Vascular Surgeon Shortages Affect 75 Million Americans

Why it matters locally: Given North Carolina's significant rural population, a national shortage of vascular surgeons is likely to exacerbate existing healthcare access disparities, potentially impacting timely diagnosis and treatment for vascular conditions across the state. This issue could disproportionately affect residents in counties without specialized medical facilities.

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Over 75 million people in the United States live in counties without a vascular surgeon, new data indicates. This statistic, released on Sept. 28, 2026, by the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), highlights a significant disparity in access to specialized medical care. Analysts identified more than 2,400 U.S. counties as lacking any vascular surgeons. These areas, which researchers termed "vascular deserts," now encompass a substantial portion of the American population. The findings emerge as the population most at risk for vascular disease continues to grow. Vascular disease affects arteries and veins throughout the body, potentially leading to serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputations. Access to a vascular surgeon enables timely diagnosis and intervention for these conditions. The SVS report did not specify the methodology used to define a "vascular desert" or the exact number of vascular surgeons practicing nationwide. However, the organization previously stated its commitment to improving patient access to vascular care.