Featured Member of the Month (February 2023): Dr. Ronald Winokur

Ronald Winokur MD, FSIR, FAVLS, RPVI, is a board-certified Interventional Radiologist/Diagnostic Radiologist with a disease specific focus on Venous Disorders that has evolved throughout his practice and leading to his current position as the Director of the Weill Cornell Vein Treatment Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Winokur has focused his practice on the clinical management of the full spectrum of venous disorders including varicose veins, spider veins, pelvic venous disorders, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic post-thrombotic venous obstruction and pulmonary embolism (PE). He has been leading the understanding of venous disease management through participation in many research trials including ATTRACT, C-TRACT, CLOUT registry, Veniti Trial, and PERFECT registry. Dr. Winokur has a strong desire to advance the care of women suffering from venous origin chronic pelvic pain by improving the interventional strategies of Pelvic Venous Disorders. He has been in the process of planning a randomized controlled trial of Ovarian Vein Embolization (OVE) that he is hopeful will start recruiting soon and drastically improve the quality of life in these patients.

How and why did you start practicing in the field of vein/lymphatic care?

After completing training in Interventional Radiology, I had the unique opportunity to focus my practice in venous disease and venous interventions including the full spectrum of superficial and deep venous disease. Once I was exposed to managing patients with venous disease, I knew that I found the type of medical practice that I enjoyed most. The ability to diagnose and improve a patient's quality of life is unique and extremely rewarding.

How long have you been a member of the AVLS and why did you decide to join?

I have been a member of AVLS since starting in venous practice. I joined because it is unique to find a medical society and organization that is so focused on the components of care that I provide on a daily basis. I have learned so many skills through the society and added to my knowledge of critical disease entities by participating in educational events and meetings.

In what ways has the AVLS helped you as a vein/lymphatic care provider?

Participation in the AVLS Board of Directors has opened my eyes to the value that medical societies and specifically AVLS brings to the advancement of patient care. Research endeavors by the society clearly show the value of the care that we provide daily and make it easier to make good decisions

What resources does the AVLS provide that would benefit them?

Being a member of the AVLS provides access to the Phlebology publication that is a great resource for learning and advancement. Additionally, many webinars and learning opportunities are available from the society spanning the full spectrum of venous disease.

Any advice for your peers new to the field?

I enjoy providing advice and mentorship to providers that are new to venous disease management. As with all components of medical practice, it is important to improve individual medical knowledge and experience in the field that leads to confidence and high quality patient care. Attending the annual meeting is a wonderful opportunity to gain additional knowledge and the UIP meeting this year will be even larger with great opportunities for a broad scope of learning.

When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?

When I am not at work, I focus my time on my family and children. We spend the majority of our time together exploring New York City and also participating in my children's activities such as soccer, and dance. I personally enjoy being active so I enjoy playing soccer and tennis myself in addition to running in central park.