Edward J. Arous is a Board-certified vascular surgeon with extensive endovascular and open surgical experience. Born and raised in Worcester, MA, he received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and his master’s in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Prior to joining The Vascular Care Group, Dr. Arous was an Assistant Professor of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Director of the Limb Preservation Center. He completed his residency in the vascular surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Arous has received multiple honors and awards throughout his career, including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society, the Darling Award for Best Scientific Paper from the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Medical Education from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, and a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation.

Elias Arous, MD, FACS is a Board-certified general and vascular surgeon with over 37 years of experience. He specializes in the care and surgical management of carotid artery disease, aneurysmal disease, peripheral arterial disease, and AV fistula. Dr. Arous also focuses on many other vascular related diseases, including endovascular and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Arous completed his surgical residency and vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is recognized as an exceptional vascular leader. Dr. Arous held many academic appointments, including Professor of Surgery at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Chief of Surgery at Memorial Hospital, and previous Chief of Surgery at Saint Vincent Hospital. He has considerable medical periodicals and publications in peer review journals and has received multiple awards and honors, including the Teacher of the Year award for four consecutive years from the University of Massachusetts Surgical Residency Program, and recipient of the American Heart Association Heart of Gold Award for his work and contributions to the American Heart Association. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of Society of Vascular Surgery, and prior Vice President of New England Society of Vascular Surgery.

Sebastian DiDato, MD, FACS, RPVI, MPH is a Board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. Sebastian received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida before receiving his Masters in Public Health from MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester before beginning his fellowship in vascular surgery at Boston Medical Center. Sebastian has treated patients across New England, having worked at Concord Hospital and, most recently, Reliant Medical Group in Worcester. He is an active member of many professional organizations, including: American College of Surgeons, New England Society for Vascular Surgery, Society for Vascular Surgery, and Massachusetts Medical Society. Over the course of his career, Sebastian has authored multiple research publications and participated in conferences and competitions across the country. When Sebastian is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He is also an instrument rated private pilot and enjoys aviation, scuba diving, camping, hiking, and cycling.

Daniel R. Gorin is Board-certified in both General Surgery and Vascular Surgery. Dr. Gorin attended medical school and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, then went on to a fellowship in vascular surgery at Boston University Medical Center. Dr. Gorin specializes in vascular surgery and is well-versed in all aspects of vascular care. He is focused on minimally invasive techniques, and performs state-of-the-art endovascular treatments, such as balloon angioplasty and stenting for blocked arteries. Dr. Gorin has a strong clinical interest in outpatient, office-based vascular care. He opened one of the first outpatient endovascular care centers in Massachusetts and has performed thousands of officed-based vascular procedures. A true expert in office-based lab intervention, he was a charter member of the Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS) and has taken an active role in society leadership. He has spoken and been published extensively on the topic of office-based vascular care. Dr. Gorin also devotes a significant part of his practice to the treatment of venous disease, with a particular focus on minimally invasive, office-based vein procedures. He performed the first VNUS Closure/Venefit procedure in Massachusetts, (a procedure to treat varicose veins using a catheter under ultrasound guidance) and has personally performed thousands of minimally invasive venous procedures. He has been a faculty member at multiple courses and symposia on minimally invasive vein care.

Todd Lancaster is a Board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 15 years of surgical experience. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Emory University. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Lancaster completed his General Surgery training, as well as a fellowship in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. After completing his training, Dr. Lancaster joined the faculty of Massachusetts General Hospital and provided vascular and endovascular care at Massachusetts General Hospital, and affiliated hospitals in New England including Newton Wellesley Hospital, and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. During his tenure there, he held multiple leadership roles and was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Lancaster continues to serve in leadership roles at Newton Wellesley Hospital including the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Director of Quality and Safety for Vascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Center, Co-Medical Director of the Vascular Laboratory, and Associate Director of the Elfers Cardiovascular Center. In addition to working as an ad hoc reviewer for medical publications, Dr. Lancaster is a member of many professional societies and serves on various committees in the medical field. Dr. Lancaster’s research interests include studying clinical outcomes and safety, and his clinical interests include all aspects of arterial and venous disease, with a particular focus on peripheral arterial disease, aneurysmal disease, carotid artery disease, superficial venous disease, central venous compression syndromes, as well as renal and mesenteric arterial disease.

