University of Nottingham Expert Receives Honorary Fellowship from Royal College of Radiologists
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.
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.”
Professor Yan Chen