The International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) has named Dr. Teresa López-Fernández as the recipient of the 2025 Thomas Force Pioneer Award, , presented during the IC-OS Thomas Force Lecture at the Global Cardio-Oncology Summit (GCOS 2025) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Named after the late Dr. Thomas L. Force, whose research laid the foundation for modern cardio-oncology, the award recognizes leaders whose work bridges cardiology and oncology to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. López-Fernández, based in Madrid, Spain, is internationally known for her expertise in cardiac imaging and cardiotoxicity prevention. Her research has transformed how clinicians detect and manage heart damage from cancer treatments, using advanced tools like strain echocardiography and cardiac MRI to identify early, reversible changes in heart function.
Beyond research, she has played a pivotal role in shaping international guidelines through the European Society of Cardiology’s Cardio-Oncology Council and has been a driving force in educating the next generation of specialists worldwide.
The award not only celebrates her scientific leadership but also her commitment to patient-centered care, ensuring that life-saving cancer therapies are delivered safely, without compromising long-term heart health.
The award was presented by Dr. Susan Dent, past recipient and co-founder of IC-OS, who commended López-Fernández for her leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the discipline worldwide.

By recognizing Dr. López-Fernández, IC-OS continues the legacy of Thomas Force: fostering collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists to redefine survivorship and protect the heart of every cancer patient.
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