Francesca Castagnoli, London/UK

Greetings, I am Dr. Francesca Castagnoli, a consultant radiologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, specialized in abdominal imaging and skin malignancies. My academic journey commenced at the University of Genova medical school. Subsequently I underwent radiology training at Spedali Civili – University of Brescia, graduating cum laude in 2020; during my training I undertook a research fellowship at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. My current research pursuits are centered around hepatobiliary and colorectal tumors. As a young ESGAR member, I appreciate the opportunity it provides to actively contribute and shape the future our community. The interactive and informal platform fosters networking, idea exchange, and collaborative efforts, making it a crucial space for trainees and young professionals to thrive and connect on a larger scale. Beyond the realm of medicine, I find solace in the resonance of piano keys and the exploration of diverse cultures through travel.

Katja De Paepe, Boston, MA/US

Hey there! I'm Katja De Paepe, a Belgian with a passion for exploration. After wrapping up my residency in Leuven, I hopped over to London, then Cambridge, before taking the big leap across the pond to Boston. Now working as an abdominal radiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess and Instructor at Harvard Medical School. At BIDMC, I wear many hats – Ultrasound Director, Educational Liason for Abdominal Imaging, and research mentor. My two loves? Liver and cancer imaging. I've got a PhD in whole-body MRI for lymphoma under my belt, but these days I'm all about cracking the code of imaging chronic liver disease. Being part of Young ESGAR has been fantastic. I get to meet fellow young rads, cook up exciting new ideas (ever heard of our Tricky Cases session?), and help steer abdominal radiology into the future. It's a great experience, and I'm loving every minute of it!

Marta Duczkowska, Copenhagen/DK

Hello! I'm Marta Duczkowska, originally from Szczecin, Poland, and currently based at Rigshospitalet University Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark.  My primary focus is on liver imaging, which drove me to pursue a PhD on the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis. I take pride in holding the ESGAR Certificate of Excellence in Abdominal Radiology and the European Diploma in Radiology. Alongside my passion for abdominal diagnostics, I also have a keen interest in prostate imaging. Being a member of Young ESGAR has allowed me to connect with fellow early-career professionals, contributing to the collective growth of our community. The opportunity to meet radiologists from diverse backgrounds is another advantage, and the laid-back atmosphere of the young community provides me with an ideal setting to explore new perspectives in the field. In my spare time I've recently embarked on an exciting chapter in the dynamic city of Copenhagen, mastering the art of biking. And I must admit - it does not always go so well.

Verena Obmann, Bern/Switzerland

My name is Verena Obmann and I am currently based at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland. After finishing my residency at the Inselspital Bern I accomplished a research fellowship at the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, US in quantitative abdominal MRI. Since my return in 2019 I am working in the abdominal imaging team of our department which I am leading since 2022. My field of expertise in imaging encompasses abdominal as well as genitourinary imaging, but my primary interest and area of research is multiparametric MRI of diffuse liver disease. Joining Young ESGAR in 2020 has been an enriching journey. It's not just about professional connections; I also found camaraderie and support among fellow young professionals.

Cäcilia Reiner, Zurich/Switzerland

I’m Cäcilia Reiner, originally from Vienna, Austria, based in Zurich, Switzerland since my Radiology residency. I pursued an academic career at the University Hospital of Zurich specialized in abdominal radiology. My heart beats for liver MRI and I also have a keen interest in pelvic floor imaging. Together with three other young abdominal radiologists, we were given the opportunity by ESGAR to build a Young ESGAR network giving young radiologists a voice within ESGAR. Working together with our senior mentors on one side and with young radiologists on the other side is a very fruitful experience. Beside radiology I love spending time in the mountains and at the lake – Zurich has a wonderful lake right in the city!

Carmelo Sofia, Messina/Italy

Hello! I'm Carmelo Sofia from Milazzo, Sicily, Italy, and I work at the University Hospital of Messina in the same region. I fell in love with ESGAR after attending the ESGAR Summer School in Modica in 2017, organized by Professor Brancatelli, where I met people who have since become dear friends. My desire to explore different cultures and environments led me to attend several clinical fellowships in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. My main areas of expertise include rectal cancer, peritoneal metastatic disease, emergency radiology, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and spectral CT. I enjoy creating connections between international radiological societies that share common aims and visions. Young ESGAR offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of people sharing experiences and knowledge, learning, and having fun while actively participating in ESGAR activities. In my spare time, I love travelling, taking photographs, attending concerts, playing guitar and ukulele.

Federica Vernuccio, Palermo/Italy

I am Federica Vernuccio, Associate Professor in Radiology at the University of Palermo. I trained and worked at University Hospital of Palermo (Italy), Beaujon Hospital in Clichy (France), Duke University in North Carolina (USA) and University Hospital of Padova (Italy). I earned a PhD degree at University of Palermo and at Université de Paris, with the additional label of Doctor Europaeus. I love all topics and research related to abdominal radiology, though I am mainly focused on liver and pancreatic imaging. I am a strong supporter of equity, diversity and equality in academics. I love being a member of the Young ESGAR because of the familliar, enjoyable and academically enriching athmosphere that I can always breath. Outside of work, you can find me at the seaside, or travelling around the world :-)

Ana Villanueva Campos, Madrid/Spain

Hello! I'm Ana Villanueva Campos, originally from Spain, currently based in Madrid after two fellowship programs in Canada at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto. I take pride in holding the European Board of Radiology (EDIR examination). My principal interests are liver imaging, endometriosis and bowel mainly malabsorptive diseases. Being a member of Young ESGAR has allowed me to connect with new enthusiastic worldwide abdominal radiologists. This is not only an open door for new research projects but also to improve competences as team work, management or communicative skills. Another advantage is the possibility of being involved in education activities, not only during the ESGAR annual meeting but on a daily basis such as engaging with social media community.