Guiding Excellence in Education
The Vasculearn Network Medical Advisory Board brings together nationally recognized experts in thrombosis, cardiovascular medicine, and patient care. These distinguished leaders guide our educational initiatives, ensuring all content reflects the latest evidence-based practices and addresses the real-world needs of both clinicians and patients.
Discover the World
Advisory Board Impact
Be part of the premier global community advancing vascular health through education, innovation, and collaboration
Strategic Guidance
Our Medical Advisory Board shapes VLN's educational strategy, ensuring we address the most pressing needs in thrombosis care and education.
Content Excellence
Every educational resource undergoes rigorous review by relevant board members, guaranteeing clinical accuracy and practical utility.
Research Translation
Board members help translate the latest research findings into actionable education for both clinicians and patients.
National Reach
Through their networks and expertise, our advisors extend VLN's impact across institutions and communities nationwide.
Innovation Leadership
Board guidance keeps VLN at the forefront of medical education innovation, from digital tools to novel teaching methods.
Aviva Schwartz
Director of Education and Medical Advisory Board Co-Chair
Vasculearn Network
Aviva brings a unique perspective as both a staff leader and Medical Advisory Board Co-Chair. With extensive experience in medical education development, she ensures seamless integration between VLN's educational strategy and clinical expertise. Aviva oversees all educational programming, from concept through execution, maintaining the highest standards of quality and clinical relevance.
Behnood Bikdeli
Vascular Medicine Advisor
Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School
Dr. Bikdeli is a cardiovascular medicine specialist and outcomes researcher with expertise in thrombotic disorders and their intersection with cardiovascular disease. His work bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, helping VLN create education that reflects both cutting-edge science and practical application.
Heather Johnson
Preventive Cardiology Advisor
Christine E. Lynn Women's Health & Wellness Institute / Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Johnson specializes in cardiovascular disease prevention with a particular focus on women's heart health. She brings critical perspectives on addressing sex-specific differences in thrombosis risk and management, helping VLN develop inclusive educational content that serves all populations effectively.
JoMarie Monzon
Vascular Surgery APP Advisor
Lead Nurse Practitioner, Division of Vascular Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
JoMarie brings extensive vascular surgery expertise as the Lead Nurse Practitioner for the Division of Vascular Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. With a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and Master of Science in Nursing, she transitioned from ICU nursing to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2009. Throughout her distinguished career, she has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives including leadership of the APP-led aortic clinic, expansion of vascular services to affiliate hospitals, protocol development, and clinical staff training. Her excellence has been recognized with the Cedars-Sinai APP of the Year Award in 2023 and the Off the Chart: Rewarding Nursing Greatness Award in 2024. She is currently developing an innovative APP-led sclerotherapy clinic for venous disease treatment.
LaVon Woodard
Patient Advisor
Licensed Professional Barber & Blood Clot Survivor
LaVon brings invaluable lived experience as a blood clot survivor, ensuring VLN's educational content truly serves those affected by thrombotic conditions. As a successful business owner and community leader, he provides unique insights into reaching diverse populations and making medical information accessible to all.
Margo Minissian
Technology & Innovation Advisor
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Dr. Minissian is an acute care nurse practitioner and researcher who brings expertise in cardiovascular care delivery and digital health innovation. Her dual perspective as both a clinician and technology advocate helps VLN develop forward-thinking educational solutions that meet modern healthcare needs.
Scott Woller
Thrombosis Medicine Advisor
Intermountain Health / University of Utah School of Medicine
Dr. Woller is an internationally recognized expert in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and treatment. As a practicing hospitalist and researcher, he brings valuable insights from both clinical care and clinical trials. His contributions help VLN stay at the forefront of thrombosis medicine, translating the latest research into practical education for clinicians.
Tara Lech
Medical Advisory Board Co-Chair and Pharmacy Advisor
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Beth Israel Lahey Health
Dr. Lech is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with deep expertise in anticoagulation management and medication safety. She brings critical insights from frontline clinical practice, helping VLN develop practical tools and resources that improve medication adherence and reduce adverse events. Her leadership ensures our content addresses the complex medication management challenges faced by patients and providers.