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
