Annual General Assembly of the Royal Belgian Society of Radiology (RBRS), Leuven, 26.11.2013

Abstract

Founded in 1895 as the Belgian Radiological Society by a handful of enthusiastic surgeons and physicians, the current Royal Belgian Radiological Society (RBRS) has grown into a vibrant mainly scientific society with more than thirteen hundred members. Due to the remarkable contribution of its members, mastering without delay the technological and technical innovations and their clinical expertise, the RBRS has consolidated its influence not only nationally but also internationally mainly through its affiliation with the European Society of Radiology and the organization of the International (global) Congress of Radiology on Brussels in 1981. Remaining a national organization, it has maintained a critical manpower fostering mutual emulation for excellence in research and clinical work. In consideration of the trend towards sub-specialization initiated by neuroradiology, different subspecialized sections have been created and more recently a rapprochement with the more professionally oriented organization the National Union of Radiologists is on its way. Without going into much detail the historical development of the RBRS will be revisited and major events highlighted during four successive periods: before WWI, between WWI and WWII, from the end of WWII to the sixties, and from the seventies to today. Finally, future possible challenges will be envisaged.