Blog - Midwest Vein Center
5 Inexpensive Summer Travel Tips For The Family
May 23rd, 2013

Vacationing as a family can create long lasting, fond memories for everyone involved. If you haven’t gotten away lately, maybe there’s no better time than the present! Planning a family vacation may seem like a daunting task, but it will be worth it. Just keep these tips handy, and you’re guaranteed a safe, fun, and healthy family vacation!
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Our Favorite Spring Recipes
May 9th, 2013

Spring has arrived, and fresh produce is just one delicious benefit of the season! We’ve gathered five easy and healthy recipes that highlight fresh fruits and vegetables in season, like asparagus, watermelon, sage, and radish. Remember, shop the farmers’ market or grow fruits and vegetables in your garden to get in the seasonal spirit!
Learn more about Our Favorite Spring Recipes!
5 Tips For Multitasking Moms
April 25th, 2013

Being a mom is the best job in the world, but it’s also the hardest. Whether you’re trying to balance it with a career, or squeeze in some time for yourself, we know that most moms could use some help. Finding the perfect work-life balance may be easier said than done, but these 5 tips are a great start!
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Spring Into Spring!
April 5th, 2013

There’s nothing quite as exciting as the arrival of Springtime in Chicago! We know you’re more than ready to get out and go, and we want you to do it looking and feeling your best. Midwest Vein has compiled Spring 2013’s hottest style, fitness, and dining trends to help you stay on the cutting edge. We’ve made them easy and accessible for all so that everyone can enjoy a trendy, fabulous Spring!
Learn more about how to Spring into Spring!
Meet Dr. Peter Brukasz!
March 22nd, 2013
Recently, Midwest Vein Center welcomed a new physician to our Niles location! Dr. Peter Brukasz has been practicing medicine for over 15 years, and working in the Chicagoland area for over 10 years at Mercy Hospital and Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. He also holds the distinguished position of Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout his career, Dr. Brukasz has had an amazingly diverse background in medicine. He studied and practiced Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and conducted research in Liver Transplants. During his free time, Dr. Peter Brukasz enjoys skiing and biking. He also speaks fluent Polish!
Learn more about Dr. Peter Brukasz!
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5 Workouts Every Woman Should Try
March 8th, 2013

Staying healthy is a big commitment! A lot of women have full-time jobs, families to take care of, and still need to make time for themselves. In addition, working out can get pretty boring. So, why do the same thing everyday when there’s so many cool, healthy, and fun options to try? Check out these 5 awesome exercises, and mix it up!
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4 Steps To A Confident You!
February 22nd, 2013

Everyone has an off day once in awhile, but it’s important to remember that one of the most important traits you can possess is confidence! Sure, it doesn’t come overnight, but there are some small things you can do to be a positive force in the world. What’s better than making those around you smile?
Learn more about 4 Steps To A Confident You!
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5 unconventional V-Day Ideas
February 8th, 2013

We’ve discovered that having a great Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to revolve around being single or in a relationship. Whether it’s embracing yourself, your significant other, or your family and friends, Valentine’s Day should be all about love! Instead of dreading or over-analyzing February 14th this year, choose to spend your time in ways that you know will make you happy. Check out these 5 unconventional V-Day ideas to make the day both productive, and enjoyable.
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5 Out-of-the-Box Tips To Prevent The Flu
January 24th, 2013

Chances are, you’ve heard that the 2013 flu has surpassed an "epidemic" threshold, based on data from the Center of Disease Control. As scary as this sounds, there are methods you can take to protect yourself and your family. We’re not just talking about getting more sleep, washing your hands, or getting a flu shot. There are multiple simple, yet important precautions that may not be common sense. Take a minute and read through these 5 tips for flu prevention. After all, you’d rather be safe than sorry!
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Girls and Guys: Ring In The New Year With Great Legs!
January 3rd, 2013

Bye-bye 2012! The holiday season coming to an end marks the beginning of a new year... and a new you! We want you to start 2013 off on the right foot by helping you look and feel your best. If you’ve noticed bulging veins, pain, or swelling in your legs, put it to rest. Varicose and Spider veins are not just a cosmetic issue (we’re looking at you, guys). Leaving them untreated can cause more serious, and much more painful problems down the road. By following these simple tips, you can take control of vein disease, and make 2013 your year!
Learn more Ring In The New Year With Great Legs!
5 Last Minute Gifts They’ll Love
December 20th, 2012

We know...you’ve been busy. But with less than a week until Christmas, the clock is ticking for gift procrastinators. At this point, shopping online is a guessing game, and you probably want to avoid the generic gift card route. You need a gift that will wow its recipient, while keeping you on budget. No problem! We have compiled 5 suggestions for awesome gifts when time’s not on your side. There’s something for everyone, so don’t worry, you can thank us later.
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4 Easy Tips To Ring In A Healthy Holiday
December 6th, 2012

