The Scientific Cooperation Model of the Musculoskeletal Sections of the National Belgian and Dutch Societies of Radiology

Abstract

This history page is dedicated to the history of the Musculoskeletal Sections of the Belgian Society of Radiology and the Dutch Society of Radiology that take part in the continuing education of musculoskeletal radiology in their respective countries. Since 2008, these societies have worked together and organized a joint annual meeting dedicated to the field of musculoskeletal radiology.

 

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Keywords

Belgian Society of Radiology - Dutch Society of Radiology - musculoskeletal - history

The Royal Belgian Radiological Society, renamed the Belgian Society of Radiology (BSR) in 2013, was founded March 31, 1898, soon after the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895.[1] Similarly, the Dutch Society of Radiology (NVvR) dates back to April 14, 1901.[2]

The BSR currently has > 900 members in good standing. The NVvR has ∼ 1,200 active members, in addition to junior and retired members.

Both societies support the profession of radiology, ensure quality, and foster the scientific and professional interests of their members. They maintain close contact with the government in each country, national- and international-related sister societies, and other stakeholders in the imaging community.

The BSR publishes the Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology that provides open-access content on all aspects of diagnostic and interventional radiology, including musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology.

Whereas initially radiology practice was the task of general radiologists, an ever increasing need for organ-based subspecialization became apparent at the end of the previous century. To respond to this need, in 1992 the (Royal) Belgian Society of Radiology established subdivisions (also known as sections) under its umbrella, dedicated to organ-based subspecialties in radiology: MSK, abdominal, chest, neuroradiology, head and neck, breast, and pediatric imaging. Each section is led by a president and a secretary, who are well-known senior radiologists and experts in their specialty.

The founding presidents of the MSK sections in Belgium were the late professor Arthur De Schepper from Antwerp and professor Baudouin Maldague from Brussels.[3] A similar structure was introduced in the NVvR. Professor Hans Bloem, Henk-Jan Van der Woude, and Monique Reijnierse made up the founding committee of the Dutch MSK section ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Founding committee of the musculoskeletal section of the Dutch Society of Radiology in 2008. From left to right: Hans Bloem (member), Henk-Jan Van der Woude (secretary), and Monique Reijnierse (president).

In the Netherlands, the MSK section has ∼ 400 members; membership in the MSK section is open to all BSR members in good standing. Members of the Dutch MSK sections are automatically also members of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR).

The Belgian and Dutch societies organize scientific meetings, conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs for radiologists and radiology professionals throughout the year. Radiology residents are encouraged to present recent scientific research and interesting case studies at the section meetings. In addition, senior MSK radiologists deliver keynote lectures with a rich educational content.

In 2008, the Belgian and Dutch MSK sections decided to organize joint activities on a regular basis, alternately in Belgium and the Netherlands. The inaugural meeting on magnetic resonance arthrography was organized in Leiden, followed by annual meetings in Antwerp, Nijmegen, Mechelen, ‘s- Hertogenbosch, and Duffel. Due to the Covid pandemic, there was a short interruption in 2020–2022, but the societies reconnected in 2023 with successful meetings in Mechelen (2023) and Rotterdam (2024).

The best paper presented by a junior member < 35 years of age is awarded a prize. Each scientific meeting concludes with an outdoor meal in a friendly atmosphere, offering opportunities for networking ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 Photograph of Monique Reijnierse, the late Arthur De Schepper, and Filip Vanhoenacker at the dinner following the scientific meeting held in Mechelen, Belgium, in 2012.

Conclusion

By bringing MSK radiologists together through joint scientific meetings, the exchange of ideas, and the support of young talent, the Belgian and Dutch national radiology societies and their European link with ESSR contribute greatly to the future of MSK radiology in Europe.

 

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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

• References

• 1 Belgian Society of Radiology. History. Available at: https://www.bsr-web.be/about/bsr/history . Accessed March 20, 2025
• 2 Dutch Society of Radiology. Introduction. Available at: https://radiologen.nl/nvvr/introducing-nvvr . Accessed March 20, 2025
• 3 De Schepper A, Vanhoenacker F. The osteo-articular section of the RBRS, a fifteen-year-old story. JBR-BTR 2007; 90 (05) 313

Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2025