A renowned stroke specialist and PenARC collaborator has been recognised for his groundbreaking contributions to stroke research, with a focus on enhancing outcomes through innovation and collaboration.
Professor Martin James, a Consultant Stroke Physician at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH) and Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Exeter Medical School, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the UK Stroke Forum in December 2024. This recognition highlights his transformative work in stroke care over the past 25 years, including his leadership in a pioneering £2M national research project spanning across colleagues in 100 UK hospitals.
The OPTIMAS trial explores optimal timing for anti-clotting treatments in stroke patients with a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation. The research published in the leading medical journal The Lancet is funded by the British Heart Foundation, led by University College London and supported by PenARC.
In addition to this, Professor James is championing the use of cutting-edge technology to improve stroke outcomes. His current work focuses on harnessing AI and machine learning to tailor thrombolysis treatment for stroke patients, identified by their doctors as benefitting from it the most, reducing disability when given early.
This innovative research, part of a £1.7M programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is a collaboration between PenARC and RDUH. The project represents the world’s first integration of AI into a national stroke audit and is set to revolutionise how hospitals deliver thrombolysis care, ensuring that treatment is more effective within their local communities.
Professor Adrian Harris, Chief Medical Officer at RDUH, praised Professor James’s visionary work:
“We are delighted that Professor James’s continuous dedication to improving the lives of people with stroke has been recognised nationally, and we are very proud of his achievements. Since starting as a Consultant Physician in Stroke, General, and Geriatric Medicine at Royal Devon in 1997, he has made a significant contribution to research locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”
“His pioneering work has led to better outcomes for stroke patients, and we are excited about the AI project’s potential to drive even greater improvements in care. As a research-led Trust, we are committed to embedding research into the care we provide, and Professor James’s work is a shining example of what we strive to achieve.”
Professor James expressed his gratitude for the recognition:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition from the UK stroke community. Stroke has a profound impact on patients and families, and on society, so it is immensely rewarding to see how research can drive advancements in stroke treatment and improve outcomes for patients.
“I would like to thank my colleagues at the Royal Devon, the University of Exeter, and at the national stroke audit, as well as people with stroke who have worked so closely with us in our research. I am particularly excited about the potential of AI to make stroke care more personalised and effective, ensuring that every stroke patient gets the best available treatment as quickly as possible.”