The Vascular Institute of AMI”s Dr. Mike Watts has been named the 2026 Vascular Interventional Radiologist of the Year by the Global PAD Association as part of the 2026 Global PAD Impact Awards, a patient-nominated recognition program honoring phsicians, healthcare teams, researchers, innovators and organizations helping change the future of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) care.
The award is presented during PAD Awareness Month, thereby further raising awareness of a cardiovascular disease that remains largely under recognized despite its potentially dire consequences. Peripheral Artery Disease is caused by plaque buildup that reduces blood flow, most commonly to the legs, and is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, loss of mobility, amputation and death.
“Too many people still do not know what PAD is until the disease has already impacted their lives,” said Kym McNicholas, Founder and CEO ot the Global PAD Association. “These awards provide us with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and teams making a difference while also helping patients understand the warning signs, the importance of early diagnosis, the benefits of walking and medical management, and the need to understand their options when PAD becomes advanced.”
“We are very proud of Dr. Watts, and this award reflects the exceptional care that he and the entire Vascular Institute team provide every day,” said Dr. David Levi, CEO of AMI. “They make a profound difference in the lives of the patients whom they serve.”
Dr. Watts is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology from the American Board of Radiology and Fellowship trained in Interventional Radiology. His areas of clinical expertise include advanced peripheral arterial disease, minimally invasive cancer treatment, venous disease and management of portal hypertension.
The Global PAD Impact Awards grew from the experiences of patients and families living with PAD. The program recognizes excellence across the full continuum of care, including prevention, diagnosis, walking and exercise therapy, cardiovascular risk reduction, revascularization, wound care, limb preservation, multidisciplinary care, research, innovation and compassionate patient support.
About Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a form of cardiovascular disease in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow, most often to the legs. Symptoms can include leg pain or cramping with walking, reduced walking distance, numbness or weakness, cold feet, color changes, and wounds on the feet or toes that are slow to heal. Advanced PAD can progress to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which can place a limb and a patient’s life at risk.
About the Global PAD Association
The Global PAD Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, improving education, supporting patients, advancing access to expert care, and helping people living with Peripheral Artery Disease navigate diagnosis and treatment. Through its free Leg Saver Hotline, educational programming, physician network, walking initiatives, and clinical trial navigation, the organization works to save life and limb.
About AMI
Atlantic Medical Imaging (AMI) is a quality-driven medical imaging practice committed to clinical excellence by providing innovative service and compassionate care. With more than 80 board certified radiologists and vascular surgeons with extensive training in various medical subspecialties, over 900 staff members and 29 office locations in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Monmouth Counties, AMI is one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of vascular and imaging services in New Jersey. For more information, call 609-677-XRAY (9729).
About the Vascular Institute at AMI
The Vascular Institute at AMI is one of only a handful of vascular practices in the country that offers multi-specialty expertise in both Vascular Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery. The Vascular Institute at AMI provides a wide range of minimally invasive treatment options for peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins, fibroid and infertility, vertebral augmentation, dialysis intervention and access maturation, and other vascular conditions. The minimally invasive approach allows patients to get the highly specialized care they need without spending time in the hospital. It also helps patients to recover faster and with significantly less discomfort as compared to traditional surgery.
For more information, call 866-356-9286, or visit www.vi-ami.com.