The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE)’s new International Representatives will represent the issues that matter to our international community as well as offering a source of support, encouragement and assistance to those who may be navigating pathways to UK practice, undertaking accreditation or who wish to exchange knowledge. Dr Mathias Akinlade, Consultant Cardiologist and Imaging Specialist at NHS Fife, shares what he hopes to bring to the role.
I am delighted to introduce myself as an International Representative for the British Society of Echocardiography.
I am a consultant cardiologist with a subspecialty interest in multi-modality cardiac imaging, supported by professional accreditation in transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography (BSE and EACVI), cardiac CT (BSCI Level 3), and cardiac MRI (SCMR).
My professional journey has been shaped by both international and UK-based training pathways.
I began my career in West Africa, Nigeria, where I obtained specialist certification in General Internal Medicine and Cardiology through the West African College of Physicians. During my postgraduate training, I developed a deep passion for cardiac imaging and the transformative role it plays in modern cardiovascular care. This passion later led me to pursue advanced imaging accreditation in the UK and internationally, alongside continued academic and clinical development.
Currently, I work as a consultant cardiologist in NHS Fife, Scotland collaborating closely with cardiac physiologists and multidisciplinary imaging teams.
Alongside clinical practice, I remain actively involved in research, education, leadership, mentorship, and service development. I also hold academic affiliations through research and teaching roles, which continue to strengthen my commitment to advancing cardiovascular education and improving patient outcomes.
Why international engagement matters
Echocardiography is far more than a diagnostic tool; it is a global language of cardiovascular medicine. Across different healthcare systems, we have a common goal - delivering accurate, safe, and patient-centred cardiac care. However, access to structured training, mentorship, accreditation pathways, and educational opportunities can vary significantly between regions.
The British Society of Echocardiography has consistently played a leading role in promoting excellence through accreditation, education, quality assurance, and professional standards.
For many international clinicians and cardiac physiologists, BSE accreditation represents not only professional achievement but also a framework for improving departmental quality, reporting standards, and clinical confidence.
Having personally navigated both international and UK training systems, I understand some of the challenges colleagues may face when pursuing accreditation, transitioning into UK practice, or adapting to different healthcare environments.
These experiences have shaped my passion for supporting international professionals at various stages of their careers.
My vision for the international group
I believe the international group offers an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning across the global echocardiography community. My hope is to help create a supportive and inclusive network where members can:
- Share experiences and best practices across different healthcare systems
- Access guidance regarding BSE accreditation and professional development
- Explore opportunities for mentorship, teaching, and collaborative learning
- Promote educational equity and high-quality imaging standards internationally
- Foster research, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration in echocardiography
I am particularly passionate about supporting colleagues who may be:
- Preparing for BSE accreditation examinations
- Developing structured reporting and practical imaging skills
- Exploring pathways into UK clinical practice
- Seeking mentorship or career guidance within cardiac imaging
- Building confidence in advanced echocardiography and multimodality imaging
- Building a global community
One of the greatest strengths of echocardiography is its collaborative nature. Every clinician, physiologist, scientist, educator, and trainee brings valuable perspectives shaped by their own experiences and healthcare environments. By learning from one another, we not only improve our own practice but also strengthen the wider cardiovascular imaging community.
High-quality cardiac care depends on continuous learning, supportive mentorship, and shared professional standards. Through stronger international engagement, we can help create opportunities that empower colleagues globally while advancing excellence in patient care.
I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside members of the international echocardiography community. Whether you are beginning your accreditation journey, developing your imaging expertise, or simply looking to connect with colleagues who share similar interests, I would be very pleased to engage and support where possible.
Together, we can continue building bridges across borders and shaping the future of echocardiography through collaboration, education, and shared excellence.
Find out more about our International Representatives