Information about the European Phlebology Training System

Information about the European Phlebology Training System

Dear Colleagues,

The diversity of phlebology training systems, and often their absence, justify proposing a unified training system in this field within the European Union. Under UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) arrangements, phlebology has not been included on the list of specialties; nevertheless, it has been recognised as a separate medical discipline.

Current State of Phlebology Specialisation

Specialisation in phlebology is currently available in only a few countries. The existing differences in the scope of training and in healthcare systems, as well as the highly interdisciplinary nature of phlebological knowledge (in some countries it is a specialisation that can be obtained after a basic specialisation), mean that it is currently not possible to introduce phlebology as a specialisation recognised and implemented in the same way in all European Union countries.

On the other hand, the increasing recognition of phlebology and its designation by UEMS as a separate medical discipline encourage efforts to harmonise phlebology training in Europe.

Multidisciplinary Joint Committee on Phlebology (MJC)

Based on these assumptions, UEMS established the Multidisciplinary Joint Committee on Phlebology (MJC) within which the European Board of Phlebology was established. The aim of the committee was to propose both a curriculum of phlebological knowledge and skills and training criteria in phlebology.

After several months of discussions, committee members representing all European Union countries proposed a document defining training criteria and requirements for both trainees and centres providing phlebology training.

Reference Documents:

• UEMS Document: European Training Requirements Phlebology
• Publication: JJ. Guex, F. Mariani, Oscar Maleti, C. Hamel-Desnos, S. Vasdekis, I. Staelens, T. Urbanek, J. Traber, M. Vulsteke, L. Klitfod, A. Manshilha: "European training requirements in phlebology." International Angiology 2019 October; 38 (5): 345-64

Proposed Training Scheme

The phlebology training scheme proposed by the MJC provides for a two-year training cycle in accredited phlebology centres:

• Level 1 - Basic Training - 12 months (may be shortened for some clinical specialties mentioned in the document)
• Level 2 - Detailed Training covering individual surgical procedures (required 12-month training)

Completion of training in line with the published requirements (including those concerning the type and number of procedures performed) entitles the trainee to sit the European Board Exam in Phlebology organised by the European Board of Phlebology.

Centre Accreditation

A training centre is recognised as meeting the criteria set out in the document after a positive assessment by an accreditation committee. It should be added that this need not be a single practice, non-public healthcare facility (NZOZ) or hospital. Due to the requirements regarding procedures and interventions, many of which are not performed in public hospitals or are performed only in some private centres, a centre consisting of several entities that together provide complete training can apply for accreditation as a European Training Centre in Phlebology.

Invitation to Collaborate

I believe and hope that we will also find willing people in our country who would like to conduct this type of training. The first step towards creating a training system in line with the proposed criteria is the submission of applications by centres and trainers who would like to take on this type of challenge.

Please read the document setting out the requirements – if you decide to apply as a European Training Centre in Phlebology, I will gladly help you prepare the application and answer any questions.

Poland is represented on the MJC on Phlebology, on behalf of the National Medical Chamber, by Prof. Tomasz Zubilewicz and Tomasz Urbanek