The AIUM Recognizes Leaders in Medical Ultrasound at 2026 Annual Convention

From May 27-30th, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) will convene leading practitioners, educators, and researchers in ultrasound medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 AIUM Annual Convention: The Ultrasound Event. In addition to hosting dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and expert presentations, the Annual Convention serves as the AIUM’s forum for recognizing individuals whose work continues to shape the future of medical ultrasound. 

The multi-day Annual Convention will host a ceremony during which AIUM leadership will recognize professionals who have made outstanding contributions, driven innovation, and created a lasting impact across the field of medical ultrasound. 

“Each year, The Ultrasound Event brings together the best minds in the field to share knowledge, highlight advances, and set the direction for the future of medical ultrasound,” said David C. Jones, MD, President of the AIUM, who will also preside over the 2026 awards ceremony. “This event gives us the opportunity not only to learn from one another, but also to celebrate those whose leadership, service, and discoveries continue to elevate the practice of ultrasound and improve patient care worldwide.” 

Individuals to be honored at the 2026 AIUM Annual Convention include recipients of the following awards: 

William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award – J. Brian Fowlkes, PhD, FAIUM 

The William J. Fry Memorial Award will be presented to  J. Brian Fowlkes, PhD, FAIUM, for his outstanding contributions to the scientific progress of medical diagnostic ultrasound. This award honors those who have made significant strides in their specific field within ultrasound. 

Dr. Fowlkes is a Professor of Radiology and of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award – Giancarlo Mari, MD, MBA, FAIUM, FACOG, FAGOS 

The Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award will be presented to Giancarlo Mari, MD, MBA, FAIUM, FACOG, FAGOS, who has demonstrated remarkable contributions to ultrasound medicine, particularly in clinical research. 

Dr. Mari is Senior Faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. 

Joseph H. Holmes Basic Science Pioneer Award – Shigao Chen, PhD, FAIUM, FNAI, FIAMBE, FAIMBE 

The Joseph H. Holmes Basic Science Pioneer Award will be given to Shigao Chen, PhD, FAIUM, FNAI, FIAMBE, FAIMBE for his exceptional research in the field of ultrasound and its scientific foundation. 

Dr. Chen is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, as well as a Professor of Radiology, at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. 

Distinguished Sonographer Award – Mishella Perez, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FAIUM 

The Distinguished Sonographer Award will be presented to Mishella Perez, BS, RDMS, RDCS, FAIUM, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the growth and development of medical ultrasound throughout her career. This award recognizes and honors current or retired AIUM members whose outstanding contributions warrant special merit. 

Ms. Perez is currently earning her Master of Health Science degree with a concentration in Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University at Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Sciences in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is also a Clinical Ultrasound Educator at Scripps Health in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in San Diego, California. 

Peter H. Arger Excellence in Medical Student Education Award – Barry Knapp, MD, FACEP, RDMS 

The Peter H. Arger Excellence in Medical Student Education Award will honor Barry Knapp, MD, FACEP, RDMS, for his exceptional efforts and contributions to the development of medical ultrasound education. 

Dr. Knapp is the Chidester Endowed Chair of Emergency Medicine and Professor and Chairman of Emergency Medicine, as well as Assistant Dean of Ultrasound, at Eastern Virginia Medical Services at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Carmine M. Valente Distinguished Service Award – Alfred Abuhamad, MD, FAIUM 

The Carmine M. Valente Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Alfred Abuhamad, MD, FAIUM, in recognition of his longstanding and exceptional contributions to the field of ultrasound. The AIUM staff and President select an honoree whose longstanding contributions warrant special merit. 

Dr. Abuhamad currently serves as Mason C. Andrews Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology and Executive Vice President at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. 

The Ultrasound Event 2026 will bring together clinicians, researchers, educators, industry leaders, and trainees from around the world to explore the latest advances in medical ultrasound. The program will highlight emerging clinical applications, AI-enabled diagnostics, immersive education, and hands-on learning, while offering opportunities to engage with thought leaders, network with peers, explore technologies in the exhibit hall, and celebrate excellence at the annual awards ceremony. 

Additional details about The Ultrasound Event 2026, including dates, programming, and registration, are available here. For more information about AIUM events, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the AIUM website.  

About AIUM

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is a multidisciplinary medical association of nearly 7,000 physicians, sonographers, radiologists, scientists, students, and other healthcare professionals. With over 70 years of experience, the AIUM is dedicated to empowering and cultivating a global multidisciplinary community engaged in the use of medical ultrasound through raising awareness, education, sharing information, and research. Learn more about the AIUM’s membership, AIUM’s Journal of Medical Ultrasound, AIUM Accreditation, and educational offerings.