The Vascular Anaesthesia Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VASGBI) is the recognised professional body representing vascular anaesthetists across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Society is committed to advancing the highest standards of clinical care, education, training, and research for patients with vascular and cardiovascular disease. Through its work, VASGBI provides a collaborative platform for anaesthetists at all stages of their careers, offering educational events, supporting national audits, and creating opportunities for professional development.
Our Origins
VASGBI was formally established following its inaugural meeting in September 1997 in Durham. The meeting brought together a group of dynamic and knowledgeable speakers including Professor Anthony Cunningham from Dublin and concluded with a memorable conference dinner. All 85 delegates expressed a strong desire to form a Society that would act as a social, educational, and professional hub for the growing community of anaesthetists involved in vascular care.
The Society was founded by Dr David Thomas, Dr George Clarke, and Dr Neal Edwards, who shared a vision for an organisation that represented the needs of all anaesthetists caring for vascular surgical patients. From the beginning, the founders were committed to building an inclusive membership, welcoming anaesthetists of all grades, and supporting colleagues working in both District General Hospitals with occasional vascular lists, and major Teaching Hospitals with specialist vascular services.
Our Purpose and Work
VASGBI continues to champion excellence in vascular anaesthesia by:
- Promoting education, training, and professional development
- Supporting research related to vascular surgery and anaesthesia
- Encouraging collaboration across institutions and specialties
- Providing resources for consultants, residents, and allied professionals
To support this mission, the Society oversees two key committees:
- Research and Audit Committee – promoting research activity, facilitating audit engagement, and helping shape best practice.
- Education and Training Committee – delivering educational content, supporting residents training in vascular anaesthesia, and co-ordinating guideline sharing and development.
Events and Professional Development
VASGBI hosts an Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) each Autumn, bringing together experts from across the UK and Ireland to share new research, discuss evolving clinical practice, and foster professional connections.
In addition, the Society runs virtual educational events in the springtime, offering CPD‑accredited update sessions and RCoA curriculum focused learning opportunities for residents and early‑career anaesthetists.
The educational content of our events is shaped by feedback from our members and reflects topical issues within the world of vascular surgery/anaesthesia and peri-operative medicine.