The SAVS is saddened by the passing of one of the giants in our region. The contributions of Dr. Perler to the mission of the patients and families of our society cannot be overstated. We are grateful to Dr. Perler, his family and the Johns Hopkins family for all that they have done during this extraordinary career.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that retired Army Colonel (Dr.) Norman M. Rich, Professor Emeritus and one of the founding figures of the SAVS passed away on June 18, 2026, at the age of 92. His lifetime achievements were too numerous to count. He established the Vietnam Vascular Registry, which became the model for modern military outcomes databases and trauma registries, helping physicians study injury patterns, refine treatments, and save lives on battlefields around the world. He also founded the Walter Reed Vascular Fellowship Program and was president of several major vascular societies. Among his many honors were the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Presidential Medallion presented by President Ronald Reagan, the Society for Vascular Surgery Lifetime Achievement Award, the Michael E. DeBakey Award, the René Leriche Award, the Founders Award of the American Venous Four, and ultimately was designated as an “Icon of Surgery”. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary purpose and impact. Dr. Rich leaves behind a legacy measured not only in surgical innovations, academic achievements, and professional honors, but also in the countless lives saved by those he taught, the institution he helped build, and the generations of military medical professionals who continue to follow the example he set.
The Southern Association for Vascular Surgery retweeted
This month, the SVS Foundation has been raising $30,000 to fund travel grants for female trainees and early-career surgeons at a pivotal moment in their careers.
🎁 Through Tuesday, every gift will be matched—doubling your impact! ow.ly/eMsO50YANul #VascSurg
The Southern Association for Vascular Surgery retweeted
As winter weather caused chaos across Louisville, the police department’s official X account @LMPD leaned into humor — complete with snow jokes, self-roasts and a late-night post that went viral.
Our first female president of the SAVS! Accomplished, humble, and kind…and her presidential address? NAILED it
instagram.com/reel/DT3r_3ujW…
The Southern Association for Vascular Surgery retweeted
@EmoryVascSurg's graduating Fellow, Rae just won the SAVS skills competition @SouthernVasc!
She was assisted by our very own graduating Chief Resident, Dylan
Both want jobs FYI! Better get them while you can!!
The Southern Association for Vascular Surgery retweeted
Kicking off @SouthernVasc #SAVS2026 with a fantastic talk by @gru6n: “Contribution to Aortic Surgery by First 12 SAVS Presidents!” Very appropriate for the 50th Annual Meeting!
Our president has started the scientific session! #hailqueentracci @MeganTracci
