Each year, National Doctors’ Day is observed in March to honor the vital contributions of physicians in our communities. At USA Vascular, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our doctors for their unwavering commitment, clinical expertise, and the compassionate care they deliver every day.
Our Team Explains Their Patient-First Focus
To gain a deeper understanding of our doctors’ driving forces, our CEO, Dr. Yan Katsnelson, in a recent interview shared what drives his passion for medicine and the vision behind USA Clinics Group, a large network of specialized services, including USA Vascular Centers, dedicated to treating a wide range of conditions with patient-first care.
Dr. Katsnelson recalled his years as a heart surgeon, describing the experience as “truly transformative.” The ability to restore a failing heart to robust function was immensely fulfilling and instilled a belief that with meticulous planning and execution, virtually any medical challenge could be met. After nearly two decades of open-heart surgery, Dr. Katsnelson discovered a “new realm of possibility” in minimally invasive techniques. This pivotal realization prompted him to shift his focus toward expanding access to these advanced treatments.
The cornerstone of Dr. Katsnelson’s medical philosophy, shared by our team of vascular specialists, is a genuine desire to improve people’s lives by expanding access to PAD treatment that can significantly enhance patients’ mobility and independence.
Driving the Adoption of Minimally Invasive Treatments
The transition from treating individual patients to building an organization capable of reaching vast numbers of people lay in the evolution of minimally invasive procedures for prevalent vascular conditions. The advent of advanced technologies that enabled percutaneous interventions—procedures performed through the skin—with minimal risk and exceptional results marked a turning point. Dr. Katsnelson was profoundly impressed by the significant improvement in patients’ daily lives through these less invasive methods, addressing debilitating symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, and pain.
“Seeing patients, I had performed heart surgery on return for vascular treatment and witnessing the dramatic improvement in their quality of life, was eye-opening,” Dr. Katsnelson recounted. “The fact that patients could return home the same day after a procedure was truly remarkable.”
This experience sparked the expansion to encompass a wider range of conditions including arterial disease. Dr. Katsnelson recognized the importance of addressing other chronic conditions like veins, fibroids, and hemorrhoids, which while not strictly vascular, often benefit from the same minimally invasive approach.
With an eye on the future of healthcare, Dr. Katsnelson sees minimally invasive procedures and technology playing a pivotal role. His vision centers on moving beyond simply managing chronic conditions to achieving actual cures, a shift he believes will dramatically lower costs and improve patient well-being. He underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and prevention in extending lifespan and enhancing quality of life.
How We Care: Best Practices
Dr. Katsnelson highlighted the importance of standardized protocols and procedures in ensuring consistent, high-quality care. Drawing upon his background in cardiac surgery and military service, he emphasized the need for rigorous adherence to established guidelines. This led to the development of a comprehensive management platform that integrates clinical data and best practices, enabling our doctors to deliver exceptional patient care at every one our 168 locations.
Recognizing the availability of effective, minimally invasive treatments USA Clinics Group began raising awareness and a strong network of other services emerged treating a wide range of conditions including knee arthritis, varicose and spider veins, uterine fibroids, hemorrhoids, enlarged prostate, peripheral artery disease (PAD) as well as preventative CT scans.
Our Doctors’ Insights: Why We Care
A fundamental principle at USA Vascular is the commitment to providing accessible, high-quality care to underserved communities. Dr. Katsnelson’s deep desire is to offer the benefits of advanced vascular care to those who need it most, even when barriers to access care exist. This commitment is shared by our team of vascular specialists, who are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives.
“Medicine is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling. As a vascular and interventional radiologist, I am committed to improving the health of my patients’ lives. I want to provide compassionate care to every patient that offers hope and healing.” —Dr. Olga Castro, Interventional Radiologist, FL
“My mission as a vascular specialist is to provide innovative, minimally invasive treatments that restore health and mobility. Medicine is about improving lives, and I’m committed to helping patients find the best path to feeling better.”—Dr. James Riley, Board -Certified Vascular Surgeon, NY
“Providing vascular care isn’t just about treating conditions—it’s about restoring mobility, improving quality of life, and supporting patients’ overall well-being. I strive to build trust and understanding with every individual I treat.” —Dr. Stephen Hurst, Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon, NY
Patient Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations
Dani T. – My procedure at USA Vascular Centers went smoothly, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the care I received. The staff was incredibly helpful, answering all my questions and ensuring I felt comfortable every step of the way. From the moment I arrived, they provided excellent support and reassurance, which made a big difference in my experience. So far, I haven’t needed any pain medication, and my recovery at home has been comfortable. I truly appreciate the professionalism and kindness of the entire team and would highly recommend USA Vascular Centers to anyone in need of treatment.
Vel C. – My experience at USA Vascular Centers was excellent from start to finish. Dr. Peter Smith was extremely attentive, taking the time to listen to my concerns and thoroughly explain the procedure, which helped ease my nerves. The entire staff was also incredibly kind, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the process. The procedure itself went smoothly, and I was impressed by the level of care and attention I received. So far, my recovery at home has been going well. I’m truly grateful for the outstanding service from Dr. Smith and his team.
You Are Our Focus at USA Vascular Centers
Our values focus on “I CARE” which encompasses integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence. We care about every individual’s unique health condition and our treatment plans are tailored to each patient.