‘Tis the season...to eat. When you combine the stress of the holidays with the temptation of cocktail parties, a lot can go wrong. You’ve been working really hard to look and feel great, but sometimes we all need help reaching our goals! The key to staying slim and cheery this holiday season is being sensible, but it wouldn’t be the holidays without those treats you adore, right? We’ve compiled 4 tips to help you indulge while you stay on track so you can enjoy family, fun, and even FOOD!
Learn more about How to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
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How To Achieve YOUR Best Work-Life Balance: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
November 27th, 2012

While this Confucius quote may ring true for some, most Americans are finding that establishing a clear boundary between work and their personal life can be a job in itself. In the wake of pay cuts and co-workers getting laid-off, we are spending more time at the office than ever. It’s important to remember that to perform our best, we need to be happy both at work AND at home. Follow these 5 tips, and you’ll be a pro at juggling whatever life throws at you while avoiding job burnout!
Learn more about How To Achieve YOUR Best Work-Life Balance
Olympic Gold Medalist Summer Sanders: “Think Differently About Varicose Veins”
November 1st, 2012

Chances are, if you were asked to describe an individual suffering from varicose veins, an Olympic athlete wouldn’t be the first image in your mind. Summer Sanders is one exception. A four time Olympic medalist, Summer has been very public about her struggle with varicose veins. Partnering with a campaign called “Rethink Varicose Veins,” Summer is on a mission to correct the myths about varicose veins, and inspire those suffering to get treatment.
Learn more about Summer Sanders and her struggle with Varicose Veins
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Congratulations Dr. Propes!
We are proud to announce that Dr. Murray James Propes of the Midwest Vein Center, Glenview was one of forty physicians awarded with the American College of Phlebology (ACP) scholarship. This award is given to physicians to provide exposure and generate interest in the field of Phlebology. With the scholarship, Dr. Propes will attend the Annual Congress meeting this November where he will learn about the newest techniques in vein care and meet other Phlebologists and vascular doctors who are also members of the ACP. The College and the Foundation honors physicians with scholarship initiatives, such as this, in order to improve young physician educational efforts, enhance exposure to venous disease, and ultimately enrich patient care. The American College of Phlebology (ACP) is comprised of over 2000 phlebology professionals who are setting the pace and direction for the growth of the field of phlebology. With an average annual growth rate of approximately 15% over the past five years, the ACP, through the efforts of its members, is making a significant impact on the specialty of phlebology. Congratulations Dr. Propes!
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PHYSICIANS AT THE MIDWEST VEIN CENTER ARE FIRST IN CHICAGO TO OBTAIN BOARD CERTIFICATION
New certification for the Midwest Vein Center enhances patient care


