Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD)
Marianne H Khoury, Heather L Gornik
Vascular Medicine. Vol 22, Issue 3, 248 – 252. April 3, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1358863X17700716
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an uncommon vascular disease that affects the arteries of the body and is more commonly seen in women. Though FMD was first described in 1938, only in the past decade have there been major advances in the understanding of this condition. In 2017, FMD remains poorly understood by many medical professionals, and arriving at the right diagnosis can be difficult, even for patients who have symptoms of this disease.
Since ancient times and across many cultures, the tree has long been a symbol of many things, including wisdom, protection, strength, inter-connectivity, and life itself. We’ve chosen the tree to represent the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America for these reasons, and because the tree’s branches and roots signify the arteries affected by this disease. The tree’s branches, reaching upward and outward, provide protection and shelter, and represent our mission to help those who’ve been diagnosed with FMD. Trees, strengthened by their continuously spreading roots, symbolize how as we grow together we are stronger and more resilient. As with its growth from a delicate sapling to a giant robust tree, and as its branches and roots grow and spread, the tree symbol represents how we’ve evolved and continue to promote research, education and patient support throughout the years. Together we can achieve much, as we strive to reach for the sky.