Monday, 08 July 2024
An expert in radiology from the University of Nottingham, whose work has been integral to the NHS breast cancer screening programme, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).
Yan Chen, Professor of Digital Screening in the School of Medicine, has been awarded the Honorary Fellowship, which is the most prestigious award available to non-Fellows of the RCR. They are awarded to those who have made exceptional contributions in their field of expertise.
The honour recognises those whose work has benefitted patients through research, development of new technologies or techniques, service improvements, education or public health.
Professor Yan Chen receives her Fellowship from the President of the RCR, Dr Katharine Halliday
Chen boasts a distinguished career focusing on the external quality assurance (EQA) within radiology. For over 35 years the PERFORMS (Personal Performance in Mammographic Screening) scheme, which she led for the past 11 years, has been integral to the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
Her innovative PERFECTS (Performance Evaluation for CT Screening) is mandated in NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme (TLHC). Beyond EQA, Chen specialises in evaluating imaging reader behaviour and measuring AI performance. Her work not only validates UK practices but also influences Screening Programmes internationally, with several countries already implementing the EQA schemes. This work helps to shape screening policies, showcasing her impactful contributions to radiology.
On receiving the award from the President of the RCR, Dr Katharine Halliday, Chen said “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. This recognition is one of the highlights of my career and I'm truly grateful for all of the support from colleagues over the years. The College's modern approach and dedication to fostering a collaborative and engaging environment have been pivotal in advancing the field of radiology.
It is this forward-thinking ethos that has made it possible for professionals to contribute to and be recognised by the College. This fellowship is not just a personal milestone, it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of embracing perspectives within the medical community. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the college and contributing to its mission.”
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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