During the SOLACI-SBHCI 2023 Congress, a special session was held to honor the great figures of interventional cardiology in Brazil and Latin America, whose leadership led to the greatness of the Latin American Society of Interventional Cardiology and the Brazilian Society of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology.
At the beginning of the session, Dr. Ricardo Costa (BRA) emphasized the importance of recognizing the work of the founders and gave the floor to Dr. Carlos Gottschall, former President of SBHCI, who recalled the major milestones of interventional cardiology in Brazil. He also praised the reliability and adventurous spirit of all the former Presidents of the Society.
Subsequently, Dr. Alexandre Abizaid (BRA), former president of both societies and an interventional cardiologist with an extensive career, took the floor. Dr. Abizaid highlighted that all present-day interventional cardiologists are who they are because of leaders like Dr. Eduardo Souza (BRA), Julio Palmaz (ARG), and Favaloro (ARG), “who changed the way we treat coronary diseases.” In that sense, he recalled a crucial quote from Dr. Souza when thinking about improving the quality of life of others: “the greatest risk of all is not taking risks.”
Next, Dr. Expedito Ribeiro (BRA) reminisced about the creation of the GLACI group (the seed of what later became SOLACI) and the work of Dr. Marco Antonio Martínez Ríos. He also praised the leadership of personalities such as Dr. Jorge Belardi (ARG), Dr. Hugo Londero (ARG), and Dr. Daniel Berrocal (ARG): “SOLACI’s main function is to promote interventional cardiology in Latin America, and today it is present in more than 20 countries.”
The doctors George Dangas (USA) and Bernard Prendergast (GBR) reinforced the international importance of societies like SOLACI and SBHCI and proposed looking towards the future to develop new collaborative projects.
Dr. José Mangione (BRA), former President of both societies, emphasized that the mission of both societies is “to contribute to the growth of interventional cardiology and foster the values of respect, ethics, honesty, responsibility, and teamwork.” He added: “All the values we have served to elevate our societies, and today we have the honor of having internationally recognized societies.”
Finally, Dr. Aníbal Damonte, President of SOLACI, pointed out that “we must be proud of the legacy we have built.” He added: “We can all be more than satisfied, but now we have to continue passing on this legacy to the new generations.” Lastly, he wished the best to Dr. Mario Araya, who will succeed him as President of SOLACI once the congress concludes.
All the presidents of both societies received a commemorative plaque and a heartfelt tribute from all present. Thank you for your legacy!
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