Training vascular access surgeons: technicians or specialists?

Internationally, vascular access (VA) surgery is delivered in a varied and diverse fashion and subsequently, training in vascular access is poorly defined. Experience of VA during surgical training has implications on future practice. The scope of VA procedures is increasing, yet the focus in vascular training remains largely in the technical aspects of surgery rather than the more comprehensive aspects of surgery applied to dialysis and renal care. To achieve special skills in vascular access surgery may require a change to traditional training with an additional focus on developing an extended portfolio of knowledge and skills. A small number of specialized courses and training facilities are developing to address these issues.