SA Prevocational Medical Education Excellence Awards

2025 was the third annual SA Prevocational Medical Education Excellence Awards. Thank you to everyone who made this successful event possible.

SA Minister for Health Award: Excellence in Advancing Prevocational Medical Education

• Dr Hugo Keller

Dr Keller is a consistently positive, empathetic prevocational doctor who exceeds PGY2 expectations with calm, adaptable communication, and strong procedural skills. He prioritises patient-centred care, from routine tasks to comforting anxious families. A natural leader, Dr Keller fosters teamwork, supports colleagues, and inspires a positive culture. Trusted by all staff, he is reliable, approachable, and generous with knowledge. Committed to equity, he actively applies learnings from anti-racism training to promote inclusive, culturally sensitive healthcare.

Dr Hugo Keller, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, accepting his award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

SA HEALTH CHIEF EXECUTIVE RECOGNITION AWARD:

• Dr Luke Vater

Dr Vater demonstrates outstanding leadership in simulation-based education and workforce development. He is pursuing a PhD on reflective learning in simulation and has pioneered the integration of EMR into simulation, an SA first, boosting fidelity and digital safety. Dr Vater co-developed interprofessional programs for interns and RNs, led support for IMG doctors, and created near-peer simulations for final-year students. His initiatives promote psychological safety, equity, and system improvement. Dr Vater’s inclusive, learner-centred approach aligns education with clinical excellence and strengthens SA’s healthcare workforce.

Dr Luke Vater, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, accepting his award from Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive for Health and Wellbeing.

TEAM CULTURE AWARD:

• Department of General Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Health Network

The Department of General Medicine offers a highly supportive and well-structured training environment, led by an engaged head of unit. Trainees receive a thorough orientation, daily minilectures, and access to comprehensive resources via SharePoint. Strong camaraderie, approachable consultants, and a fair workload foster teamwork and psychological safety. Protected teaching time, regular feedback, and supervision ensure continuous development. Trainees are encouraged to participate in clinical discussions, research, and education. The Department of General Medicine’s inclusive, collaborative culture is consistently praised in end-of-term feedback as a model of educational excellence.

Department of General Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

SUPPORT AND DEBRIEF OF CHALLENGING CASES award:

• Dr Nadee Assiriyage

Dr Nadee Assiriyage exemplifies compassionate, reflective leadership by embedding structured, inclusive debriefing into clinical practice. She fosters a psychologically safe environment where all team members, regardless of role, can reflect, learn, and grow from challenging cases. Dr Assiriyage models empathy, encourages open dialogue, and supports early career doctors with one-on-one sessions when needed. Her leadership turns critical incidents into learning opportunities, driving practical improvements, enhancing team cohesion, and promoting a culture of continuous reflection, respectful communication, and professional development across the multidisciplinary team.

Dr Nadee Assiriyage, Flinders Upper North Local Health Network, accepting her award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

AND

• RAH ICU Governance team

The RAH ICU Governance Team has embedded Structured Judgement Review (SJR) into weekly education sessions for trainee doctors, creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment with opportunities to reflect. Freed from clinical duties, trainees critically review challenging cases, including those involving mortality, across all phases of care. The SJR framework promotes objective, balanced analysis focused on system improvement, not individual blame. Reflections lead to documented actions and real practice changes, empowering prevocational doctors to actively engage in clinical governance, continuous learning, and patient safety improvement.

RAH ICU Governance Team, Structured Judgement Reviews, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORT IN RURAL AND REMOTE ENVIRONMENTS award:

• Kaylee Brown

Kaylee provides outstanding orientation and ongoing support for early career doctors in the rural setting, combining clinical education, simulation training, and individualised pastoral care. Drawing on her nursing background, she tailors tutorials to rural challenges, advocates for early career doctors, and builds community connections. She fosters a culture of safety, respect, and empowerment through clear escalation pathways, after-hours support, and regular check-ins. Her work in simulation, IMG support, and customised rotations demonstrates her deep commitment to developing confident, well-supported rural doctors and strengthening the rural medical workforce.

Kaylee Brown, Eyre and Far North Local Health Network, accepting her award from Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive for Health and Wellbeing.

INTERPROFESSIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING award:

• Mobile Simulation Team, Women’s and Children’s Health Network

The WCHN SIMS Team delivers high impact, in-situ simulation training without a formal lab, bringing practical, scenario-based education into real clinical settings. Their simulations, often based on actual incidents, enhance safety, interprofessional teamwork, and confidence, especially for TMOs new to paediatrics and O&G. They champion psychological safety, mentor advanced trainees, and adapt swiftly to clinical demands. Their rollout of Paediatric Intermediate Life Support (PILS) training, collaborative approach, and responsive design make them an invaluable asset to the hospital, fostering a culture of continuous learning and system improvement.

Mobile Simulation Team, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, accepting their award from Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive for Health and Wellbeing.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN PREVOCATIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION AWARD:

• Professor Gregory Crawford AM

Professor Crawford AM has dedicated over 30 years to medical education, spanning undergraduate to specialist training with leadership in curriculum design, clinical supervision, and national governance. He chaired the Medical Professional and Personal Development Committee for 15+ years, integrating professionalism, communication, and Indigenous health into curricula. A pioneer in simulation-based and interprofessional learning, he expanded palliative care education through innovative clinical attachments and rural video tutorials. Renowned for mentorship, research supervision, and teaching excellence, Professor Crawford’s work profoundly shapes medical education and practice.

