Society for Vascular Surgery

Operational Assessments | System Selection and Implementation

OVERVIEW

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is a professional medical society committed to advancing innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness. With over 5,800 specialty-trained vascular surgeons and medical professionals as members, SVS serves as a national advocate for vascular health and the prevention and cure of vascular disease. 

To better serve its members and improve public access to vital resources, SVS partnered with .orgSource to implement a modern IT and web strategy, select a robust AMS (Association Management System), and streamline its operational processes. 

The challenge

SVS faced several challenges that hindered its ability to deliver timely, accessible resources to its members and the public. Key issues included: 

  • Outdated Systems: The organization’s AMS and website lacked the functionality to support a mobile-first, digital-focused approach. 
  • Complex Content Workflows: Staff faced bottlenecks due to excessive layers of approval in the content creation and publication process. 
  • Limited Member Engagement: Existing tools were not optimized for the mobile and digital preferences of time-constrained surgeons, particularly at SVS’s annual meeting.
     

SVS required a strategic overhaul to enhance user experience, simplify workflows, and deliver educational resources more effectively.

The Solution

.orgSource collaborated with SVS to develop a comprehensive IT and web strategy that aligned with the organization's mission and modernized its operations.
 

Key Initiatives and Deliverables 

1. IT and Web Strategy 

  • A mobile-first approach was prioritized to meet the needs of SVS members who rely heavily on smartphones and tablets for accessing information. 
  • The strategy emphasized user-friendly tools and self-service capabilities for both members and staff. 

2. AMS and Website Vendor Selection 

  • .orgSource guided SVS through the vendor selection process, ensuring the chosen platforms provided robust functionalities for: 
  • CME/MOC (Continuing Medical Education/Maintenance of Certification) tracking. 
  • E-commerce. 
  • Improved member and staff interactions. 

3. Mobile App and Digital Tools 

  • At SVS’s annual meeting, the team encouraged a shift toward digital tools. The mobile app gained increased downloads and usage as members began relying on it for program details, abstracts, and contact information instead of printed guides. 

4. Streamlined Content Workflows 

  • Workflow processes were redesigned to reduce layers of approval, allowing staff to more efficiently create, review, and publish content. 
  • Media-rich content (e.g., YouTube videos, podcasts, slideshows) was integrated to enhance the user experience.
     

The Results

In March 2016, SVS launched its new AMS and vascular.org website, delivering a seamless experience for members, staff, and the public. 

Key Improvements 

  • Enhanced Functionality: 
    • Members gained access to self-service capabilities, such as profile updates, billing, email correspondence, and unified shopping activities. 
    • Staff could easily track the performance of content and manage e-commerce items. 
  • Mobile-First Design: 
    • The website and app were optimized for mobile devices, making it easier for surgeons to access resources during busy schedules. 
  • Content Workflow Simplification: 
    • Staff now have the tools to create and publish content more efficiently, supporting SVS’s mission to educate and inform. 
  • Future Enhancements: 
    • Plans are in place for a member portal where SVS members can declare CME credits and self-report education from other entities, further streamlining their professional development. 

Key Takeways

  • Mobile-First Thinking: Adopting a digital-first mindset is crucial for organizations serving time-sensitive professionals like surgeons. 
  • Strategic Vendor Selection: Choosing the right AMS and web platforms ensures long-term operational success and member satisfaction. 
  • Efficient Content Management: Simplified workflows empower staff to deliver high-quality content in a timely manner. 

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Association to New Heights with a Future-Ready Partner?

Contact .orgSource today to learn how they can help you unlock growth, build resilience, and achieve excellence for your organization.