Leigh Ann O’Banion, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCSF-Fresno Branch Campus, where she is engaged in the full time practice of providing vascular care to a largely underserved community in Fresno. She is recognized as an accomplished clinical vascular surgeon, with particular expertise in PAD and amputation prevention. Dr. O’Banion is a passionate advocate for improving access to vascular care and improving vascular health equity and literacy in her community and beyond. She developed the CHAMPIONS program and has worked closely with industry partners and our Foundation to advance a feasible and high quality model for community vascular screening and evidence based research. She is sought after as a mentor by numerous students and trainees attracted to her mission and passion. Dr. O’Banion was recognized at our recent Circulate! Gala as the 2024 “Vascular Hero”  for these efforts. She is the recipient of the 2020 Western Vascular Society Founder’s Research Award and the 2021 UCSF Fresno Faculty Research Award. In addition to her medical acument, she brings her creativity, passion, and communication skills to our Board.