Rome celebrates medical excellence in Europe

Rome hosts the 6th Edition of the European Awards in Medicine at its annual celebration

On 28 November, the majestic city of Rome became the epicentre of European medical excellence with the celebration of the 6th Edition of the European Awards in Medicine. For the first time, these prestigious awards – organised by El Suplemento and the Professional and Business Excellence Institute – chose the Italian capital as the venue for a gala that brought together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, executives and prominent figures from the fields of medicine and scientific innovation. The event took place at the iconic The Westin Excelsior Hotel in Rome, a setting that perfectly blended classical elegance with the modern spirit of an international-scale celebration.

With its early 20th-century architecture, crystal chandeliers and lounges adorned with marble and velvet, the Westin Excelsior offered a backdrop that elevated the ceremony to match the stature of its protagonists. The hotel’s atmosphere contributed to creating a setting of recognition and celebration on Via Veneto, one of the most emblematic boulevards in the Italian capital. The hotel embodies the perfect balance between tradition, excellence and international prestige—values the organisers sought to project in this year’s edition.

The choice of Rome as the stage for the European Awards in Medicine added a symbolic dimension that is difficult to match. Few cities in the world can boast such a vast cultural, artistic and scientific legacy, while maintaining a contemporary vibrancy that keeps it in constant renewal. Celebrating European medical excellence here was, in a way, a tribute to centuries of knowledge, history and humanity.

In this unique context, the European Awards in Medicine not only celebrated the talent and commitment of the awardees, but did so in a place that, by its very essence, invites reflection on the importance of moving forward without forgetting the heritage that precedes us.

A welcome cocktail for connection and exchange

The evening began at the Westin Excelsior with a welcome cocktail that allowed attendees to exchange impressions and share experiences in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. A grand piano played in the salon while the Awards’ management facilitated introductions among the awardees. The photocall area became a scene of glamour and sophistication where winners and the organisers posed in their finest attire, capturing memories from a special evening for all.

The gala featured the collaboration of renowned designer Félix Ramiro, who dressed the event’s management team in exclusive tuxedos, adding a touch of distinction and elegance. Every element of the staging was carefully planned to offer guests a memorable experience, from the lighting to the table layout and the choice of entertainment, all inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the Italian capital.

The gala

The formal opening of the gala began with the inaugural speech by Antonio Queijeiro, Director of the Awards. Queijeiro highlighted the importance of recognising and giving visibility to the efforts of healthcare professionals across Europe, as well as the essential role of research and innovation in improving patients’ quality of life. “At these awards, we maintain our commitment to recognising talent, innovation and social responsibility, because we know that excellence is not a destination. It is a journey; and in Europe, that journey is travelled with courage, talent and enthusiasm,” Queijeiro declared from the stage. His heartfelt and committed address was met with warm applause from the audience.

The gala was hosted by Sonia Fernández and Andrés López, who combined professionalism with an approachable manner. Their rapport on stage and their ability to connect with the audience ensured that each moment of the ceremony flowed naturally, from the introduction of the awardees to the presentation of the musical performances.

Music was another highlight of the evening. Galician artist Lou 7 Go entertained guests at the welcome cocktail with his vibrant and unique style, performing well-known songs such as Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”. Italian singer Nunzia Giannotta delivered an emotionally charged performance, her warm and powerful voice earning admiration from the audience. Her rendition captured the Italian essence of the evening, blending tradition and modernity in a particularly memorable moment. At the end of the night, both artists alternated to close the celebration with a medley of well-known songs. Their performances not only served as entertainment but also helped create an atmosphere of celebration and recognition, reinforcing the idea that the European Awards in Medicine are not simply a professional tribute but a celebration of excellence and dedication.

The awards ceremony

But the most anticipated moment of the night was the awards presentation. The winners—professionals from various medical specialities, from pioneering researchers to directors of leading clinics—took to the stage to receive their recognition in a ceremony that combined personal emotion with collective pride. The awards reflected the diversity and reach of medical work in Europe: from advances in clinical research to innovative healthcare technology projects, each award told a story of effort, passion and commitment to improving the health of millions.

A total of 20 awards were presented. Italian doctor Francesco Lo Monaco was recognised for excellence in Cardiology; Spanish firm Avamed Synergy received the award for innovation in Healthcare Technology; Prof. Keyoumars Ashkan MBE was honoured for his pioneering contributions to Neurosurgery; HIP Institute S.L. for its advanced work in Traumatology; Dr Silvia Kurpanik, based in Germany, for her commitment to E-health; Dr Nildiana Cedeño for her high-precision Aesthetic Medicine practice; British firm Podo Clinic & Workshop for its leadership in Biomechanical Orthopaedics; Spanish company Icon Clinic for excellence in Aesthetic Dental Implantology; Dr Vinod Gangwani, from the United Kingdom, for his career in Ophthalmology; while The Maas Clinic reaffirmed its award thanks to its holistic approach to Integrative Medicine; Dr Angélica Bouret Lebron for her contribution to Dermatological Innovation; Swedish Prof. Peter Stenvinkel for his outstanding work in Nephrology; Dr Natalia Gennaro’s Medical Institute for excellence in Gynaecology; Dr Devinder Bansi for being a benchmark in Gastroenterology; Zeus Therapeutic Centre for its comprehensive approach to Addiction Treatment; Clínica Dental Núñez-Cobos for its quality in Dentistry; Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic for its results in Hair Surgery; Dr Susan Díaz Reverand for her precision in Rhinoplasty; Dr Sheharyar Qureshi for excellence in Endocrinology; and the Psychiatric Institute IPSIAS for its commitment to cutting-edge Psychiatry.

During their acceptance speeches, all awardees emphasised that their achievements would not have been possible without the unconditional support of those who stand by their side: their teams, whose daily dedication drives every advancement, and their personal networks—family and friends—who provided the emotional strength needed to reach excellence. They all acknowledged that behind every award lies collective effort and essential human support, reminding us that success is always shared.

After receiving their awards, the winners were guided to the press set, installed by the organisation, to share their first impressions in interviews that will be available on El Suplemento’s website and on the awards’ official site.

Closing remarks and acknowledgements

At the end of the ceremony, the closing address was given by Pablo Suñer, Manager of the Professional and Business Excellence Institute. Suñer stressed the importance of continuing to promote excellence and international cooperation in medicine, highlighting how these awards serve as a platform to inspire new generations of healthcare professionals. He also emphasised the importance of being surrounded by a strong team and support network—essential elements for achieving success: “These awards are also for all those who have answered urgent late-night calls, remained silent during long hours of study, or offered a word of encouragement after a difficult day,” Suñer said.

Before concluding, Suñer invited Antonio Queijeiro back onto the stage to thank the entire organising team for their joint effort. The director and manager presented several bouquets of flowers to the gala’s presenter, the general coordinator, the singer and the event photographer—a gesture to recognise their work and dedication.

Once the awards ceremony concluded, attendees enjoyed a gala dinner, where they savoured a menu in true Italian style and continued conversations that had begun during the cocktail, solidifying the evening as a space for networking and shared success.

A final balance: shared emotions

The impressions after the event were unanimous: excitement, gratitude and pride. Attendees shared the joy of being recognised and of forming part of a community that values excellence, innovation and commitment to health. The combination of a historic setting, the elegance of the gala, the quality of the performances and the emotional impact of the awards created an unforgettable experience that strengthened the prestige of the European Awards in Medicine.

In short, the 6th Edition of the European Awards in Medicine not only consolidated its importance within the European medical calendar, but also demonstrated how a carefully planned event can combine glamour, professional recognition and a profound sense of community.