Elizabeth A. Mahanor received her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her post graduate training at the New England Medical Center in the Vascular Surgery Fellowship program and at the Boston University Medical Center in the General Surgery Residency program. She has specialized as a Wound Care Specialist, a DVT Response Advocate and an Officed-Based Varicose Vein Pioneer, among other clinical areas. Her prior practical experience includes the position of Assistant Professor, Surgery Department of Vascular Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College – New York Presbyterian Hospital from 2003 – 2005. Most recently, she was a surgeon in the Vascular Division at Reliant Medical Group. Dr. Mahanor has been published in several medical journals and recognized with multiple honors and awards as a clinical and teaching professional. She has a vast research background, holding Lab Director and Advisor titles at Tufts New England Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Mahanor is Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery – Vascular Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Mahanor is committed to providing the most up-to-date and personalized care to each patient at The Vascular Care Group.

Alfred J. Phillips DPM, FACFAS is a Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Phillips received his undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University before receiving his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Temple University. He completed a three-year residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at HCA Doctors Hospital/Northlake Regional Medical Center in Atlanta, G.A. Over the course of his career, Dr. Phillips has treated patients at hospitals throughout New England. The majority of this time was spent actively training podiatric surgical residents at Carney Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, and, most recently, St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Brighton, Mass. Dr. Phillips has also served as the Chief of the Podiatry Division for Optima Health/Catholic Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. He has served as president of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Association and has been a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association; New Hampshire Podiatric Medical Association; Podiatric Institute; American Board of Podiatric Surgery; and American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Phillips is Board-certified in foot surgery and rearfoot/ankle reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. As a member of the Podiatry Institute, Dr. Phillips has lectured locally and nationally on foot surgery to podiatry and orthopedic surgeons and is actively involved in research projects. He contributed to the McGlamry Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Textbook 5th Edition on Achilles Tendon Disorders. His clinical interests include treatment of painful flatfeet, osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle, diabetic foot reconstruction and limb salvage, revisional foot surgery, and sports injuries of the foot and ankle. When he’s not working, Dr. Phillips can be found hiking or taking long walks with his wife, Christine, and their dog, Maevie. He also enjoys birdwatching, kayaking, and watching his three children grow into independent young adults.

Paul Skudder earned his medical degree at Cornell University Medical College and completed his surgical residency at the University of Rochester. He was trained in vascular surgery at the Lahey Clinic outside of Boston. After spending much of his career at Albany Medical College, during which time he vacationed on Cape Cod, he moved his practice to the Falmouth area and began practicing there in 2009. Dr. Skudder has held multiple medical staff leadership positions, has been on the Board of Trustees of two hospitals, has been president of his county medical society, and has held several offices including a vice presidency with the New England Society for Vascular Surgery. He has held a clinical adjunct faculty position at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (America’s Military Medical College) and has served on the governing board of Cape Cod Preferred Physicians. He has served the United States military as a volunteer treating injured soldiers from the Afghanistan war, and has volunteered at overseas mission hospital facilities. He has spent over 30 years as a First Responder National Ski Patrol and is an instructor in Outdoor Emergency Care and Stop the Bleed.  He has over twenty years of experience in wound care, and is Board Certified in Vascular Surgery,  in General Surgery and has been board Certified in Surgical Critical Care. He enjoys spending time with patients and providing the most personalized care possible. Dr. Skudder is available for community presentations and education on topics related to his practice.

Hector Simosa is a Board-certified vascular surgeon with substantial training in vascular care. He received his medical degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela and furthered his medical training by completing a General Surgery Residency at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston Medical Center, Boston University. Dr. Simosa completed his vascular surgery training at Harvard Medical School Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Vascular Surgery Fellowship. He also completed a Vascular Surgery Research Fellowship at Brigham & Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School. During his career, he has compiled various peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national meetings. He was honored with the Lester F. Williams Jr., MD Medical Student Teaching Award in Surgery at Boston University Medical School and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. As a vascular surgeon, Dr. Simosa covers the full spectrum of vascular care, treating aortic aneurysms, carotid disease, deep vein thrombosis and venous disorders, renal mesenteric vascular disease, peripheral artery disease as well as managing lower extremity circulation issues and wounds in diabetic patients. He performs minimally invasive catheter procedures and open surgical reconstruction for patients. Dr. Simosa has been practicing vascular surgery since 2006. He is certified by the American Board of Vascular Surgery and in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Basic Life Support (BLS). He is also fluent in Spanish.

Harold J. Welch is a Board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 30 years of surgical experience. He received his undergraduate degree from Tufts University before pursuing his medical degree at Albany Medical College of Union University in his hometown of Albany, N.Y. Dr. Welch completed his internship in basic surgery at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif. before completing his residency in general surgery at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston. Prior to joining The Vascular Care Group, Dr. Welch worked as a vascular surgeon at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. for 24 years. He has honed his skills as a well-respected surgeon at hospitals across the globe, including U.S. Naval Hospitals in Keflavik, Iceland, Groton, Conn., and Portsmouth, Va.; Faulkner Hospital; and the New England Medical Center. While he performs almost all facets of vascular surgery, Dr. Welch’s main focus is on venous disease, a topic instilled in him by his mentor and friend, Dr. Thomas F. O’Donnell.

