The Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) was created in 2012 through the merger of the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists and the Society of Uroradiology—two premier organizations in their fields.

The societies first collaborated in 2000 to produce the first Abdominal Radiology Course. Its success helped demonstrate that the organizations could be stronger together and offer more as one society.

SAR was formed with a vision of becoming the organization the medical profession looks to for expertise in abdominal radiology. Understanding and recognizing the two founding societies is essential, because their work is the foundation on which SAR stands.

The Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists (SGR) was founded in 1971 under the leadership of Drs. Alexander R. Margulis and Richard H. Marshak. Their founding committee also included H. Joachim Burhenne, William Seaman, and Walter Whitehouse.

They believed the rapid development of gastrointestinal radiology called for an organization that could meet annually to review research and share new knowledge. In 1972, SGR established both the Walter B. Cannon Memorial Lecture and the Walter B. Cannon Medal, honoring exceptional contributions to gastrointestinal radiology.

Beginning in 1974, the Society sponsored an annual postgraduate course covering contemporary abdominal imaging—including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and interventional procedures—while presenting current research across the field.

The Society of Uroradiology (SUR) began in June 1966 when Drs. Howard M. Pollack and Joshua A. Becker invited radiologists with a special interest in the urinary tract to join a “mail interchange club.” Informal sessions were initially held alongside national radiology meetings. The group evolved from the “wee-wee club” to the Uroradiology Club and was incorporated as the Society of Uroradiology in 1974.

Under the guidance of its members, SUR grew into a strong international organization. Its first Postgraduate Refresher Course was presented in New York City in 1978, followed by successful programs on current imaging and treatment techniques for urinary tract disease. Genital imaging also became an expanding part of its educational mission.

SUR’s scientific sessions became an important forum for exchanging knowledge and discussing cutting-edge investigation. In 1997, the Society established a research award supporting new investigative initiatives. Beginning in 2000, SUR and SGR co-sponsored their annual postgraduate course, creating the highly successful Abdominal Radiology Consortium and laying the groundwork for the societies’ eventual merger.