Radiology Professor Giovanna Casola Recognized with Society of Abdominal Radiology Gold Medal

December 12, 2023

Giovanna Casola, MD, recognized with Gold Award from the Society of Abdominal Radiology

Giovanna Casola, MD, professor of radiology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine is one of three radiologists nationwide to receive the 2024 Gold Medal Award from the Society of Abdominal Radiology. The award honors those who exemplify the values of clinical excellence, collaboration, compassion, inclusion, integrity, mentorship, respect, scientific expertise and service.

“For anyone who knows Giovanna, you understand immediately that this Gold Medal is a slam dunk — no one deserves this award more than she does,” said Claude Sirlin, MD, professor of radiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “Giovanna cherishes people — her patients, her colleagues, her trainees — and those sentiments motivate everything she does.”

A pioneer and trailblazer, Casola was the first in her immigrant Sicilian family to complete high school or attend college. When she joined the faculty at UC San Diego in 1985, she was the first female interventional radiology professor. Then she went on to become the first female radiology residency program director and pioneered numerous ground-breaking radiology procedures and imaging protocols that have since become essential radiological techniques.

“I am very honored and humbled about receiving this award,” said Casola. “It is a tribute to everyone that has mentored me and those that I have mentored. This would not be possible without the support of all my colleagues and trainees that enabled me to have a successful academic career at UC San Diego.”

Among her leadership positions at UC San Diego, Casola served as the division chief of body imaging, Radiology Residency Program director and Body Imaging Fellowship director. She was also elected by her peers to serve two separate terms on the UC San Diego Board of Governors.

“Giovanna is a loyal and dedicated academician,” said Sirlin. “She has always felt it is important to give more than to receive. In her career, she has served on an astonishing 110 separate radiology department, hospital, university and scientific society committees, serving as chair for 20 of those. She always puts others first, even when in the midst of personal adversity. She fights for what she believes in and cares about the totality of the people she teaches; more than a mere research or career mentor, Giovanna is a life mentor. “

The Gold Medal Awards will be presented at the Society of Abdominal Radiology’s annual meeting scheduled for April 14–19, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida.