The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) is delighted to announce Dr Dario Freitas as the 2026 Echocardiographer of the Year in partnership with the Advancing Healthcare Awards (AHA).
The Echocardiographer of the Year award recognises a healthcare scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to echocardiography. This award celebrates those who champion high-quality, standardised practice, improve patient pathways and outcomes, and support the development of colleagues at every stage of their careers.
The judges noted that Dr Freitas combines humility with outstanding leadership, driving the profession forward through AI implementation, mentorship and sharing best practice across the board. Guided by the belief that nurturing talent is the most rewarding part of healthcare, he is inspiring colleagues, advancing innovation and strengthening future clinical practice across services.
Dr Freitas said, “Echocardiography is a demanding specialty that requires technical expertise, clinical judgment, continuous learning, and the ability to make critical decisions that directly impact patient care. This award reflects years of dedication, and although I am incredibly proud to receive this recognition, it also belongs to the mentors, colleagues, and multidisciplinary teams who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey! I hope it demonstrates what clinical scientists and physiologists can achieve when given the opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.”
Ms Wendy Gamlin, President-Elect of the BSE said “It was a pleasure and a privilege to present our Echocardiographer of the Year award. Congratulations to our three outstanding finalists, each with unique and innovative contributions which have advanced echocardiography practice and service delivery in the UK. I’m absolutely delighted for Dario, whose commitment to pioneering safe and transformative clinical service models and developing colleagues through inclusive leadership, makes him a very worthy winner of this award.”
Ms Bex Parsons-Simmonds, Lead Critical Care Echo Specialist at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, was also highly commended by the judges.