Professor Helen Houston awarded MBE

Professor Helen Houston from the School of Medicine has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to medical education and health services in south Wales.

Professor Houston commented: "I am deeply honoured to have received this award alongside the other recipients whose amazing contributions have truly humbled me. I thank all those who have supported me, my colleagues and especially my family."

A clinical professor at the University’s Institute of Medical Education, Professor Houston has helped transform medical education through her research which has examined the availability of careers advice in medical schools and support programmes for medical students and doctors, among other areas.

Professor Houston’s clinical specialty is general practice which has seen her serve communities in Cardiff and Gelligaer since 1984. Her MD was awarded for research into health surveillance of children and her academic career was in post-graduate medical education, as part of Team Care Valleys, and later as course organiser for general practice training.

She joined the University’s undergraduate department of general practice in 1990 and became head of department and professor in 1999. In addition to undertaking clinical and health service research, her main academic contribution has been in medical education where she has led undergraduate curriculum development, later becoming Vice Dean, and then Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Medicine.

In 2000 she secured funding from the Welsh Government for an innovative scheme aimed at improving health care in socio-economically deprived communities in South Wales, while at the same time developing the academic skills of general practitioners. The Scheme still continues and has been an outstanding success.