11th Annual Medical Directorate Awards

Award for Innovative Education and Technology 

Winner: Dr David Varghese 

Clinical Fellow in Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, Golden Jubilee National Hospital 

• Mr David Varghese, who is a Clinical Fellow in Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. 
• Mr Varghese has a real passion in training and – after intensive efforts, has successfully pioneered a simulator for training in Cardiac Surgery. This model provides excellent simulation in aortic and mitral valve suturing, using materials that authentically replicate the conditions of suturing valve replacements in human tissue in real time, without the need or cost associated with animal or cadaveric models.   
• The whole model is almost identical to a natural aortic valve in continuity with the aortic root and ascending aorta and also allows training in mitral valve annulus suturing.  
• Cardiothoracic Trainees and Fellows will have the opportunity to work on their skills on this simulator before they start operating in real patients.  

Runner up: Professor Cindy Chew 

Director of Imaging & Anatomy, University of Glasgow. Consultant Radiologist, University Hospital Hairmyres         

Award for Exceptional Staff Support 

Joint Winners: Marion Mackay 

Service Manager, Medical Education Directorate, NHS Lothian 

• Marion is the Service Manager, Medical Education Directorate, NHS Lothian. Over her working life, Marion has embodied the ethos of NHS Scotland through unwavering dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to quality healthcare education and patient care. She has consistently demonstrated a "can do" attitude, approaching each challenge with resilience and optimism.  
• Marion has fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation that has enabled the effective daily running of Lothian’s programmes. Her ability to inspire and motivate has been crucial in building a cohesive team that works seamlessly towards supporting trainees and medical students. Her contributions have not only advanced medical education but have enhanced the lives of countless individuals.  

Angela Haining 

Care of the elderly secretary and undergraduate teaching coordinator, Edinburgh  

• Angela started working for the NHS 40 years ago as a medical secretary. She has welcomed and nurtured medical students over the years, through a time of more rigid and didactic teaching to the more holistic style we have now. She has been a shoulder to cry on and cared for those with many crises from broken down cars to angry consultants!
• As teaching has evolved, she has understood the need for a multidisciplinary approach and now coordinates a teaching plan which is personalised for small group teaching.  
• During her tenure Angela has supported 3 generation of consultants/senior doctors. Her in-depth knowledge of complex systems within the department, has been vital for the delivery of excellent and tailored care and support to patients, their relatives, learners, and her colleagues.   

Runner Up: Philip Smith 

SAS Programme Officer, NES  

Inspirational Role Model 

Winner: Professor Morwenna Wood 

DME NHS Fife 

• Professor Wood became the Director of Medical Education in NHS Fife in 2008. The depth of her impact on medical education in Fife and further afield is extraordinary.  She has influenced the careers of innumerable medical students, doctors in training and trainers and continues to influence the careers of many.   
• Morwenna brings relentless energy to her education role. Under her guidance, NHS Fife partners with four universities over six programs and provides training opportunities for increasing numbers of trainees from foundation to higher trainees.  Despite managing the complex delivery in all these areas, she sustains personal and supportive connections with key educational leads across Scotland and is widely respected for her insights, judgement and clear communication. 
• Professor Wood has inspired many to become involved in medical education.  She demonstrates a passion for transforming people through education and training opportunities.  She has supported and inspired many to pursue medical education careers giving them guidance and confidence. 
• Morwenna has a strong sense of inclusion and under her leadership NHS Fife has developed programs for international medical graduates and widening participation in medical careers.  She supports doctors who are on non-traditional training pathways and specialty doctors in the organisation. 
• A wide range of trainees, undergraduate and postgraduate trainers and locally employed doctors contributed to her nomination for this award. A recurring theme in their contributions is that of Morwenna’s inspirational and supportive approach. There are many examples of how she has championed individuals to be the very best they can be.  

Joint Runners up: Dr Wendy Corstorphine 

Hospital lead for medical education, NHS Orkney 

Dr Dean O’Dwyer 

Clinical Development Fellow, NHS Shetland 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Winner: Lothian MED Fellows 

• This team of talented and enthusiastic Fellows came together in the wake of the Women in Surgery 'Breaking the Silence' report (Sept 2023), determined to stand up against sexual misconduct in the workplace. Through an inclusive and thoughtful approach, their expertise was used to produce a suite of online resources, looking at evidence and support available for those who have experienced sexual misconduct in the workplace, those who have been witness to it, and those who may want to consider their own behaviour and/or may have been accused of misconduct. Their maturity of thought both around the use of language and in ensuring the resources are relevant promotes inclusivity, personal reflection and encourages improvement. 
• The team worked at great pace and launched the resource in less than three months. NES was delighted to hear of their work and is collaborating with the Fellows such that the resource can be adapted and shared nationally.  
• The energy of the Fellow team has continued since the resource launch 5 months ago. They have presented at conferences, produced toolkits, and are working across professional boundaries to share learning and empower others.  

Runner up: Dr Katie Brown & Dr Lynsay Crawford 

Clinical University Lecturer and Senior Clinical University Lecturer, University of Glasgow

The awards presentation can be accessed here: Medical Directorate Awards 2024 

Professor Alan R Denison 

Dean of Postgraduate Medicine and Chair of the Awards Panel