He has earned numerous accolades including Top Doctor by Boston Magazine for the past five consecutive years, American Venous Forum Distinguished Fellow, and Cornelius Sedwick Mentor Award for Surgery Chief Residents. Dr. Welch is also a member of professional societies, including American College of Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, and the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, among others. He has served as a Professor of Surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine and President of the American Venous Forum, and is currently the President of the American Venous Forum Foundation. Dr. Welch has also authored 11 book chapters and more than 30 articles.

Outside of his career as a vascular surgeon, Dr. Welch enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod, reading historical non-fiction books, playing golf, and fishing.

Leslie Burnham, MSN, ACNP-BC, RNFA is a Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner with more than 10 years of experience. Leslie received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Saint Anslem College before pursuing a Master of Science degree in nursing from Norwich University with honors, and acute care nurse practitioner degree from Northeastern University. Prior to joining The Vascular Care Group, Leslie worked for Massachusetts General Hospital, providing patient care in perioperative, inpatient, and outpatient settings for vascular surgery patients. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society for nurses. Leslie’s primary focus is vascular disease, including a special interest in venous disease and management of arterial patients.

Kristina Gallant is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science where she received a master’s degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to joining The Vascular Care Group, she found great joy working as a family nurse practitioner in Ashburnham. She has extensive experience and knowledge in advanced wound care and urgent care.  Kristina’s prior experience as a registered nurse (RN) has provided her the opportunity to work in various areas, including medical-surgical, correctional health, wound care, home health, mental health, and inpatient telemetry.  Kristina is a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, 211^th Military Police Battalion. She continues to provide outpatient wound care services at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, Massachusetts as an accompaniment to her work in the field of Vascular Surgery.

Colleen Hanesian has a long history of providing vascular and wound care services in Massachusetts. She worked as a nursing assistant in high school and went on to become a registered nurse (RN). Originally at the Harrington Hospital Wound Center, Colleen provided care as a Vascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner in the Charlton satellite clinic and UMass Memorial Medical Center for more than seven years. Following time off to raise her three children, she returned to graduate school at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science and went on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Colleen has been caring for patients with a variety of vascular conditions for numerous years and has a clinical interest in limb preservation and wound care. She is Board-certified in wound care since 2012. Colleen’s approach combines excellent patient care through close coordination with the primary care provider.

Lorraine Loretz is Board-certified as both a family nurse practitioner and podiatric surgeon. Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, she completed podiatric medical school and residency in podiatric surgery and entered into practice. Upon family relocation to the East Coast, Dr. Loretz earned her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and began work in family practice as a nurse practitioner. She obtained a clinical adjunct faculty position at Rutgers University. She has uniquely merged two professions, podiatric medicine and nursing, to provide comprehensive care for vascular patients. For over 13 years, Dr. Loretz worked at UMass Memorial Medical Center as a vascular surgery nurse practitioner, with a focus on limb preservation, wound care, and vein services. She is an expert in sclerotherapy and developed a cosmetic sclerotherapy program designed to eliminate small, unsightly veins. As an educator in the venous field, she has taught many physicians and advanced practice providers about the art of vein care. She has also conducted research throughout her career, published multiple manuscripts, and authored a primary care textbook. Dr. Loretz is an active member of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, the American Venous Forum, and the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. She is extremely dedicated to her patients as an advocate and to providing the best, individualized care.

Donna Potter is a Board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and Wound Care Specialist. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Vermont before completing her master’s degree in nursing as well as her nurse practitioner certification from UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Donna has more than 30 years of nursing experience and is knowledgeable in all aspects of vascular care. She has a special interest in both wound care and cosmetic procedures, having completed advanced training in wound care and Coolsculpting techniques as well as cosmetic injectables. Donna’s passion is to combine her medical and nursing skills to improve the quality of people’s lives.

Kate Szal is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s degree in French at St. Lawrence University and then her Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Nursing at Regis College. She began her career at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, MA in the Department of Vascular Interventional Radiology. In addition to first-assisting the physicians, she independently performed many procedures including portacaths and dialysis catheters. For over 15 years, Kate worked in Neurosurgery, Vascular Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. She is a master Coolsculpting Specialist, having completed all the advanced trainings offered by Allergan, and is highly skilled at vein treatments including sclerotherapy as well as facial injectables including Botox and Fillers.