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What is a Vascular Surgeon?

Vascular surgeons are the only experts trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the vascular system. Think of vascular surgeons as the plumber, the heart as the pump and the brain as the electrical system. Outside of a patient’s skull and chest, it is a vascular surgeons job to understand how to keep the oxygen-rich blood and nutrients flowing throughout the body to keep muscles and organs working properly.

When it comes to your veins and arteries, you always want to make sure you are seeking medical attention from a doctor with the proper expertise.

Our Mission Statement

The goal of Dr. Albrecht is to improve access and quality outcomes through better coordination of patient care and to improve convenience and satisfaction for both patients and referring physicians.

Why a Vascular Surgeon?

If you have a heart attack you see a cardiologist. If you have cancer, you see an oncologist. If you need a knee replacement you see an orthopedic surgeon. Certain medical conditions require treatment from specialists. Vascular conditions, like varicose veins, blocked arteries, repair of veins to improve blood flow and blood clots, should be diagnosed, treated and managed by a vascular surgeon.

The American Board of Medical Specialties describes vascular surgeons as experts with significant experience in diagnosing and managing patients with arterial, venous and lymphatic system disorders, outside of the vessels in the brain and heart.

Dr. Albrecht has extensive training in general surgery and is board-certified in vascular surgery. Before opening Snake River Vascular Surgery in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 2022, Dr. Albrecht worked as one of eight surgeons beginning in 2004 performing vascular, general, and trauma surgery at Meritcare Hospital, a level 2 trauma institution in Fargo, North Dakota. This hospital became Sanford Health, a level 1 trauma center. While many of the general surgeons Dr. Albrecht worked alongside decided to focus on more advanced laparoscopic surgery, he settled into his comfort zone and specialized in vascular surgery. He became a board-certified vascular surgeon in 2010 and was re-certified by testing in 2020.

Throughout his 20-plus-year career, Dr. Albrecht has helped thousands of patients and treated almost every vascular condition. Ultimately, patients benefit from his wealth of experience, proficiency, and refined technique.

No Other Specialists Offer the Same Experience

Patients need to be careful when seeking treatment for vascular issues because no one else has the training of vascular surgeons.

Interventional Radiologists, Cardiologists, General Surgeons and Cardiothoracic Surgeons have minimal to no vascular disease questions on their individual board exams. While these providers can seek vascular certifications, these are not recognized by American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and do not compare to the rigorous training vascular surgeons must undergo.

The American Board of Vascular Medicine (ABVM) offers a vascular medicine certification, but patients need to be aware this is still not the same as being a board-certified vascular surgeon. In fact, ABVM is not a recognized specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The same is true for the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. While these certifications are important to look for if you live in a community where there are no practicing vascular surgeons, in Idaho Falls you have the option to see a specialist.

Why Select Dr. Warren Albrecht?

Patients need to be careful when seeking treatment for vascular issues because no one else has the training of vascular surgeons.

Interventional Radiologists, Cardiologists, General Surgeons and Cardiothoracic Surgeons have minimal to no vascular disease questions on their individual board exams. While these providers can seek vascular certifications, these are not recognized by American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and do not compare to the rigorous training vascular surgeons must undergo.

The American Board of Vascular Medicine (ABVM) offers a vascular medicine certification, but patients need to be aware this is still not the same as being a board-certified vascular surgeon. In fact, ABVM is not a recognized specialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The same is true for the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. While these certifications are important to look for if you live in a community where there are no practicing vascular surgeons, in Idaho Falls you have the option to see a specialist.

VASCULAR CARE FOR
THE FOUR STATE AREA

Learn About Your Vascular Care

DR. WARREN ALBRECHT

VASCULAR SURGEON

Clinic Contact

Phone: 417-556-8600

Fax: 417-556-8602

Mercy Hospital – Joplin

100 Mercy Way

Joplin, MO. 64804