News and notices Pānui
Recognition for dedicated BOP doctors shaping future health workforce
21 October 2020
Two Bay of Plenty doctors have received recognition for their work teaching and mentoring the next generation of health professionals.
Tauranga Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Kate Grimwade and Whakatāne Hospital Paediatrician John Malcolm are two of the five recipients of the annual Dennis Pickup Clinical Educator Awards from the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
The annual awards recognise those who’ve made an outstanding contribution to their profession; role models to the next generation of health professionals.
Associate Dean (Academic) of the University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Bridget Kool says, “We are so fortunate to have such dedicated clinicians who are willing to share their clinical skills with our students. These awards provide us with the opportunity to acknowledge that commitment. What makes them particularly special is that they reflect not only the high regard that is held by their colleagues but also their students.”
Dr Grimwade says she was honoured to receive the award and paid tribute to her colleagues, the team providing the learning experience at the hospitals and patients.
“Our patients open their lives to our students at times when they are at their most vulnerable and in doing so, contribute to developing the next generation of practitioners.”
Her sentiments were shared by Dr Malcolm whose standing was likened by his peers to a kaumatua for his experience in paediatrics, wisdom and commitment to Māori health particularly for tamariki in rural areas.
“It’s a privilege to teach and share knowledge and skills with medical students. Through this kaupapa students deepen their understanding of health disparities and learn to address them. We’ve had students in the Eastern Bay who’ve contributed to research which is ultimately aimed at closing the gaps,” says Dr Malcolm.
University of Auckland student numbers at the Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) have increased significantly from 10 (6th year students) in 2012, forecast to be 72 (4th, 5th and 6th year medical students) in 2021.
Other recipients of the 2020 Dennis Pickup Clinical Teacher Awards were Tracey Forward (Nursing), Adele Print (Pharmacy) and Kerry Atkinson, (Optometry).