A BROMSGROVE doctor has been awarded a national prize for his clinical research work.

Cardiology Research registrar Dr Chris McAloon has been awarded the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Clinical Trainees Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to research in the NHS.

The awards recognise the essential work of NHS physicians and trainees in sustaining and building clinical research in the health service, despite demands on time and resources.

The expert judging panel looked at how applicants contributed to the successful delivery of clinical research studies in their organisations and how they engaged with patients about new opportunities to take part in research.

Dr Chris McAloon said: "I’m delighted to win this national award as recognition of my research.

"I’ve had some fantastic opportunities to work on several large international studies alongside world-class clinicians and I’ve been encouraged and supported to carry out my own research projects at the trust.”

Professor Chris Imray, director of research development and innovation said: “I’m thrilled to hear Chris has won this prestigious award. I have personally worked with Chris on a couple of major studies. Chris has demonstrated on these and a number of other projects that he is fully committed to his research and improving care for our patients.

“Chris’s achievement really demonstrates the trust’s vision to be a research-based, national and international leader in healthcare. It is great to see recognition early in an individual's career of the impact that a doctor in training can make. It is also important to reflect on the research active cardiology team that has supported his work”

The award includes a £1,000 prize which can be used to support a personal development plan, and informal mentorship from the national speciality lead for Cardiology specialists.

Chris will be awarded his prize at the prestigious Royal College of Physicians Harveian Lecture in London in October.