The British Society of Echocardiography ( BSE ) was formed in 1990 and exists to promote the study and advancement of ultrasound imaging and Doppler techniques in cardiology. It represents the interests of those working in clinical echocardiography at all levels, and in all areas. including adult and paediatric cardiology, cardiovascular research and teaching. With over 2300 members, it is the largest of the professional groups affiliated to the British Cardiac Society. It also has functional links to the Working Group on Echocardiography and the European Society of Cardiology.

Although originally intended to cater primarily for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland , it now has members in over 30 other countries in Europe , the Middle and Far East , North and South America and Africa.

Two scientific meetings area held each year: one in the spring, in conjunction with the British Cardiac Society's annual meeting, and the other in the autumn. Abstracts of all papers presented are published in Heart, thus gaining full international citation.

The BSE Autumn meeting caters for the interests of practising echocardiographers through invited presentations on clinical and technical aspects of ultrasound imaging and Doppler. All the leading equipment manufacturers attend the associated technical exhibition. The Social Event has established a reputation as one of the best and liveliest of its kind at any professional medical meeting.

The Society has a major interest in education and training of physicians and echocardiographers. It has published training guidelines and members can undertake a formal accreditation programme of written examinations and documented clinical experience. There are specialist options for adult ,TOE and community echocardiography. This is the only programme of its type in Europe and is accepted as evidence of competence by employers and those responsible for organising higher medical training in cardiology. In order to encompass continuing rapid advances in ultrasound technology and clinical applications, there is a need for continuing professional education. This is being addressed through a programme of regular re-accreditation.

In conjunction with the Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education, the BSE assesses and validates Degree programmes involving cardiac ultrasound. It represents UK interests on committees charged with coordination and harmonisation of training standards throughout Europe and co-operates with similar organisations in other countries.

Members receive regular Newsletters containing articles on topical professional matters, details of meetings and training courses, reports of overseas meetings, news items, job vacancies, etc.

The Society is a Registered Charity and is administered by a President and an elected Council. Membership is open to everyone associated with echocardiography including cardiologists, radiologists, anaesthetists and junior doctors; veterinarians, managerial, sales and technical staff of instrumentation companies, clinical scientists, medical physicists, cardiac physiologists and radiographers. Members are required to subscribe to the Society’s Rules and Code of Professional Conduct.