The increasing demand for fully trained vascular surgeons in the UK has highlighted the need for urgent review of that training. Such a review must examine the number of trainees required and the number and role of teaching centres. Vascular surgical training should only take place where an integrated approach, including experience in interventional radiology and intensive care, is available. The relationship of vascular to general surgery must now be defined with training needs in mind if we are to provide an appropriate service within the next decade.