Professor Gregory Crawford AM, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, accepting his award from Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive for Health and Wellbeing.

AND

• Professor Paul Worley

Professor Worley former Dean of Medicine at Flinders University, and inaugural National Rural Health Commissioner, has over 40 years of transformative leadership in rural medical education and workforce policy. A dedicated rural practitioner and academic, he champions learner centred education and sustainable rural health workforces. His extensive roles include clinical innovation leadership, board directorships, and editorial duties. Awarded nationally and internationally for excellence in teaching and service, Professor Worley’s impact shapes health education and rural care at local, national, and global levels.

Professor Paul Worley, Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, accepting his award from Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive for Health and Wellbeing.

thank you to our 2025 sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

RURAL TRAINEE SPONSORS

CERTIFICATE / AWARD SPONSOR

FINALIST SPONSOR

2024 was the second annual SA Prevocational Medical Education Excellence Awards. Thank you to everyone who made this successful event possible.

Team Culture joint winners:

• Emergency Department, Mount Gambier and Districts Health Services (MGDHS), Limestone Coast Local Health Network

The Emergency Department at MGDHS is committed to excellence in prevocational medical education, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. Senior clinicians offer clear induction, uphold high standards for patient-centred care and balance supervision with independent learning. The department fosters a friendly, multicultural atmosphere, promotes open communication, and enforces a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. Emphasising climate consciousness, the team integrates environmental awareness into daily practices. With a focus on holistic care, growth and work-life balance, the team exemplifies a “see one, do one, teach one” culture.

Emergency Department, Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service team accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

AND

• Medical Education Unit, The Adelaide Prevocational Psychiatry Program (TAPPP), Central Adelaide Local Health Network

The TAPPP Medical Education Unit (MEU) exemplifies educational inclusivity with a thorough orientation, focused on TMOs’ professional and personal wellbeing. The MEU fosters a supportive environment, emphasising respect and community engagement. Established to enhance TMO exposure to psychiatry, the small team promotes mutual respect and open communication. TMOs receive personalised support with additional protected time for individual supervision with consultants, balancing supervision, and independence to aid professional growth. Regular feedback drives continuous improvement and encourages TMOs to contribute to the education program development.

Medical Education Unit, The Adelaide Prevocational Psychiatry Program after accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

Support and Debrief of Challenging Cases:

• Medical Education Unit, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network

The Medical Education Unit (MEU) at NALHN maintains an open-door policy, encourages reflective practice, and provides a safe space where trainees feel heard and respected. Regular debriefs, often initiated by trainees, address challenging clinical cases or personal circumstances. These sessions, prompted by complex cases, difficult interactions, or feedback, include at least two staff members for diverse perspectives and support. Follow-up sessions ensure accountability and continuous support. The MEU promotes a growth mindset, incorporating learning from both success and failure while framing medical training challenges as opportunities for growth and development.

Medical Education Unit, NALHN accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

Outstanding support in rural and remote environments:

• Cummins Medical Team, Eyre and Far North Local Health Network

The Cummins Medical team fosters a strong community culture, emphasising clinical learning and optimised patient care in a rural setting. They prepare TMOs thoroughly, with clear role expectations and exceptional community support, including social invitations. Despite potential isolation, robust support and clear issue escalation pathways are provided. Supervisors offer tailored advice on clinical challenges, career navigation and wellbeing. Rotating TMOs positively impact local healthcare with the team supported by dedicated clinical staff who address challenges faced in the rural region.

Cummins Medical team accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

INTERPROFESSIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING joint winners:

• Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing, SA Pharmacy Statewide Clinical Support Services

The Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing model provides high-quality interprofessional interactions. This collaborative model involves TMOs and pharmacists working together in real time in emergency departments, both assessing the patient, reviewing, and co-signing a medication management plan. TMOs benefit from reduced cognitive burden during complex medical admissions and valuable interprofessional learning. Pharmacists enjoy contributing to therapeutic decision-making, learning new skills, and collaborating with an interprofessional team. Feedback is extremely positive, highlighting the value, safety and reassurance provided by medication experts.

Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing team accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

AND

• Simulation and Education Team, Emergency Department, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network

The Simulation Team conducts weekly high-fidelity simulations in the ED resuscitation bay. These sessions prepare staff for high-acuity presentations, identifying strengths and weaknesses and developing a shared mental model for the day’s work. Involving staff at all levels, the simulations promote collaboration and medication safety and expands on staff knowledge base. The team strives for improvement through mandatory debriefings, allowing encouragement of colleagues and perspective sharing, further contributing to the shared mental model.

Simulation and Education team, Emergency Department, Flinders Medical Centre, SALHN accepting their award from the Hon Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing

lifetime achievement in prevocational medical education and training:

• Dr Lawrie Palmer, Palliative Medicine Specialist, Senior Consultant, Northern Adelaide Palliative Services, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network

Dr Lawrie Palmer has integrated clinical education with his career for over 30 years, leading by example even before becoming the Head of Unit for Palliative Care and DCT. He partnered with the University of Adelaide to teach students on placement through lectures and he educates interns and trainees in his unit, fostering a strong culture of learning and growth. He has consistently promoted clinical education within palliative care and grand rounds. A humble and committed clinician, he continues to mentor junior consultants and trainees, exemplifying leadership and dedication to colleagues, students, and patients.

thank you to our 2024 sponsors

Exclusive Gold Sponsor

Certificate / Awards Sponsors