It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Jan Peregrin, a visionary in interventional radiology and beloved teacher of many.
Prof. Peregrin profoundly shaped the field of interventional radiology in the Czech Republic and beyond. Serving as the Head of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague for many years, he was a trailblazer in renal and vascular interventions, his career spanning decades of innovation, mentorship, and dedication to his patients.
After starting his medical journey in diagnostic radiology, Prof. Peregrin quickly gravitated toward the then-nascent specialty of cardiovascular and interventional radiology, fascinated by its innovative spirit and ability to help patients in a minimally invasive way. He not only mastered diagnostic angiography and peripheral balloon angioplasty but also played a key role in the early development of coronary angiography in the Czech Republic. He trained several Czech interventional cardiologists who later became prominent experts in the field, but eventually decided to quit cardiology to fully concentrate on both vascular and non-vascular interventional radiological procedures.
Jan Peregrin loved sharing his knowledge with the next generation, making him a passionate educator. He was appointed full Professor at Charles University in 2008 and lectured extensively at its faculties in Prague and Hradec Králové. He also shared his expertise overseas, working at the University Hospital in Kuwait from 1984 to 1987, where he helped introduce peripheral angioplasty – a milestone for the region.
Prof. Peregrin’s contributions to interventional radiology education are unmatched. He strongly contributed to CIRSE congresses and ESIR courses and was the driving force behind the Prague International Workshops on Interventional Radiology from 1994 to 2002. His tireless efforts helped secure official subspecialty status for interventional radiology in the Czech Republic, where he served as the chief examiner for the national board certification. A prolific scholar, he authored or co-authored over 200 scientific papers and book chapters and presented at countless international congresses.
His leadership within CIRSE was instrumental in guiding the society through years of growth. He served as CIRSE Treasurer (2005), Vice-President (2007–2009), and President (2009–2011), and organized the memorable 1999 Annual Meeting in Prague. To honour his contribution to the development of the society and interventional radiology at large, Prof. Peregrin was awarded the CIRSE Gold Medal in 2014.
Professor Peregrin will be remembered not only for his remarkable clinical and academic achievements, but also for his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He trained and inspired generations of radiologists and interventionalists who now carry forward his mission to advance patient care through innovation and education.
Despite his many professional accolades, Jan Peregrin was a humble man, always ready to help but never overbearing. His kindness and dry humour will be fondly remembered by many.
Professor Peregrin passed away on May 17th among his loved ones. He is survived by his family, his colleagues at IKEM, and countless students, peers, and patients who had the privilege to know him.
