Junior doctor of the year nominees
Dr Nathan Behrendt
PGY2, Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Dr Behrendt demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and a passion for paediatric care, consistently delivering high-quality, efficient care. His outstanding communication and empathy ensure families’ needs are met and he proactively supports students and trainees. As an Honorary Clinical Associate Clinical Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, he advocates for learning and career progression.
Dr William Burden
PGY1, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
Dr Burden consistently demonstrates exemplary clinical performance, showcasing versatility, dedication, and professionalism. He played a crucial role in developing simulation sessions, collaborating with Registrars to enhance peer education. His creation of OSCE simulations for MD3 students significantly contributed to their training. His involvement in a quality improvement project underscores his commitment to improving clinical practice.
Dr Mark Chee
PGY1, Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
Dr Chee’s passion for education shines in his engaging training sessions, earning high praise and requests for formal classes. He actively involves students in ward learning, enhancing their clinical skills. Advocating for expanded training opportunities, he proposed EFNLHN’s accreditation as a RANZCR Regional and Rural Training post which will significantly benefit the local community by 2025.
Dr Bernie Lagana
PGY2, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
Dr Lagana is deeply committed to critical care, medical education, and junior doctor advocacy. His exceptional dedication has significantly advanced SALHN medical students and interns’ development and preparedness. Renowned for his innovative ‘Teaching on the Run’ sessions, Bernie’s proactive advocacy and leadership have greatly enhanced the quality of medical education and patient care.
Dr Emily Slimming
PGY2, Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Dr Slimming excels in paediatric care, demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, efficiency, and continuous learning. Emily is known for teamwork, high-quality care and outstanding communication and empathy. She proactively meets families’ needs, supports peers, volunteers as a Clinical Examination Assistant and is an Honorary Clinical Associate Lecturer at the University of Adelaide.
Dr Vienna Tran
PGY3, Limestone Coast Local Health Network
Dr Tran excelled in rural rotations during her Intern and PGY2 year, impressing the medical education unit. She significantly contributes to teaching through sessions, publications and presentations. Vienna supports trainees beyond the hospital and bridges hospital-community engagement. She ensures junior doctors and students feel welcome, providing bedside teaching, supervising procedures and advocating for the rural workforce.
clinical educator of the year nominees
Dr Miriam Cohen
Medical Education Registrar, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
Dr Cohen enhances TMO education through multidisciplinary simulation sessions for interns and dedicated simulations for final-year students, receiving outstanding feedback. She regularly meets junior doctors for practical career advice and personalised support. A key driver in reinvigorating IMG support, she uses innovative approaches like a personalised handbook, monthly dinners, and a buddy system. Integral to the workplace-based assessment (WBA) program, Dr Cohen is a proactive and innovative member of the NALHN MEU team.
Dr Kirrily Holton
Director of Clinical Training, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
Dr Holton balances roles across SA Health and SALHN as a consultant rehabilitation physician and clinical lead in the Rural Support Service. She holds educational positions at Flinders University and the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Kirrily supports prevocational trainees, developing shadowing placements and the Intern Preparedness Series. Known for her passion, diligence, intelligence, and clinical focus, she is a dedicated mentor to medical students and staff. Her approachable nature and open-door policy further enhance her role as a trusted educator.
Dr Alison Lydeamore
Director of Clinical Training, Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
Dr Lydeamore is deeply committed to TMO education and workforce development. She customises TMO experiences to align with their interests, ensuring they gain exposure and meet the scope of practice of a Rural Generalist. By facilitating opportunities in the wider region and at metropolitan sites while collaborating with regional partners, she enriches TMO learning. Dr Lydeamore’s support, responsiveness, and dedication to face-to-face engagement have made rural prevocational training more attractive to junior doctors.
