The Colombian Association of Radiology: A History of Professional Growth and Academic Development
A fundamental chapter in the history of the Colombian Radiology began on July 12, 1945, when the Colombian Society of Radiology (SCR) was founded through the initiative of Gonzalo Esguerra Gómez and 23 colleagues.
Esguerra Gómez had trained in radiology in Paris between 1922 and 1923 at Vaugirard Hospital under the guidance of Professor Claude Béclère, one of the pioneers of French radiology. Upon returning to Colombia, his experience and knowledge contributed significantly to the development and consolidation of the medical specialty in the country.
Nearly five decades later, in 1993, the Colombian Society of Radiology adopted its current name, the Colombian Association of Radiology (ACR). The change was accompanied by amendments to its statutes and regulations, strengthening its administrative organization and reinforcing its role as a scientific and professional institution.
Building a Legal Framework for Radiology
One of the ACR’s most significant professional achievements was its participation in the process that led to the enactment of Law 657 of 2001, known as the Colombian Law of Radiology approved by the Congress in June of that year.
The law established a legal framework for the practice of radiology in Colombia and defined requirements concerning professional practice and the training necessary to perform specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
The need for legislation had become increasingly evident during the 1990s, when rapid advances in diagnostic imaging technologies were transforming medical practice while certain areas lacked a specific regulatory framework. This was particularly apparent in ultrasound, where professionals with different levels of training were performing and interpreting imaging examinations.
Law 657 established that radiology should be practiced by physicians specialized in radiology and diagnostic imaging. It also defined circumstances in which specialists from other medical fields could use specific imaging modalities within their respective areas of expertise, provided they had appropriate academic training.
The legislation also recognized the Colombian Association of Radiology as an advisory and consultative body on matters related to the practice of the specialty. This provision strengthened the association’s role in discussions concerning the professional development and regulation of radiology in Colombia.
In 2009, the ACR established a Legal Committee to further strengthen mechanisms for compliance with existing legislation. The committee reviews concerns and complaints related to the practice of radiology and analyzes bills and regulatory proposals presented by the national government that may affect the specialty.
Bringing Radiology Closer to Patients
The evolution of radiology in Colombia has extended beyond professional and scientific development. In 2017, the ACR launched Radiología para la Vida (“Radiology for Life”), an initiative designed to provide patients and referring physicians with clear and accessible information about medical imaging.
The program explains different imaging techniques, diagnostic procedures, interventional radiology, and the role of radiologists in patient care. It also develops educational material related to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of various diseases.
Its initiatives have addressed conditions including stroke; breast, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancers; and peripheral arterial disease. Through these efforts, the ACR seeks to bring radiology closer to the community and emphasize the essential role of diagnostic imaging throughout the healthcare process.
A Bridge Between Colombia and France
International cooperation has also become an important part of the ACR’s development. The association currently maintains cooperation agreements with 24 scientific associations and societies across three continents.
Among these international relationships, the partnership with the French Society of Radiology (Société Française de Radiologie, SFR) occupies a special place. The institutional relationship between the ACR and the SFR formally began in 2014 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding that has subsequently been renewed. Since then, the partnership has promoted academic and scientific exchange between radiologists from Colombia and France.
One of the first joint activities was the Franco-Colombian Course on Musculoskeletal Radiology, held in Cartagena de Indias in January 2014. Three years later, in August 2017, the French Society of Radiology participated as a special guest society at the Colombian Congress of Radiology, also held in Cartagena.
These exchanges have created opportunities for French professors to participate in different editions of the Colombian Congress of Radiology and, in turn, for Colombian radiologists to participate in the French Radiology Congress (Journées Francophones de Radiologie, JFR).
These exchanges have enabled French professors to participate in various editions of the Colombian Congress of Radiology and, reciprocally, have provided Colombian professors with opportunities to participate in the French Radiology Congress (Journées Francophones de Radiologie, JFR).
In 2026, the relationship reaches another significant milestone: Colombia is the Guest Country of Honor at JFR 2026. The distinction reflects more than a decade of scientific cooperation, and the strong academic ties developed between the radiological communities of Colombia and France.
Representatives of the French Society of Radiology and the Colombian Association of Radiology during the 42nd Colombian Congress of Radiology. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, August 2017.
A National and International Community
Today, the Colombian Association of Radiology has 11 regional chapters, more than 1,600 members in Colombia, and over 300 corresponding members abroad.
Radiology residents are an important part of this community. More than 300 residents representing the country’s 18 university-based radiology training programs, are currently associates of the ACR. To support the academic and professional development of these future specialists, the ACR maintains a National Residents Program. The initiative seeks to identify residents’ needs, challenges, and expectations; promote scientific and professional activities relevant to their training; and encourage their participation in the association’s committees and working groups.
Eight Decades of Colombian Radiology
Over more than eight decades, the Colombian Association of Radiology has evolved from a scientific society founded by a group of pioneers into an organization with a strong national and international presence.
Its activities now encompass scientific advancement, medical education, professional development and advocacy, international cooperation, and initiatives aimed at patients and the broader community.
One of the principal platforms for bringing these activities together is the Colombian Congress of Radiology (CCR). Organized annually by the ACR, the congress has become an important meeting point for radiologists and other healthcare professionals from Colombia and abroad. In May 2027, the CCR will celebrate its 50th edition, marking another milestone in the history of Colombian radiology.
The history of the Colombian Association of Radiology is, in many ways, a reflection of the evolution of the specialty itself. From the introduction of early X-ray equipment to today’s sophisticated image-guided diagnostic and interventional procedures, radiology has undergone profound technological and clinical transformations.