SAR 2026: Advancing Abdominal Imaging While Strengthening Community

This year’s annual meeting in Fajardo, Puerto Rico highlighted innovation, education, collaboration, and a growing global community.Against the sweeping coastal backdrop of El Conquistador Resort, the 2026 Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) Annual Meeting delivered cutting-edge science alongside the strong sense of community that defines the organization. 

With more than 1,000 attendees and over 450 live presenters contributing to a robust, multi-day program, SAR 2026 showcased the depth and evolution of abdominal imaging while maintaining the collegial, highly interactive environment that members value most. This meeting really reflects the dual mission of SAR, advancing science while delivering meaningful education,” said Katherine Maturen, MD, clinical professor of radiology and associate chair of radiology communications and development at the University of Michigan, and current SAR president.

We are committed to generating new knowledge that improves how we practice, and just as importantly, ensuring that knowledge reaches clinicians in a way that can truly impact patient care.

That balance between discovery and application is central to SAR’s identity. As abdominal imaging becomes increasingly specialized, the society continues to serve as a bridge between innovation and clinical practice. “It’s not enough to develop new evidence,” Maturen added. “We also have to communicate it effectively, so radiologists understand how and why to evolve their practice.” This year’s program reflected that philosophy. From plenary sessions and scientific presentations to hands-on workshops and multidisciplinary discussions, the meeting offered something for radiologists at every stage of their careers. The scale alone was impressive, with hundreds of expert speakers contributing across subspecialties, reinforcing SAR’s role as a leading global forum for abdominal imaging.

Reflecting on her 20 years attending SAR meetings, Maturen emphasized that the benefits extend well beyond the lecture halls. “The sense of community is just as important as the educational content,” she wrote in her welcome letter. “It’s the opportunity to connect with colleagues who motivate us, broaden our perspectives, and make the experience truly memorable.” That sense of connection is no accident. SAR intentionally selects destination venues that encourage attendees to bring their families and engage outside of meeting rooms. From networking receptions overlooking the Caribbean to dedicated social events and excursions, the structure of the meeting is designed to foster lasting professional relationships.

Rajan Gupta, MD, vice chair of clinical affairs and professor of radiology at Duke Radiology, and SAR director of member engagement, sees that balance as essential to the society’s continued success. 

We want this meeting to provide world-class education, he said, but also to create an experience where people build relationships that keep them coming back year after year.

Gupta also highlighted SAR’s broader strategic vision. “We want to be the society that clinicians turn to when they want to engage with abdominal radiologists,” he said. “That means leading in science, education, and mentorship, while also strengthening the pipeline of future imagers.” That pipeline has become a major focus for SAR. The Society has expanded trainee support, increased research funding opportunities, and introduced new initiatives aimed at early-career radiologists. “We want young members to feel that this is their professional home,” Gupta said, noting the expansion of travel awards and mentorship programming.

For Antonio Westphalen, MD, professor of radiology and abdominal imaging section chief at the University of Washington, who leads internal and external relations for SAR, the society’s culture fosters relationships that benefit personal and professional growth. 

This is a place where people build meaningful networks,” he said. “Those connections lead to collaboration, mentorship, and ultimately better patient care.

SAR’s broader infrastructure encourages interaction beyond the annual meeting. Westphalen pointed to the society’s disease-focused panels, which bring together radiologists and clinical collaborators to develop guidelines, advance research, and address evolving challenges across subspecialties. “We are helping define abdominal radiology as a specialty and advancing it through collaboration,” he said.

Industry support was another key component of SAR 2026, with 20 commercial partners contributing to educational programming and innovation showcases. Focused sessions and interactive activities created opportunities for meaningful exchange between clinicians and industry, helping to shape the future of imaging. According to Gupta, all participants benefit from “one of the strongest concentrations of expertise in abdominal radiology.”

Despite its growth, SAR remains intentional about preserving its character. “We’re not focused on growth for its own sake,” Maturen said. “We want to maintain the environment that allows people to connect in a meaningful way.” For many attendees, that balance between scientific rigor and personal connection is what sets SAR apart. SAR will bring that same blend of innovation and community to its 2027 annual meeting, scheduled for February 28 to March 5, 2027, in Carlsbad, California, at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.