CARLSBAD, Calif. and FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 18, 2014) – Even before she became the first woman of color to go into space, Mae C. Jemison, MD, was a master at blazing her own path. Dr. Jemison, who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in September 1992, passionately pursued science and medicine in college and beyond, despite the fact that it was an unpopular choice for women and even more uncommon for African American women.

Dr. Jemison will share her story with vascular surgeons on Thursday, March 20 at the inaugural Women in Vascular Leadership Lunch Symposium, which takes place during the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery’s (SCVS) 42nd Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, Calif. All SCVS symposium attendees are welcome to attend.

W. L. Gore and Associates (Gore), a longtime advocate of women in vascular surgery, is sponsoring the lunch symposium.

“Mae Jemison exemplifies the personal initiative and pioneering spirit that we embrace at Gore, especially as we support the advancement of women in the field of vascular surgery,” said Terri Kelly, CEO of Gore.” Cardiovascular disease remains the nation’s No. 1 killer among women. A greater representation of women in vascular surgery will not only help increase awareness of this deadly disease, but also will bring valuable talents and perspectives to patient care.”

Dr. Jemison was selected for NASA’s astronaut program in June 1987, becoming the world’s first female African American astronaut. She also served as NASA’s first Science Mission Specialist, performing space experiments in material science, life science and human adaptation to weightlessness. Jemison resigned from NASA in 1993 after six years as an astronaut and founded The Jemison Group, Inc., a technology and consulting firm.

“There is an enormous opportunity for women to become more involved in advancing the field of medicine,” said Dr. Jemison. “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations; it’s up to you to evaluate the world for yourself and use your talents to the best of your abilities. If you can do that, you will go to amazing places.”

Dr. Jemison received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Stanford University in 1977, and a doctorate in medicine from the Weill Cornell Medical College in 1981. Throughout her career, she has excelled in many distinct areas, including computer programming, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, computer magnetic disc production and reproductive biology, among other things.

The 2014 SCVS Annual Symposium will be held March 18-22, providing clinically relevant and current vascular education for the practicing vascular surgeon as well as students and residents interested in a career in vascular surgery. Visit Gore at Booth 1 and 2 to learn about featured products including GORE® ACUSEAL Vascular Graft, GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis (now indicated for AV Access Venous Anastomosis), GORE® EXCLUDER® AAA Endoprosthesis (now with low profile), GORE® TAG® Thoracic Endoprosthesis (now approved for dissection), GORE® Hybrid Vascular Graft and GORE® PROPATEN® Vascular Graft.

The Gore Medical Products Division has provided creative therapeutic solutions to complex medical problems for more than 35 years. During that time, more than 35 million innovative Gore Medical Devices have been implanted, saving and improving the quality of lives worldwide. The extensive Gore Medical family of products includes vascular grafts, endovascular and interventional devices, surgical meshes for hernia repair, soft tissue reconstruction, staple line reinforcement and sutures for use in vascular, cardiac, and general surgery. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. For more information, visit www.goremedical.com.

Products listed may not be available in all markets. GORE®, ACUSEAL, EXCLUDER®, PROPATEN®, TAG®, VIABAHN® and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates.

Chempetitive Group for W. L. Gore & Associates
Kena Hudson or Kelly Quigley
+1 858 997 9462
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