Cartagena, Colombia — May 14, 2026 — The International Society of Radiology (ISR) will honor two of the most influential figures in global medical imaging, Lluís Donoso-Bach, MD, PhD, and Ricardo Daniel García Mónaco, MD, PhD, with its highest distinction, the ISR Béclère Medal, during the International Congress of Radiology (ICR) 2026 in Cartagena, Colombia.
The Béclère Medal recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of radiology and to international collaboration in medical imaging. As part of this recognition, Dr. Donoso-Bach will deliver the ISR Walter Fuchs Plenary Lecture, and Dr. García Mónaco will present the ISR Béclère Plenary Lecture.
Dr. Donoso-Bach is widely recognized for his leadership in academic radiology, innovation in medical imaging, and commitment to advancing global healthcare strategy. He currently serves as president of the Foundation Món Clínic Barcelona and the Foundation España Salud, and as emeritus consultant in the at Hospital Clínic BarcelonaResearch and Innovation Department. He is also director of the University of Barcelona–Siemens healthcare chair and a corresponding academic member of the Royal National Academy of Medicine of Spain.
Over a distinguished career spanning decades, Dr. Donoso-Bach has held key leadership roles, including Chairman of Radiology at UDIAT Diagnostic Centre and head of medical imaging at Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. His work has evolved from abdominal imaging and liver disease to pioneering efforts in digital imaging and the integration of information technology in radiology. Under his leadership, research teams developed patented technologies that are now widely implemented across Spain.
An internationally respected leader, Dr. Donoso-Bach has served as president of the ISR, the European Society of Radiology, the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology, and the International Society for Strategic Studies in Radiology. His contributions extend beyond imaging into global health policy through his work with The Lancet Commission on diagnostics and The Lancet Oncology Commission on medical imaging and nuclear medicine. He has authored more than 90 scientific publications and numerous book chapters, and his achievements have been recognized with multiple gold medals and honorary memberships from radiological societies worldwide.
Dr. Ricardo Daniel García Mónaco is a pioneering figure in interventional radiology and a driving force behind education and innovation in the field across Latin America and beyond. A professor of radiology at the University of Buenos Aires, he has held numerous leadership roles, including head of interventional radiology and endovascular therapy and chairman of the department of radiology at Hospital Italiano of Buenos Aires.
Dr. García Mónaco’s career has been defined by his dedication to advancing interventional radiology through clinical excellence, research, and education. He has authored more than 250 scientific papers, contributed to over 70 books, and delivered more than 500 presentations at national and international meetings. He also founded Argentina’s first formal fellowship program in vascular and interventional radiology and established one of the most influential interventional oncology educational courses in Latin America.
A past president of the ISR, Dr. García Mónaco has played a central role in shaping international radiology collaboration and education. He was instrumental in developing early virtual education initiatives within ISR and co-led the organization’s first virtual congress of radiology in 2018—an innovative effort that expanded global access to radiology education. His leadership has also extended to the Argentine Society of Radiology, the Inter-American College of Radiology, and numerous international committees and advisory groups.
Throughout their careers, Drs. Donoso-Bach and García Mónaco have shared a commitment to advancing radiology through innovation, education, and international partnership. Their contributions have strengthened the global radiology community and improved access to high-quality imaging worldwide.
“The ISR Béclère Medal recognizes individuals whose work has fundamentally shaped the field of radiology on a global scale,” said ISR President Bibb Allen Jr, MD, FACR. “Dr. Donoso-Bach and Dr. García Mónaco exemplify the vision, collaboration, and dedication that continue to move our profession forward.”
The awards and plenary lectures will take place during ICR 2026, bringing together radiology leaders, clinicians, and researchers from around the world to share knowledge and advance the future of medical imaging.
About the International Society of Radiology
The International Society of Radiology is dedicated to advancing radiology education, promoting global collaboration, and improving access to medical imaging worldwide.
