A Bundaberg Hospital doctor has been named the Junior Doctor of the Year at the prestigious Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Council Awards.
Bundaberg Hospital principal house officer Dr Kat Curtis won the award, which covers Australia and New Zealand, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education, training and support of junior doctors.
Dr Curtis said to be recognised as Australasian Young Doctor of the Year was a great honour and encouragement to her professionally.
“I was nominated due to my work supporting other young doctors as an educator and trainer in surveyor training for accreditation, advanced life support training of interns and other areas,” Dr Curtis said.
Dr Curtis accepted a position at Bundaberg Hospital in August after several colleagues and mentors praised the local Bundaberg Hospital team and its workplace environment.
“The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service and the Bundaberg Hospital surgical team led by Dr Denise MacGregor have a good reputation,” Dr Curtis said.
“My mentors and fellow doctors spoke positively of Bundaberg Hospital, how it supports its medical staff through professional development and the leadership of experienced doctors.
“The registrar position also provided me with an opportunity to enjoy both clinical and surgical work in a diverse range of medical fields where I could gain experience and develop my skillset.”
Dr Curtis has served on several peer and professional organisations including Chair of the Junior Medical Officer Forum, committee member for Queensland Women’s Medical Society and Queensland representative to Australian Junior Medical Officer Committee.
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service chairman Dominic Devine praised Dr Curtis for being recognised for her commitment to the field of medicine.
“Receiving this award is due recognition of Dr Curtis’ hard work, effort and dedication to health care,” Mr Devine said.
“It is great to see a young doctor who has made such a strong commitment to supporting and training her colleagues be recognised with this award.
“On behalf of the entire board, I congratulate Dr Curtis on receiving this honour as it is an achievement to take great pride in.”
Mr Devine also stated the award displayed the high quality medical professionals being recruited into Bundaberg Hospital and the broader Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
“Having a young doctor of the year as part of the team is a real endorsement of Bundaberg Hospital and the care it provides,” Mr Devine said.
“It reinforces that the Bundaberg community can be confident as a result of the quality care our medical staff are providing to them every day
“The best and brightest doctors are choosing the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service because of the excellent career options, support and development provided by their peers and management team.”
Source: Queensland Health