Featured Member of the Month (Feb. 2020): Dr. Jeffery Schoonover

Dr. Jeffery Schoonover, MD, RVT, RPVI, FAAFP is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is committed to varicose vein disease treatment.

In 2008, Dr. Jeff Schoonover was one of the first physicians in the nation to be certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. As a venous and lymphatic medicine specialist, he is dedicated to treating varicose vein disease and related disorders. Dr. Schoonover, together with his team at Indiana Vein Specialists®, is committed to minimally invasive treatment while caring for all patients with respect and compassion.

As a further demonstration of his commitment to quality care for patients, Dr. Schoonover is also a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), the highest standard in vascular ultrasound interpretation. Since 2007, he has been a member of the American Venous and Lymphatic Society and in 2019 joined the Foundation for Venous and Lymphatic Disease board.

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

I vividly recall the first time I saw a patient with a fairly advanced venous ulceration treated with endovenous laser technology in 2006. The results were dramatic! Many of us fondly remember Ted King and share a common bond of having him influence our decision to enter into phlebology/venous medicine. Ted was an astute, caring clinician that brought a distinctive sense of curiosity and energy to the emerging venous care field. In my medical practice, Ted’s example of a “thoughtful” phlebologist inspires me to keep learning and growing as a physician.

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

I enjoy running and completed my first marathon in November 2019, as well as participating in sprint distance triathlons. My youngest son plays lacrosse and our weekends are often spent at the fields during the spring and summer. When Indiana weather permits, I love riding my commuter bike to the office and on the trails near our home.

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

I joined AVLS in 2007 because I was impressed by the diverse specialty backgrounds enthusiastic about providing comprehensive venous and lymphatic care. I continue my journey with AVLS because the organization is the only national platform that advocates for venous and lymphatic care from a multi-disciplinary approach. I look forward to a future that has a unified training path for venous and lymphatic care and I believe that the AVLS leadership will be at the forefront of this dialog.

In what ways has the AVLS helped you as a practicing physician?

The best conversations at the AVLS meetings are the expert debates respectfully sharing different care philosophies and treatment approaches. A few years ago, I was introduced to the concept of phlebolymphedema and this continues to resonate in my daily approach to venous and lymphatic care. Our group now has an on-site certified lymphatic therapist because of attending an AVLS conference and learning how to successfully implement this service line.

Any advice for physicians new to the field?

Take a well-rounded approach to surveying the venous literature, including Phlebology and the Journal of Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. Find a mentor and develop relationships to share cases and glean clinical pearls. Work on obtaining RPVI or RPhS certifications, and sit for the ABVLM test at your earliest opportunity. Lastly, build bridges with your local medical community and be willing to educate.

What resources does the AVLS provide that would benefit them?

I am a big fan of the new AVLS advocacy and education summaries. To have access to thought leaders, like Marlin Schul and Neil Khilnani, is a tremendous resource. I would also emphasize that all AVLS members should seriously consider taking the free lymphatic CME through the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). Attending the sponsored AVLS regional and national meetings are rich opportunities to hone your procedural and ultrasound skills as well.