IN MEMORIAM
Professor Filipe Caseiro Alves (1958 - 2026)
With deep sadness, ESGAR mourns the passing of Professor Filipe Caseiro Alves, aged 67, after a long battle against cancer. A distinguished radiologist, academic and educator, Filipe was a dear friend and a cherished member of the ESGAR family. We remember not only his outstanding contribution to our Society and to radiology, but also the kindness, encouragement and friendship he shared with so many colleagues.
Born in Coimbra in 1958, Filipe graduated in medicine from the University of Coimbra in 1982. His early career included medical service in the underserved communities of Penela and Espinhal, and he completed his specialisation in radiology in 1990. In 2007, he was appointed Professor of Radiology and Head of the Imaging Department at the University Hospital of Coimbra. Throughout his career, he combined clinical practice, teaching and research. He also served as Director of the Medical Imaging Department of the Coimbra Local Health Unit and, at the time of his passing, was Clinical Director of Hospital da Luz Coimbra.
Filipe joined ESGAR in 1994 and became a Fellow in 2001. His commitment to the Society found memorable expression in 2007, when he served as Meeting President for the 18th ESGAR Annual Meeting and Postgraduate Course in Lisbon. With its outstanding scientific programme and welcoming atmosphere, the meeting reflected both his professional dedication and the warmth that colleagues remember so fondly. He served as ESGAR President from 2011 to 2013 and received the Gold Medal of ESGAR in 2016.
His scientific interests centred on hepatobiliary imaging, particularly liver imaging and focal liver lesions. Through research, lectures and editorial work, he shared his expertise widely, while contributing to Portuguese radiology and to the scientific and educational programmes of the European Congress of Radiology. His international standing was further recognised with the Gold Medal of the European Society of Radiology in 2018. Closer to home, the naming of the Medical Imaging Department's library at the Coimbra Local Health Unit in his honour was a particularly meaningful tribute from his colleagues.
Yet appointments and honours alone cannot capture what Filipe meant to those who knew him. Remembered as “a true friend and an inspiring and kind person”, he combined a passion for teaching with a deep commitment to supporting younger colleagues. He welcomed them into the ESGAR family, fostering relationships that helped shape their academic careers. His influence extended far beyond the knowledge he shared: he opened doors, nurtured confidence and gave others a lasting sense of belonging. A fitting tribute to his legacy is to offer future generations the same encouragement and support that he gave so freely.
For ESGAR, his loss is both professional and deeply personal. We have lost a respected former President and an exceptional teacher, but, above all, a dear friend. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Eduarda and his daughter Eduardinha, friends and colleagues. His legacy will endure in the work he advanced, the people he inspired and the friendships he nurtured.
Filipe will be deeply missed and remembered with lasting affection and gratitude by the ESGAR family.
“The loss of Filipe leaves a large void for all of us. The ESGAR family is mourning. Filipe was a bright star among us, a charismatic personality radiating friendship and exceptional human values and virtues. A pillar and a beacon of ESGAR and its Parnassus circle. He was an unsurpassed teacher and mentor of many and a highly respected, admired and recognized leader, whose outstanding scientific contribution, influence and mark will be always present and acknowledged. We will always remember our close friend Filipe.”
Nick Gourtsoyiannis, ESGAR President (1997-2000)
“His humanity, his warmth, his humor. His incredible smile stayed with him until the very end. We miss him so much.”
Marc Zins, ESGAR President (2023-2025)
"Personally, I've lost a great friend of more than 35 years.
There are no words to describe the pain I feel, even though I know he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family."
Celso Matos, ESGAR President (2015-2017)
“Filipe will always remain in our hearts and minds. We will always remember him with gratitude for all the wonderful years of friendship we were fortunate to share. Here he is with Eduarda, being recognized as an International Honorary Member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Medicine. God bless him.”
Luis Marti-Bonmati, ESGAR President (2013-2015)
“The loss of Filipe is deeply felt by all of us. I have a fond memory of the last time I met Filipe – despite his severe and insidious illness, he still radiated so much warmth and stayed incredibly optimistic.”
Borut Marincek, ESGAR President (2007-2009)
“I realise once again that he was not only a great leader in ESGAR, but above all a very special friend - someone whose warmth and genuine interest in people made you feel good simply by being with him. I feel very privileged to have known Filipe and to have shared so many moments with him over the years. He will be deeply missed. I will always remember his smile…”
Regina Beets-Tan, ESGAR President (2019-2021)
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of our very special friend, Filipe. My thoughts are with Eduarda and the whole family. I can still remember the first time I met him at a Portuguese interventional meeting and the warmth and friendliness that exuded from him. That warmth persisted between us over all the ensuing years and Linda and I greatly anticipated his company at ESGAR.”
Roger Frost, ESGAR President (2000-2003)
“Filipe's departure is hard for all of us. My first thoughts go out to Eduarda and their daughter. He was a loving husband and a caring father, and Eduarda so often joined in the life of ESGAR. Throughout all these years, we shared moments of science and friendship with him. He was exceptionally warm-hearted and very attentive to others. He was an outstanding teacher—one of those lecturers whose talks you always wished would go on forever, so effortlessly did he make the most complex concepts engaging and clear. He was a positive personality, optimistic even in adversity, and loyal to his commitments. It was always a pleasure to talk with him about all things in life. We are going to miss him dearly.”
Yves Menu, ESGAR President (2009-2011)
“Our fond memories of Filipe are linked to both professional and personal moments over decades, and his absence will be deeply felt. We will not only remember his professional stature, but also his personal warmth, his friendly presence and the many conversations shared over the years.”
Christoph and Minerva Becker
“Smiling, elegant, always attentive to the needs of others, ready to joke around and a lover of football. This is what we will remember of Felipe apart from his professional role. An immense loss for all of us. Sincere condolences to Eduarda and Eduardinha.”
Andrea Laghi, ESGAR President (2021-2023)