Interview: Dr. Miguel Casares Santiago, ECIO 2024 local host chairperson
ECIO 2024 draws closer – the meeting will take place from April 28-May 1 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. We spoke to Dr. Miguel Casares Santiago, who is the local host of the upcoming conference, for a quick interview on IO in Spain and what he is looking forward to at ECIO 2024.
CIRSE: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your hospital?
Casares Santiago: I am an interventional radiologist with more than 20 years of experience. I have worked in several hospitals in Spain and even in Saudi Arabia. I finally came to Palma de Mallorca to fulfil my dream of living by the sea. I love surfing, wind surfing, sailing and diving. I currently work in a group of private hospitals on the island, where we strive to provide the broadest and most up-to-date coverage of interventional procedures possible.
CIRSE: What is the status of IO in Spain?
Currently, IO is, in my opinion, the basic pillar of the survival and growth of IR as a specialty. Still, aorta and peripheral endovascular procedures are dominated by vascular surgeons in most hospitals in Spain, and bile duct and urologic procedures are variable, depending on the experience of urologists and digestive surgeons.
CIRSE: How is the ECIO 2024 local host committee working to promote ECIO?
We are working on promoting the congress on our social networks, at an individual level with fellow oncologists in our hospitals and we are trying to close an agreement with the AECC, the most powerful cancer patient organization in Spain.
Dr. Casares Santiago at work with his team in Palma.
Dr. Casares Santiago, left, has also served as a member of CIRSE’s Endovascular subcommittee, pictured here in 2019.
CIRSE: What are you personally most looking forward to at ECIO 2024?
The best part of any congress is reconnecting with colleagues. I always enjoy commenting on the talks once the congress work is finished more than even the talk itself!
CIRSE: What do you feel that the global community should learn from Spanish IOs and IRs?
I think we are an example of parity; we have the highest number of interventionist women in Europe!
CIRSE: What are your top picks that even the busiest congress attendee should be sure not to miss while in Palma?
First of all, everybody should try to stay a couple of extra days in Palma, there are lots of hidden treasures. I recommend renting a car and doing a small road trip, which includes Valldemossa, and the Sa Foradada viewpoint, which are close to Palma and are very worth it. If you are more ambitious, the Pollensa viewpoint and the Formentor lighthouse are idyllic places, although they are further from the city.
Sa Foradada viewpoint, not far from Palma.
Pollensa viewpoint
It’s not too late to register! Explore the links below to sign up and get ready for ECIO 2024.