Dr Vienna Tran from the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) and the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service Emergency Department have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Dr Tran and the ED were recognised as part of the Prevocational Medical Education Excellence Awards held in Adelaide.
Dr Tran was awarded the CPMEC SA Junior Doctor of the Year and the Emergency Department at Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service was a joint winner of the Team Culture award with the Adelaide Prevocational Psychiatry Program, Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
The Team Culture award recognises excellence in the provision of a supportive learning environment for prevocational doctors, by the wider interprofessional team.
Dr Tran was one of six South Australians nominated for the prestigious Australia and New Zealand medical award by the annual Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Councils (CPMEC).
Dr Kirrily Holton from the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network won the CPMEC Clinical Educator of the Year Award.
They are both now in the running to win the overall Trans-Tasman winner to be announced at the Prevocational Medical Education Forum, held in Darwin in November.
The awards for CPMEC Junior Doctor of the Year and Clinical Educator of the Year Awards acknowledge junior doctors and clinical educators across Australia and New Zealand for their major contribution to medical education and their commitment to sharing the learning experience with other post graduate doctors.
In a two-tiered selection process, state winners are selected for each award and then, from this group, an overall Trans-Tasman winner will be announced.
Since 2008 these awards have been presented annually by CPMEC to junior doctors and clinical educators across Australia and New Zealand in recognition of those who have made significant contributions to improving prevocational medical education and training.
Dr Tran excelled in rural rotations during her Intern and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) training years, impressing the medical education unit.
She significantly contributes to teaching outcomes through her participation in sessions, publications and presentations.
While undergoing her own post graduate learning, Dr Tran supports trainees beyond the hospital and builds hospital-community engagement. She ensures junior doctors and students feel welcome, providing bedside teaching, supervising procedures and advocating for the rural workforce.
She has worked in a variety of different health care roles in the South East, including Mount Gambier, Kingston, Robe and Naracoorte.
“Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour,” Dr Tran said.
“I was happy just to be nominated, and glad to be spending the evening with my colleagues recognising the work that we do across the state. I was also glad to see that some of my peers from medical school had been nominated.
“I want to give recognition to those working outside of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network who support rural doctors and provide the same educational opportunities as our city colleagues.
“When I heard my name called out, I could not believe it. Mainly, I was just grateful to the team, particularly the Medical Education Unit who are caring, thoughtful and work tirelessly for us.
“They do so much behind the scenes and after hours to ensure that we get relevant teaching experiences and that we recruit and retain junior doctors. Being nominated means their hard work is recognised on a statewide scale. They have supported me in many ways.
“That’s why I chose to stay in Mount Gambier: because of the people that I have around me. I know they have got my back.”
Dr Tran said through medical school she had some excellent mentors and teachers and wanted to emulate that spirit for other medical students and junior doctors.
“I think that is crucial about being a good doctor. Every day, I strive to uplift the team members around me so we can give the best care to our patients,” she said.
“Being in the country means that you really get to know the people you work with, and that’s important for building a good team culture – something I learned during my first rotation as a junior doctor in the Emergency Department in Mount Gambier. The community is great, there’s plenty to do, the lifestyle is more relaxed with less distractions, and of course there’s less traffic, so I can focus on what really matters to me.
“My advice for those considering going regional is to just give it a go. Really immerse yourself, and take every opportunity to learn, wherever you go. You get out what you put in.”
Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive Emma Poland was proud of her team’s accolades.
“I want to congratulate all the award winners and finalists for the exciting and innovative work they’re doing,” she said.
“I also want to pay a special tribute to Dr Vienna Tran for deciding to take the plunge and relocate to Mount Gambier where she has been an integral part of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network.
“Dr Tran is a deserving winner of the Junior Doctor of the Year Award and her wisdom and experience and passion to mentor young doctors of the future is a credit to her.
“Doctors and clinical educators are an integral part of our health system, providing the essential care and supporting people through the different stages of their lives.
“I am also delighted to see the Emergency Department, Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service and the Adelaide Prevocational Psychiatry Program at the Central Adelaide Local Health Network being recognised as joint winners of the Team Culture award.
“Team Culture is so important, and our Emergency Department constantly go above and beyond to ensure that members of the team are made to feel welcome and they come to work in a safe, fun and friendly environment.”
