Information about the European Phlebology Training System

Information about the European Phlebology Training System

Dear Colleagues,

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

Current State of Phlebology Specialization

Phlebology specialization is currently available only in a few countries. Currently existing differences in training scope and healthcare systems, as well as the extremely interdisciplinary nature of phlebological knowledge (in some countries it is a specialization achievable after basic specialization), mean that there is currently no possibility of introducing phlebology specialization as another specialization accepted and implemented in the same way in all European Union countries.

On the other hand, the increasing recognition of phlebology as well as the distinction of phlebology as a medical discipline by UEMS encourages taking actions aimed at unifying the way of training in phlebology 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 constituted. The aim of the above committee was to propose both a curriculum of phlebological knowledge and skills, as well as to propose 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 centers conducting 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 training scheme in phlebology proposed by MJC assumes phlebology training in accredited phlebological centers in a two-year training cycle:

• 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)

Completed training according to published requirements (including those concerning the type and number of procedures performed) will entitle one to take the European Board Exam in Phlebology organized by the European Board of Phlebology.

Center Accreditation

A training center can become a center meeting the criteria contained in the document after positive evaluation by an accreditation commission. It should be added that this does not have to be one office, NZOZ, or hospital. Due to requirements regarding procedures and interventions, many of which are not performed in public hospitals or only in some private centers, there is a possibility to apply as a European Training Centre in Phlebology a center consisting of several entities ensuring complete training.

Invitation to Cooperation

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 toward creating a training system according to the proposed criteria is the submission of applications by centers and trainers who would like to take on this type of challenge.

I kindly ask you to familiarize yourself with the document of requirements that need to be met - in case of a positive decision regarding applying as a European Training Centre in Phlebology, I will gladly help in preparing the application and answer any questions that arise.

Members of MJC on Phlebology from our country on behalf of the National Medical Chamber are Prof. Tomasz Zubilewicz and Tomasz Urbanek