“Dr. Mills has given voice to a patient population that is often overlooked. His unwavering dedication to patients at risk for limb loss and his willingness to do the research and speak out about needed policy changes have shifted the field. His legacy is great, and I’m proud that I’m a part of it.” – Dr. Katharine McGinigle, ALPS Board Member
In a momentous celebration of leadership and dedication, the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS) proudly honors Dr. Joseph L. Mills, whose recent tenure as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) has made an indelible impact on the field. Dr. Mills’ presidency has been marked by his commitment to advancing patient care, advocating for vital policy changes, and fostering a collaborative approach within the profession.
Dr. Mills, professor and chief of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and program director of the Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency, has made significant contributions to diabetic foot amputation prevention and limb salvage. As co-editor of the esteemed “Rutherford’s Vascular Surgery” (7th, 8th, and 9th editions) and an associate editor of the European Journal of Vascular Surgery, Dr. Mills has shaped vascular surgery education and practice. His research, encompassing more than 400 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, has focused on noninvasive diagnosis, vein graft stenosis, intimal hyperplasia, and limb salvage in diabetic patients. As a principal investigator for more than 50 clinical trials, Dr. Mills has driven numerous advancements in the field.
Reflecting on his presidential tenure at SVS, Dr. Mills remarked, “My time as SVS president has been both challenging and rewarding. The unity and collaborative spirit of our community have been the driving forces behind our advancements. Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring quality vascular care, and I am confident that the SVS will continue to lead in this endeavor.”
Dr. Mills’ leadership has influenced a broader spectrum of vascular surgery practices. His efforts in promoting a multidisciplinary approach and emphasizing the importance of teamwork have set a new standard in patient care and outcomes.
“Dr. Joseph Mills has been a pivotal force in the field of vascular surgery, pioneering innovative approaches that have transformed patient care. His dedication to limb preservation and multidisciplinary collaboration has set a new standard of excellence, making a profound impact on countless lives,” says Georgia Krehbiel, CEO of ALPS.
Dr. Mills’ address at the 2024 Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) highlighted the need for unity amidst the pressures of consolidating medicine into for-profit enterprises and the unrest among physicians. Drawing from ancient Greek democratic ideals, he emphasized the importance of cohesion and collective purpose in advancing vascular surgery and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. David Armstrong, ALPS founding president and DFCon Co-Chair, shares a poignant tribute: “Dr. Mills and I spent innumerable hours together in the OR, in the clinic, on various podia, and in each other’s homes. I could tell you what a gifted, thoughtful, and consequential academic surgeon he is—but you probably already know that. What was more important for everyone to know was that during his presidential speech was what was going on in the front row of the massive ballroom at McCormick. Joe and Margaret’s entire family (a brood of oodles of sons and grandsons and now the first granddaughter in 100 years of Millses). That, if you ask me, along with his professional progeny, is immortality.”
Dr. Michael Conte, ALPS founding Scientific Chair and DFCon Co-Chair, emphasizes Dr. Mills’ pioneering role: “Dr. Mills has been a leader in limb salvage for patients with advanced PAD for more than three decades. Among his numerous contributions, he was among the first to advocate for a multidisciplinary team approach to prevent amputation. His leadership in our specialty transcends clinical science, education, quality improvement, and advocacy. I have had the privilege to work with him on numerous projects, committees, and guidelines where he always stands for integrity, professionalism, and Doing What is Right for the patient. Congratulations on your presidency of the SVS!”
Dr. Mills’ remarkable career and his recent presidency at SVS underscore his profound influence on the field. His legacy of excellence in patient care, research, and collaboration will continue to inspire and guide the vascular surgery community. ALPS, committed to eliminating preventable amputations over the next generation, celebrates Dr. Mills’ unparalleled achievements and looks forward to his ongoing contributions.
For more information about Dr. Joseph Mills’ pioneering work and contributions, please visit the Baylor College of Medicine Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy website.
To explore Dr. Mills’ extensive body of research, visit his Google Scholar profile.
For more information about Dr. Mills’ work and upcoming initiatives, please contact:
Alison Evans
American Limb Preservation Society
Email: Alison@alpslimb.org