1974 – The year Denmark’s car-free Sundays came to an end, and then the U.S. President
Nixon announced his resignation following the Watergate scandal, with Vice President
Ford taking over. It was the year Mohammed Ali reclaimed the World Boxing Championship
title, and John Lennon performed his last live appearance as a guest at an Elton John
concert in New York.
1974 – was also the year when a group of ultrasound enthusiasts founded the Danish Society
for Ultrasound Diagnostics (DUDS). Fifty years later, we celebrated the anniversary
in the most beautiful surroundings at Domus Medica in Copenhagen.
There were many lectures, especially early in the day, recounting a bygone time when
ultrasound machines were not widely available or present in every hospital department.
Founders of DUDS, past presidents of DUDS, ultrasound pioneers, and trailblazers were
honored – particularly DUDS’ first president and the “inventor” of interventional
ultrasound, Hans Henrik Holm, who was remembered through anecdotes, great stories,
and pictures. As a younger DUDS member, it is now clear how significant a role Denmark
has played in the history of ultrasound, thanks to these dedicated individuals.
We also heard presentations about the latest trends in ultrasound within specific
organ systems, and seven young doctors shared their ultrasound research – setting
the stage for defining the future of ultrasound.
The day concluded with the general assembly in the library, complete with sparkling
drinks, followed by a dinner where conversations spanned generations – from medical
students to retired physicians – and specialties – from radiology to ENT, and from
ultrasound-interested radiographers to rheumatologists. That is what ultrasound can
do – serve as a common interest for many, a tool in our clinical practice, and the
foundation of our research.
Thank you to everyone who participated, to everyone behind this wonderful day, to
the industry, and to all ultrasound enthusiasts, now and in the future.
On behalf of the board,
Pia Iben Pietersen
