RSNA Member Spotlight: Eugenio Zalaquett, MD, MS
Learn more about a fellow RSNA member
Eugenio Zalaquett, MD, MS, is an abdominal radiologist at the Red de Salud UC-Christus in Santiago, Chile, the academic health network of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he earned his medical degree and completed his radiology residency.
During the final year of his residency, Dr. Zalaquett broadened his international experience with a three-month observership at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology in St. Louis.
In 2018, he received a scholarship from the European Society of Radiology’s EuropeanSchool of Radiology, supporting a fellowship in abdominal imaging at the Hospital of Treviso in Italy. Dr. Zalaquett also holds master’s degrees in health care administration and oncologic imaging.
Dr. Zalaquett has built a sustained record of engagement with RSNA’s global initiatives. In 2015, he participated in the Introduction to Research for International Young Academics program and served as an abstract reviewer for the RSNA annual meeting. Today, he is a member of the RSNA Regional Committee for Latin America.
What or who sparked your interest in radiology?
My interest in radiology developed in a rather unconventional way. After completing medical school, I joined the Chilean Navy as a medical officer and my first assignment was a seven-month deployment as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
During that time, my direct superior was a Chilean radiologist. We developed a close professional relationship and friendship. Through his experience and perspective, he introduced me to the field of radiology for the first time, sparking my interest in the specialty.
What has been your best professional accomplishment?
Among my professional achievements, the one I value most and take the greatest pride in is having had the opportunity to contribute as an author and co-author to three RadioGraphics publications, while also serving as a reviewer for the journal and participating as a US subspecialty panel reviewer for RadioGraphics.
From my earliest days as a radiology resident, RadioGraphics played a fundamental role as a tool for continuing medical education. Coming from Chile—a small country at the southern end of the world with a population of just 19 million—the opportunity to participate in RadioGraphics, and within RSNA in the way I have been so fortunate to do, represents a source of great pride and personal fulfillment.
It has also been deeply meaningful on a personal level, as this journey has allowed me to meet extraordinary individuals whom I now consider not only colleagues, but also friends.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
At the beginning of 2025, I had the honor of being selected as head of the radiology department at Clínica San Carlos de Apoquindo, part of Red de Salud UC-Christus. This role entails multiple challenges, not only from a technical standpoint but also in terms of management, administration and operational coordination within the department.
Altogether, it has been a significant challenge that has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, requiring me to develop and integrate new skills and capabilities. This has involved not only performing at a high level as a practicing radiologist but also effectively managing resources and overseeing the department’s operational aspects, while continuously striving to deliver high-quality patient care, control costs and incorporate new improvements and technologies into our practice.
What RSNA resources do you use to assist you with your professional development and in your daily practice?
I regularly rely on several RSNA resources that are integral to both my professional development and daily clinical practice. RadioGraphics remains one of the most valuable tools for continuous learning, offering in-depth, high-quality educational content that I frequently revisit, both for personal study and for teaching residents.
In addition, I actively use educational resources such as the RSNA Case Collection, which provide practical, case-based insights that can be directly applied to patient care. The annual meeting is another cornerstone, allowing me to stay current with the latest advances in imaging, technology and clinical practice, while also engaging with peers and experts from around the world.
Finally, being involved as a RadioGraphics reviewer and as a part of the ultrasound subspecialty review panel has given me a unique perspective on emerging topics and standards in radiology. This engagement not only enriches my own practice but also allows me to contribute to the broader radiology community, aligning with RSNA’s mission of advancing the field through education, research and collaboration.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of work, I devote most of my time and energy to two main areas: my family and radiology. I have been married to my wife, Carolina, for 11 years, and we have three children, aged 9, 7 and 3. Naturally, this leaves limited free time.
However, I dedicate most of that available time to a hobby I discovered three years ago: powerlifting. I currently train at least three times per week and actively compete in local tournaments.
This past March, I achieved first place in my age and weight category at the Chilean National Powerlifting Championship and am now training to compete in the Ibero-American Powerlifting Championship this coming October.
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