Bath-based Radiologist awarded Outstanding Clinical Radiology Researcher of 2021 by the Royal College of Radiologists and the NIHR

Dr Jonathan Rodrigues has been awarded Outstanding Clinical Radiology Researcher of 2021 by The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the NIHR. The award was presented at the RCR’s Clinical Radiology Research Day 2021 today.

The NIHR-RCR Outstanding Clinical Radiology Researcher award recognises NHS radiologists who demonstrate excellence and innovation in delivering NIHR research. The award specifically recognises outstanding contributions to the conduct of imaging research, as evidenced by publications or presentations and tangible patient benefit, such as influence on clinical pathways, clinical guidelines or patient management.

Dr Rodrigues is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Radiologist at Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a member of the NIHR Imaging Group Workforce Subcommittee, an Imaging Champion for NIHR’s West of England Local Clinical Research Network (CRN) and Consultant lead for the RADIANT (Radiology Trainee Research Network) in Severn.

His work involves multimodality imaging (using multiple imaging techniques to form a more accurate diagnosis) and artificial intelligence to research common heart and chest conditions, aiming to improve patient outcomes as well as ensuring cost efficiencies for the NHS, particularly when applied in a District General Hospital. As well as support from the NIHR, his research has also received generous funding from the Forever Friends Appeal, the Official RUH Bath Charity.

Dr Rodrigues’ research includes modelling the impact of a measurement known as cardiac fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) on patient management and NHS costs, using real world data. The research demonstrated that the measurement, derived from CT coronary angiography, is beneficial, particularly in patients with more advanced coronary artery disease.

He was also a founding member of the UK’s first multi-centre imaging database which became the National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID), now run by NHSX, and subsequently used this database to answer a research question at speed during the global pandemic. He has a high research output, including 81 publications of which 34 were as first author, 8 as senior author.

Today’s award recognises Dr Rodrigues’s collaborative approach, delivering impactful research by working with multidisciplinary teams, encouraging a research ethos in his team, supporting the next generation of researchers, and actively involving patients in his studies.

Reflecting on the award, Dr Rodrigues said:
“It’s a huge honour to receive an award from two prestigious institutions. Really what it is, is a testament to the team effort that has been involved in delivering all of this, rather than the individual. So it’s even more gratifying that all the work that’s come towards this has been a multidisciplinary team effort.”

Ifan Jones, Chief Operating Officer for the Clinical Research Network West of England said:
“The recent research delivered by Dr Rodrigues and his team has the potential to improve health outcomes for a wide range of patients. On behalf of the CRN, I would like to thank Dr Rodrigues for all his hard work, and congratulate him on this well-earned achievement.”

Professor Paul Dark, NIHR CRN National Specialty Cluster Lead said:
"Clinical radiology is at the heart of modern medical practice and is at the forefront of innovations in healthcare. This award celebrates an individual's outstanding leadership and achievements in clinical research performed alongside the highest quality healthcare delivery. Dr Rodrigues is a very worthy winner and we congratulate him on his success."

Professor Vicky Goh, Chair, Clinical Radiology Academic Committee, The Royal College of Radiologists said:
"Imaging plays such an important role in delivering patient care. We congratulate Dr Rodrigues for being awarded this prestigious award from the Royal College of Radiologists and NIHR Clinical Research Network which acknowledges and celebrates the important research that he has undertaken to forward his field."

Read our interview with Dr Jonathan Rodrigues, NIHR-RCR Outstanding Clinical Radiology Researcher of 2021.