CHICAGO, IL (JULY 14, 2008) – The Midwest Vein Center (MVC) announced today that all of its physicians have passed the board examination in Phlebology. Phlebology is the medical specialty focused exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. The Midwest Vein Center is the only group vein care practice in the Chicago area in which all physicians have received this top honor from the American Board of Phlebology (ABPh). This certification involves a rigorous process of testing and demonstrates a physicians’ exceptional expertise in this particular specialty of medicine.
In 2005, the American Medical Association granted formal recognition to the specialty of Phlebology, recognizing it as a bone fide self designated medical specialty. This was just one of the many steps taken to help strengthen the field of phlebology. As a result, the American College of Phlebology started working with the American Board of Phlebology to develop a suitable board exam. The first exam was administered in May 2008, and the results have just been released. Patients will now be able to ask their vein-care specialist if they are “Board Certified” or not. Prior to this, there has been no standardized test for the certification of Phlebologists.
“This exam will further help to substantiate the maturity of this newest of medical sub-specialties,” said Dr. J. Gordon Wright, founder of the Midwest Vein Center. “This type of recognition for Phlebology has been part of a major initiative that myself and others have worked on for a long time now”
As with other medical specialties, physicians will be required to periodically renew their board certification. This will include further testing and documentation of ongoing education. Doctors with the board certification are considered to be among the best in their field. Many people (about 25% of adults worldwide) who suffer from varicose veins and other forms of venous disease will now know which physicians are certified as having the most up to date information about the treatment options available today.
The Midwest Vein Center is a medical practice committed to the non-surgical treatment of vein disease and related disorders. As one of the first vein centers in the Chicago area to consistently offer new technologies and techniques including Endovenous Laser for varicose veins, MVC has successfully treated thousands of patients with state-of-the art procedures. All physicians have undergone extensive fellowship training in phlebology and as a result, treatment success rates at MVC are higher than the national success rates for vein care. More information about MVC is available on the Internet at www.midwestvein.com.
Founded in 1985, the American College of Phlebology (ACP) is comprised of over 2000 phlebology professionals who are setting the pace and direction for the growth of the field of phlebology. The College seeks out new opportunities to improve the education of physicians, medical staff and laypersons about phlebology and to advance the highest standard of care for patients with venous disease.
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Midwest Vein Center Founder named to Chicago Magazine’s “Top Doctors” List
December 18, 2009, Downers Grove, IL – Midwest Vein Center (MVC) founder, J. Gordon Wright, MD, FACS, RVT has been selected as a 2010 "Top Doctor" as listed in Chicago Magazine, on news stands now. Only 345 physicians made the list this year and Dr. Wright was the only full time Phlebologist selected under the Vascular Surgery category.
The list, prepared for Chicago by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., was compiled by contacting thousands of health professionals in metropolitan Chicago and asking them to name the doctors to whom they would entrust a family member when confronting a particular problem. The results from surveying these physicians yielded the list.
Dr. Wright is board certified in phlebology and vascular surgery and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. Thirteen years ago, he founded the Midwest Vein Center which has offices Downers Grove, Glenview and Orland Park. “I’ve made medicine and vascular surgery in particular, my life’s work in order to help people live happier, healthier lives. I’m happy that our efforts and commitment to provide the highest level of patient care have been recognized” said Dr. Wright.
Dr. Wright has been treating patients with vein problems for 25 years, since earning his medical degree from Loyola University Medical Center in 1981. His fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Boston University was rewarded with the opportunity to run the Vein Clinic at the Boston City hospital. He continued his career at The Ohio State University, where he started The OSU Vein Clinic and trained numerous fellows, residents and other health professionals in vascular surgery, general surgery and vein disease. His lectures and papers number in the hundreds and he has been an active participant, committee chairman or officer of several important medical societies. Most notably, he is past president of the Chicago Endovascular Surgery Society.
The Midwest Vein Center is a medical practice committed to the non-surgical treatment of vein disease and related disorders. As one of the first vein centers in the Chicago area to consistently offer new technologies and techniques including Endovenous Laser for varicose veins, MVC has successfully treated thousands of patients with state-of-the art procedures. All physicians have undergone extensive fellowship training in phlebology and as a result, treatment success rates at MVC are higher than the national success rates for vein care.
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TV Features
Because we stay at the cutting edge of new, innovative technologies in vein care, the Midwest Vein Center has been featured on the evening 10 PM news several times for various technological advances. As a local Leader in the Art and Science of Vein Care, MVC has agreed on occasion to be interviewed for these news segments in order to help explain Laser Technology, Imaging Technologies, Endovascular Laser Treatment (EVLT) and the VeinLite for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins.
One of our main goals at the Midwest Vein Center is to educate physicians and the public at large regarding vein care issues and new, innovative technologies. We hope you find these news segments to be useful and informative.
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Educational Articles

Happy Spring from the Midwest Vein Center
Click here to read the full Spring Newsletter
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Midwest Vein Center Founder Named to Chicago Magazine's
“TOP DOCTORS” List
MIDWEST VEIN CENTER FOUNDER NAMED TO CHICAGO MAGAZINE’S
“TOP DOCTORS” LIST
Vein Therapy News
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Panel of Experts: Vein Care & Therapy
ImageQuestion: Do non-surgical Treatments for Varicose Veins really work?
Media Planet, Vein Care & Therapy
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Vascular Surgeon Named Top Doctor
Vascular Surgeon Named Top Doctor
By Janice Hoppe: Downers Grove Reporter
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Advocate Doctors Recognized as Being Top in Chicagoland
Advocate Good Samaritan Doctors Recognized as Being Top in Chicagoland
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Archive news More...
- Midwest Vein Center Founder named to Chicago Magazine’s “Top Doctors” List
- Complete Chart Review in Five Effortless Seconds!
- Ask the Expert: Does health insurance cover treatment for varicose veins?
- MVC Hires Medical Director for Glenview Office near Chicago
- A New Approach to Varicose Veins
- High-Tech Laser Vein Care: The Endovenous Revolution
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A Misunderstood and Under-Utilized Procedure
- Phlebology: The Newest Subspeciality
- Illinois doctors to do patient study
- Phlebology Finally Recognized by the AMA
- Clinical Clues that Help Distinguish CVI from PAD During the Initial Evaluation.
- A New Treatment Paradigm for Venous Stasis Ulcers
- High-Tech Vein Care from Leaders of the Endovenous Revolution
- New Imaging Technologies for Varicose and Spider Veins
- Phlebology: Cinderella Has Come to the Ball
- Varicose Veins: Not Just a Cosmetic Concern
- Support stockings
- New certification for the Midwest Vein Center enhances patient care


