Healthcare scientists scoop trio of awards | News

Congratulations to the healthcare scientists from Royal Surrey who were recognised for exceptional contributions to their profession at the South East Healthcare Science Awards. These awards spotlight healthcare science individuals and teams whose dedication and ingenuity have made a difference.

Dr Gwen Wark, Consultant Clinical Scientist (Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services), and Professor Ken Young, Consultant Clinical Scientist (National Co-ordinating Centre for the Physics of Mammography), both received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Gwen for life sciences and Ken for physical sciences. Alex Smout, Principal Clinical Scientist (Nuclear Medicine Physics) was awarded the Innovation Excellence Award.

The awards were presented by Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England.

Other nominees from our trust were: Mel Cunningham (Educational Leadership Award), Suzanne Osgood (Emerging Talent Award), Deepthy Ebenezer (Community and Outreach Award), Rachel Hollingdale/Matt Bolt (Innovation Excellence Award) and the Surface-Guided Radiotherapy commissioning Team (Patient Impact Award).

Gail Distefano, Lead Healthcare Scientist at our trust said: “I am delighted that our brilliant healthcare scientists have excelled within these South East regional awards for their outstanding contributions to patient care. It is an amazing testament to their scientific expertise and passion, which makes them an essential but often unrecognised force in healthcare service transformation.”

Ken is internationally renowned as a scientific leader in the field of mammography. Ken has been instrumental in providing physics expertise to support the national breast screening programme, and in setting many of the quality and dose level standards for mammography. Over the last 34 years, his huge research output, advisory roles, and practical contributions have significantly advanced the field, particularly in assuring the optimisation, quality and safety of the technology used in breast imaging.  Liz Adams, Head of Medical Physics, said “I am delighted that Ken has received this award in recognition of his outstanding career and scientific achievements.”

Helen Bruce, Specialty Lead for Routine Biochemistry Services, nominated Gwen for her outstanding contribution to many aspects of the Clinical Biochemistry profession over the past two decades. Gwen has played a vital role in the development and standardisation of insulin and c-peptide assays, alongside being internationally acknowledged as a forefront expert in the analysis and interpretation of peptide hormones. She is an influential presence within the area of external quality assurance, holding a scheme director position for a number of years. In addition, she has directly influenced the careers of a huge number of trainee clinical scientists with her unwavering mentoring, guidance and support over the past 20 years.

Praised for his outstanding creativity and innovation, Alex has introduced numerous improvements to nuclear medicine imaging and therapy processes, enhancing quality, efficiency and safety. This included designing and implementing updated SeHCAT scanning procedures, which look at how well the body absorbs bile salts, negating the need for an additional nuclear medicine scan and reducing patient waiting time.

Pictured above from left to right: Professor Ken Young, Dr Gwen Wark, and Alex Smout.