With sadness we report the passing of editorial board member Professor Mark Monaghan, who led clinical and academic echocardiography for more than 30 years at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where he was Consultant Clinical Scientist in Echocardiography and Immediate Past Director of Non-invasive Cardiology.
Dr Claire Colebourn, President of the British Society of Echocardiography, said: “The loss of Professor Mark Monaghan MBE will be felt throughout our profession. He will be remembered by all that knew him as a deep thinker and a consummate professional. Mark was a kind and patient man who had time for everyone. He was a huge support to me in my role as President and I will miss his presence tremendously. His loss leaves a huge gap in so many lives but especially his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Rest in peace Mark and thank you for everything.”
Mark was dedicated to the practice and advancement of echocardiography and has been at the forefront of every echocardiographic development (both technically and clinically). His impact has been huge and has influenced global practice. He was the second President of the British Society of Echocardiography, the national body he co-founded in 1991, and he pioneered the way echocardiography is practised today including that the BSE should have the same accreditation for everyone irrespective of their background. He was elected fellow of many academic societies and was Editor-in-Chief of Echo Research and Practice.
Alongside his scientific and medical achievements, he is widely recognised for his humanitarian work as founder of the Echo in Africa project, which used the skills and training of UK echocardiographers to diagnose rheumatic heart disease in disadvantaged regions in South Africa. The programme targeted early diagnosis in children so their disease could be treated at an earlier stage of their lifetime.
