Dr Hannah Gower, Cardiology Registrar, was awarded School of Medicine Trainee of the Year. Hannah explains, “I’m currently a ST3 in Cardiology. I joined RCHT last August and will be continuing with the team for another year as a ST4 (which will begin this August.) I was fortunate to be nominated by consultants, both in cardiology and in acute medicine, which was a real honour, especially given that RCHT has many compassionate and high-quality trainee doctors that I am privileged to work alongside.”
Hannah received many nominations with the same themes running through each. Her nominators described her excellence in clinical care, both in cardiology and general medicine, her dedication and how she puts the patients first. They highlighted her fantastic interactions with others across the team, from specialty consultant to ward clerk, as well as her brilliant support for other trainees, having shared her mobile number with all trainees in case anyone wanted help or support. Multiple nominees mentioned how Hannah always has a smile on her face, even at the end of a busy shift.
Having been nominated for his fantastic education resource, the Pre-PACES podcast, Sam Williams, Cardiology ST3, was awarded the Best Contribution to Education.
“When revising for PACES, I recognised the need for a training resource that was available on the go,” Sam explains. “My podcast (The Pre PACES Podcast) was something I started while in response to this, with the aim to help medical trainees pass their exams, specifically the MRCP PACES exam. I ask consultants to come on the show and discuss a topic pertinent to the exam, often in their area of expertise. Over the last 18 months, the podcast has been downloaded over 50,000 times in over 80 countries, which is more than I had ever expected! I was delighted to be nominated by my clinical supervisor, Dr Katie Wallace, and to receive the recognition from the deanery for something I enjoy as a hobby and do in my free time. The MAFTAs overall are a great initiative to highlight the fantastic work being done by trainees across the region which often flies under the radar.”
The judges recognised the hard work and dedication that go into keeping a podcast alive over a long period. They have enjoyed listening to some of his episodes and have already been sharing these resources with their trainees and at last week’s regional RCP update for the south west, where more trainees spoke up in support of this wonderful resource.
Jacob Flapan, IMT 1 trainee, received Highly Commended. Jacob explains, “I am one of the IMT 1 trainees rotating through a variety of medical specialities over the next three years. I am new to RCHT having made the big move to Cornwall from Scotland last summer. I am not in the habit of getting awards, so this one was a nice surprise! One of my supervisors called me ‘relentlessly optimistic’ while at work, and I think that is probably why I was nominated. I see it as a victory when you can make patients and colleagues feel good about themselves whilst delivering good care. The last few years have been tough, and this award hopefully recognises the enthusiasm of the trainers and trainees in Cornwall, which has impressed me since moving to the region.”
Dr Allister Grant, Medical Director for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “A huge congratulations to our trainees that have been recognised by the MAFTAs this year. All our trainees work incredibly hard in their respective roles and illustrate the very best qualities that our hospitals aspire to. We wish each of them the very best for the future.”
