education and training to improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of patient care. The American Venous Forum (AVF) is a medical society for physicians and allied health professionals dedicated to improving the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease. The majority of its members manage the entire spectrum of venous and lymphatic diseases – from varicose veins to congenital abnormalities to deep vein thrombosis to chronic venous diseases. Founded in 1987, the AVF encourages research, clinical innovation, hands-on education, data collection and patient outreach. Certification Regulatory requirements for phlebology certification are different in Europe and the US. In the US, licensed physicians with documented experience in treating veins and adequate vascular ultrasound experience can receive certification by passing a test created by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine a privately owned corporation committed to maintaining a high standard of care for venous disease. The test addresses knowledge of venous disease, clotting disorders, imaging modalities, pharmacokinetics, vascular malformations, lymphatics disorders and venous embryology. The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine results in certification as a "Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine" which is based on standards set by the American Board of Medical Specialities. Providers with this designation have completed rigorous criteria to sit for the exam and comprehension of vein care principles to pass the exam according to the Board. In Australasia, the Australian College of Phlebologists requires that applicants be residents in Australia or New Zealand; have current registration as a medical practitioner in Australia or New Zealand; have a recognised post-graduate qualification (e.g., FRACGP) or more than 3 years post-graduate experience in clinical medicine; have a Medicare provider number to apply for advanced training; and are a person who has satisfied the prerequisites is eligible to apply for admission to the College Training Program. There is Basic Training (minimum of 10 days' supervised training, the Written Exam and the Clinical Exam), completion of which leads to the award of the title "Certified Sclerotherapist"; Advanced Training (20 days' supervised training, the Written Exam and the Clinical Exam); and Fellowship Training, completion of which leads to Fellowship of the Australasian College of Phlebology and entitlement to use the title "Phlebologist". References External links International Union of Phlebology American Vein & Lymphatic Society (formerly the American College of Phlebology) Australasian College of Phlebology Phlebology journal Health care occupations