NHS Grampian consultant to lead on UK breast cancer radiology

NHS Grampian consultant radiologist and Clinical Director of the North East of Scotland Breast Screening Programme, Dr Gerald Lip is set to have a leadership role in supporting research initiatives and educating colleagues in the field of breast cancer across the UK.  
 
Dr Lip has been appointed President of the British Society of Breast Radiology (BSBR), a specialist group of the Royal College of Radiologists representing up to 700 consultant specialist radiologists in breast cancer across the four nations.  

As well as leading work to explore the revolutionary potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) in breast radiology in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, Dr Lip is especially honoured to be planning a conference for the European Society of Breast Imaging. He will host up to 2000 participants at the P&J Live arena in Aberdeen in September this year and is excited to “big up our city.”  

Gerald explained: “We will be bringing together eminent leaders speaking on the latest research and diagnostics in breast cancer. Aberdeen has a strong history of academic work and research in the field of imaging – from developing the world’s first clinical MRI in the 1970s to the pivotal work of Professor Fiona Gilbert who led world-leading research in computer aided detection, MRI and 3D mammography locally in the 1990s and 2000s. I am determined to help further Aberdeen’s strong position on breast cancer research.”  

Originally from Malaysia, Dr Lip went to university in Dublin before becoming a trainee in Aberdeen. He leads the NHS Grampian team who carry out around 25,000 breast screening scans for patients across the North of Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland islands, every year. He and his colleagues also play a key role in the wider team that diagnoses, treats and supports women with breast disease. Alongside this, Dr Lip has made headlines around the world in recognition of his work exploring the use of AI in diagnostic breast cancer radiology in partnership with Professor Lesley Anderson and the Aberdeen Centre of Health Data Science. 

He said: “We now have a data set that is one of the largest in the UK. Radiology is a specialty that is at the forefront of using innovative technology, and nowhere else in the UK is as advanced as we are here in Aberdeen in using AI in breast cancer detection or in developing new MRI technology.  

“We have seen the impact of AI in multiple trials and the evidence to date is clear. AI will help augment, not replace radiologists by helping us in our daily work. It has the potential to detect more cancers and automate certain aspects of the work we do for us to review, resulting in less workload for radiologists and faster results for patients. 

“Right now, it’s a pivotal period for us in breast radiology and I feel privileged to be taking on the role of president to guide this time of change.” 
 
Dr Natasha Rose, who is Unit Clinical Director of Radiology for NHS Grampian, commented: “Dr Lip is a leader in driving forward innovative change in Radiology which will benefit both the patient and the health care profession far beyond Aberdeen while also continuing to provide high level clinical care to our patients in NHS Grampian. There is ever increasing focus and attention on AI in healthcare and it is exciting to see Aberdeen, once again, be an important part in the story of the development of Radiology.” 

Dr Lip was also awarded the James Clark Maxwell Award by Aberdeen Convention Bureau in December in recognition of his instrumental work in bringing national and international conferences to the city.  

He added: “Aberdeen is a well-known training centre with an international reputation in healthcare. The strength of the health service and the research supported by the University of Aberdeen means we can represent our profession across the UK and beyond. Aberdeen is a great choice for all those wishing to train in healthcare as everything is on one big campus at Foresterhill and I’m really proud to be part of the community we have here.”