Dr Francisco Piñal has been awarded the “FESSH Giant 2026” award for his outstanding contribution to hand surgery

Dr Francisco Piñal, head of the Hand and Wrist Surgery Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, has been named a “FESSH Giant 2026”, the highest honour awarded by the European Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand.

This award, one of the most prestigious in the speciality at European level, recognises surgeons whose careers have made an exceptional contribution to the development of hand surgery and whose scientific, clinical and teaching influence has left a significant mark on the discipline.

The honour bestowed upon Dr Piñal is a recognition of decades of dedication, surgical excellence and innovation. His career has been characterised by a constant search for solutions to complex conditions, the development of pioneering techniques and a vision of reconstructive surgery focused on restoring function and improving patients’ quality of life.

An international authority in hand and wrist surgery and reconstructive microsurgery, Dr Piñal has made particularly significant contributions in areas such as wrist arthroscopy, the treatment of complex distal radius fractures, the reconstruction of severe hand injuries, and toe-to-hand transplants following traumatic amputations.

His scientific, teaching and clinical work has helped to train new generations of specialists and to establish Spanish hand surgery as a leading force on the international stage. This European recognition highlights not only his technical excellence, but also his role as a driving force for knowledge, a mentor and a leading figure within the medical community.

The official presentation of the award took place during the opening ceremony of the FESSH European Congress, held in Basel, where the new ‘Giants’ were honoured for their contribution to the growth and excellence of hand surgery in Europe.

At the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, where Dr Piñal heads the Hand and Wrist Surgery Unit, this recognition is received with particular pride. Having a professional of his calibre, prestige and experience is a distinctive asset for the hospital and reinforces the centre’s commitment to highly specialised, innovative and patient-centred medicine.