Our Staff IVS employs vascular technologists who specialise in non-invasive vascular investigations. Our vascular technologists are all Life Science graduates who subsequently undergo a minimum of two years 'in-house' training. They will then take the Society for Vascular Technology examination, which involves two written papers and a practical examination to achieve full accreditation. Following accreditation each technologist must continue to provide evidence they are maintaining their standards of examination by attending regular meetings or training sessions. Our technologists are audited every six months on all types of investigations. Meet the staff Andrew Picton - Managing Director, Senior Clinical Vascular Scientist BSc Hons Applied Biological Sciences 1991 Accredited Vascular Scientist (AVS) 1996 Member of The Society of Vascular Technology for GB and Ireland (SVT) since its formation in 1992 to the present day Member of United Kingdom Association of Sonographers (UKAS) from 2003 to present day Dedicated to the advancement and promotion of non-invasive vascular investigation, Andrew currently performs over 1800 vascular investigations per year, and has produced over sixty publications and presentations on topics covering cerebral perfusion, carotid surgery, lower limb arterial and venous disease. Andrew is regularly asked to present or demonstrate to consultants, doctors and nurses to promote vascular services. Having formed IVS in May 1999 in an attempt to improve vascular services to the Manchester area, Andrew's time is increasingly dedicated to the administration and promotion of IVS: "I enjoy the challenge of expanding the company and believe the company has a major role in providing services to NHS and private hospitals. I am keen that IVS maintains its high standards and continues to develop new diagnostic techniques." Andrew is a keen, but below average, golfer (current handicap 21). He owns shares in two racehorses and enjoys travelling the country to cheer them on (and loose money!). When not working he enjoys spending time with his wife and three year old daughter. Richard Pole Bsc, AVS - Laboratory Manager, Senior Clinical Vascular Scientist Bsc Hons Biological Sciences 1995 Accredited by SVT since 1998 9 years scanning experience Member of Society of Vascular Tecnhology of GB and Ireland - 1995 to present Member of United Kingdom Association of Sonographers - 2003 to present Secretary for the Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education - 1999 to 2002 On the SVT Education committee - 1999 to present Richard started working in the field of Vascular Technology in the Autumn following the completion of his degree. In 1995, he became a member of the Society of Vascular Technology of GB and Ireland. Having received his professional accreditation he was invited to sit on the SVT Education Committee where he was initially responsible for attending meetings for CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education) and became Honorary secretary from 1999 - 2002. He subsequently became responsible for the Technology exam, which is taken every May. "I am still on the Education Committee and enjoy the challenges it presents. I am also an internal and external examiner for the SVT practical exam. I have now been scanning for nine years, within that time I have been involved in research between the vascular and cardiac departments and been vital to the successful growth of the company." When free time becomes available Richard spends it with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, drags himself onto his organic (weed covered!) allotment, and takes the occasional guilt-induced run. Victoria Anderson BSc, AVS - Oldham Vascular Ultrasound (IVS) Manager, Senior Clinical Vascular Scientist BSc (Hon) Zoology from University of Sheffield 1996 Accredited by SVT since 2000 Victoria has been a clinical vascular scientist for over seven years, and has been running the Oldham IVS vascular lab since it was set up in June 2001. "I own a horse and enjoy riding whenever I can, and compete at basic level occasionally. I also love to scuba dive when I can, preferably in warmer waters abroad!" As well as reading and exploring the countryside with her dogs, Victoria enjoys foreign travel and has visited China, Thailand, Dubai, Botswana, most of the Canary Islands, Sicily and the Dominican Republic in the last few years. Katja Immonen - Clinical Vascular Scientist BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences 2001 Member of The Society of Vascular Technology for GB and Ireland (SVT) since 2001 Member of United Kingdom Association of Sonographers (UKAS) since 2003 3 years scanning experience "I obtained Basic Accreditation Status in Vascular Ultrasound in 2002. I passed written examinations for the Accredited Vascular Scientist in May 2003 and am hoping to obtain full Accreditation in September 2004." When not working, Katja enjoys traveling abroad, especially cruising to exotic destinations and visiting her family in Finland. She enjoys horse riding, visiting her local gym and sampling Manchester's night-life. Tracey Gall - Clinical Vascular Scientist Bsc (hons) Biomedical Materials Science - Manchester University 2001 Tracey began training as a clinical vascular scientist at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Gwent in January 2002 before returning to Manchester in December 2003 to join IVS. She achieved full accreditation in 2005. Nowadays, Tracey spends a lot of her time at the seaside, as manager of the Vascular Laboratory at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Blackpool. "I am currently working towards a PGC in medical ultrasound, and was awarded the British Vascular Foundation prize in 2003 for the best presentation at the SVT Annual General Meeting." When not working Tracey enjoys yoga, swimming, going to the cinema and watching live music. She is also an avid traveler having backpacked in South America, Europe and South Africa. Alison Dumphy - Trainee Clinical Vascular Scientist Bsc (Hons) in Physiology - The University of Manchester 1999 Member of the Society of Vascular Technology for GB and Ireland (SVT) since 2003 1 year scanning experience Since joining IVS in 2003 Alison has been training as a vascular scientist, and part of her role has included participation in a large vascular-based research project for The University of Manchester. Alison will shortly be working her way towards acquiring the first SVT accreditation theory paper. Alison is a keen squash player and has recently taken up rock climbing (mostly indoor so far!). Her other pursuits include snowboarding and scuba diving, and she has traveled extensively, particularly around South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.