Dr. Shadman Baig is a vascular surgeon at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, and an instructor for Cook’s Essentials of FEVAR: Endovascular Techniques for Treating Complex AAAs course. Get to know Dr. Baig.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Karachi, Pakistan and immigrated to the US at the age of 9. I grew up in Orange County, California.
What was your dream job as a kid?
I have wanted to be a doctor since I was a little kid, but surgery did not appeal to me until I had my first experience in the operating room, after which I was hooked.
What was your first car?
I drove my mom’s old Buick Station Wagon all through college, but was able to buy my first car in medical school, which was a white Nissan 240sx.
Why did you decide to pursue vascular surgery?
For the longest time I was undecided between minimally invasive and vascular surgery. On one of my senior vascular surgery rotations, I had the opportunity to do some great peripheral endovascular cases, and I saw what a huge impact it had on patients almost immediately and with minimal recovery time. After that, there was no longer any question as to what I wanted to do. The technological innovation in vascular surgery was also a big attraction for me, as well as the creativity that one can exercise in tackling various vascular problems.
Where did you train?
I completed my General Surgery training at the University of California, Irvine and my vascular surgery fellowship at Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio where the faculty were like family to me—especially Dr. Jerry Goldstone who treated me like a son.
Where are you currently practicing?
I am in private practice in the Dallas Metroplex, and work primarily at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Irving, Texas.
Which meetings do you like to attend and why?
My favorite is the VEITHsymposium. I like the focused presentations, the international presence, and the exposure to the most cutting-edge work in all areas of vascular surgery.
What do you like to do when you¹re not in the OR?
Nowadays, it’s rare that I’m not in the OR, but when I do get a chance, I love to play golf—though my game has gone into a downward spiral since starting private practice.
Why would you encourage physicians to attend Vista training?
Vista training provides a great environment for physicians to get exposure to fenestrated technology and to really learn the most important aspect of performing any complex aortic repair, which is the preoperative plan. Planning and sizing is much of the case, and it is very important for the physician to be comfortable planning the cases, predicting where difficulty may lie, and building a knowledge base of how to tackle various challenges.
Sign up for a Vista course with Dr. Baig
Cook offers a variety of vascular training opportunities through the Cook Vista Education & Training program. Learn more at vista.cookmedical.com.
Dr. Baig is a paid consultant of Cook Medical.