Clinical practice experience
As a Consultant Radiologist with a special interest in thoracic and oncology radiology, Dr Alonso’s work focuses on lung and pleural cancer, mediastinal tumours, interstitial lung disease (ILD), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) radiology, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) radiology. He regularly reports on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ILD, lung nodule follow-up, lung transplant imaging, pulmonary embolism (PE) and thoracic infections. From 2021 to 2023, he led the local Thoracic Radiology Team at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), overseeing a team of 10 radiologists. During this period, he also served as the Responsible Radiologist for the Lung Cancer Screening Programme in Manchester (TLHC). Throughout his 17-year career as an Interventional Thoracic Radiologist, Dr Alonso has performed approximately 1,000 CT lung biopsies and numerous chest drains and other minimally invasive thoracic interventions. He is part of the Manchester Thoracic Oncology Centre at Wythenshawe, which pioneered the largest lung cancer screening service in the UK, now expanding nationally. The centre conducts 18-20 CT-guided lung biopsies and 2-4 ultrasound-guided neck node biopsies weekly. Dr Alonso collaborates closely with 50 chest physicians, ICU consultants, and surgeons, participating in lung cancer MDTs, lung cancer screening, and ECMO MDTs. Additionally, he supervises radiology registrars, engages in local teaching, and covers the general radiology on-call rota.
Clinical interests
Dr Alonso’s expertise encompasses lung and pleural cancer, interstitial lung disease (ILD), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) radiology, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) radiology. He regularly reports on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ILD, lung nodule follow-up, lung transplant imaging, and thoracic infections. Additionally, Dr Alonso is an RCR Contributor for iRefer, promoting evidence-based imaging and facilitating appropriate referrals to the radiology department.
Research interests
Dr Alonso's notable contributions span several aspects of thoracic oncology and diagnostic imaging. His contribution to a recent poster on incidental thymic lesions at the 22nd BTOG Annual Conference earned a runner-up prize, highlighting his research’s clinical impact. He has co-authored several influential articles, including studies on the radiological-pathological correlation in DIPNECH and strategies for lung cancer screening in socio-economically deprived areas, published in prestigious journals like Clinical Radiology and Thorax. Dr Alonso's work also extends to personalised lung cancer screening intervals and outcomes for older patients, showcased at prominent conferences such as CRUK and IASLC. Additionally, his involvement in rapid diagnostic units and innovative screening review MDTs underscores his commitment to advancing diagnostic efficiency and patient care in oncology. His earlier contributions include significant articles and chapters on topics like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis imaging and pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma.
Teaching & training
Dr Alonso is an experienced educator, serving as a radiology lecturer for North West School of Radiology (NWSR) trainees and a regular trainer for the FRCR 2B exam. He occasionally lectures undergraduate students at Manchester Medical School and is a member of the ARCP panel for Manchester and Merseyside (North West School of Radiology). Additionally, he has held positions as a Clinical and Educational Supervisor for radiology trainees.
Memberships of professional bodies
7
Management experience
Dr Alonso has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including his current role as the Quality and Safety Lead in Adult Radiology for the Clinical Support Services at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the Clinical Lead of Thoracic Radiology from 2021 to 2023, and Responsible Radiologist for the Manchester Targeted Lung Health Check (Lung Cancer Screening Programme) during the same period. He previously served as Lead Thoracic Radiologist and REALM Co-Lead at the Royal Liverpool Hospital from 2015 to 2019 and led the Lung Cancer Group at Hospital Quiron in Palma de Mallorca from 2008 to 2014. Early in his career, he was part of the Plain Film Reporting Group at Wythenshawe Hospital (2004-2005) and contributed to The Society of Radiologists in Training (SRT), UK, as a moderator and MCQ editor (2005-2007). Current role as Quality and Safety Lead in Adult Radiology, Clinical Support Services, Manchester University NHS FT.
Prizes and awards
3
