Laura Ross, PA-C, CLS, AACC, is a physician assistant and clinical lipid specialist in cardiology at the Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center in St. Louis Park, MN. She is a member of ACC's Interventional Leadership Council and the Prevention Work Group, and she is president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology.

Bob Ross, PA-C is the co-owner of Triad Diagnostic Technologies.

The APAC Recap: Peripheral Artery Disease at CAPP Live 2024 with Bob Ross, PA-C  

, host Laura Ross, PA-C, president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), is joined by Bob Ross, PA-C, chair of APAC’s vascular medicine committee and a leading expert in 

, to discuss updates on PAD from the inaugural CAPP Live 2024 conference.

The discussion centered on recent updates in PAD diagnosis and management, including key takeaways from Ross’ conference presentation, which highlighted symptoms and risk factors for PAD based on new guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Emphasizing the importance of early detection, Ross offered actionable insights, such as testing those over 50 with diabetes or on statin therapy for PAD and conducting ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests on high-risk patients.

Ross also introduced a validated 9-question screening tool he has been utilizing for more than 25 years, to identify PAD risk factors and symptoms before they become clinically apparent. By implementing such tools, he noted providers can catch PAD earlier and initiate preventative care. Ross also shared practical tips on performing ABIs without advanced equipment and leveraging diagnostic codes for reimbursement, stressing that early intervention can prevent serious complications.

The conversation also explored disparities in PAD care, such as underutilization of statins and aspirin in vulnerable populations, and highlighted educational opportunities through the Society for Vascular Medicine’s annual conference. Ross and Ross concluded by celebrating the critical role PAs play in advancing vascular health and ensuring patients receive comprehensive, preventative care.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and our 

For more PAD screening resources from APAC, view the below PAD questionnaire. For more on the Society for Vascular Medicine 2025 course, check out the below information. 

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The APAC Recap

Too many scientific congresses or meetings and not enough time? Welcome to the APAC Recap! 

Co-hosted by the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC) and HCPLive, this multimedia series will bring you clinically relevant insights and perspectives from APAC members as they return from the dozens and dozens of meetings the group attends throughout the year. 

Structural Heart Disease

The discussion focused on recent advancements in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) diagnosis and management, emphasizing early detection and intervention. Key insights included testing high-risk individuals, such as those over 50 with diabetes or on statin therapy, and using ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests. A validated 9-question screening tool was introduced to identify PAD risk factors early. The conversation also addressed disparities in PAD care, particularly the underutilization of statins and aspirin in vulnerable populations, and highlighted educational opportunities for healthcare providers to improve vascular health outcomes.

Bob Ross, PA-C, shares expert insights on early PAD detection, updated guidelines, and practical tools to improve vascular health outcomes from CAPP 2024.




