentors champion reflective learning, provide candid feedback, and open doors to fellowships that might otherwise remain out of reach.

To identify where best practices flourish—or where gaps persist—we’re launching the EVaST Survey. This Europe-wide initiative, backed by the EVST and EVRC Committee of the ESVS, will collect anonymised insights from both trainees and trainers. Distributed via REDCap, it allows roll-specific invitations with a two-stage survey for trainees and a separate survey for trainers. By pooling responses from every region, we’ll spotlight successful simulation programs, mentorship models, and duty-hour policies—and reveal inequities that national societies can act upon.

Your experience matters. When you receive our email invitation, please give us a few minutes of your time to share your perspective. Encourage colleagues to do the same. Every additional response sharpens our view of the training landscape and strengthens our collective voice for curriculum reform, funding initiatives, and improvement recommendations. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of vascular surgeons is not only technically excellent but also confident, well-supported, and ready to innovate.

So, please start now by entering your email address via the link below. The survey invitation will follow shortly.

Thank you and have a splendid summer!

Blog written by David Wippel
Vascular Surgery Resident, Medical University Innsbruck