Rural Talent Awards recognise outstanding Bendigo doctors
Four doctors from Bendigo Health have been recognised with 2023 Rural Talent Awards for their commitment to rural health and excellence in professional practice and education.
Sponsored by Monash Rural Health's North West Victoria Regional Training Hub, these peer-voted awards aim to encourage and support junior doctors who have chosen a career in rural or regional practice. They also celebrate a senior clinician who has excelled in their support for rural junior doctors in training. The awards were presented by Bendigo Health’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanneil Mathias, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Daaryl Kroschel and Supervisor of Intern Training, Dr Amy Harding on 9 January 2024. Congratulations to the 2023 winners: Dr Samuel Hurrell, Dr Alex Renehan, Dr Jess Paynter and Dr Anna Peterson.
| Intern of the Year: Dr Samuel Hurrell Samuel was noted for practising evidence-based medicine in a compassionate, patient-centred way, taking into account each patient’s unique situation. Samuel also supported many medical students as a supervisor and contributed to research. Samuel goes above and beyond for his team and is continuing in Bendigo Health in the Emergency Department this year. |
| Hospital Medical Officer of the Year: Dr Alex Renehan Alex has a passion for Obstetrics medicine and plans to continue his training in this area to provide this much-needed service to women in Bendigo. His knowledge, compassion, and advocacy for patients were noted by his colleagues as outstanding. Alex also led research and taught medical students and supported new staff in their roles. |
| Registrar of the Year: Dr Jess Paynter Jess was acknowledged as being particularly approachable and kind by junior members of staff, who she supported with their transition into clinical practice with her patience and feedback, and very clear reasoning. Jess is a tireless advocate for rural health and the Loddon Mallee region and her calm, measured approach to patients demonstrates both a care for their health and a compassion for great medical care. |
| Supervisor of the Year: Dr Anna Peterson Anna’s excellence in education, clinical supervision and staff wellbeing was commended by her Bendigo Health colleagues. Notably in 2023, Anna took the lead in developing a multidisciplinary paediatric simulation education program for the women’s and children’s health teams. Anna was previously recognised with the Monash Rural Health Dr Adele Callaghan Educator’s Award where she was selected by medical students for her outstanding education skills. Anna’s excellence extends to her professional practice as a consultant paediatrician, described in her nomination as a true role model for how to engage with patients and their families in a kind and empathetic way |
North West Victoria Regional Training Hub Director, Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, congratulated this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements.
“The exemplary achievements of the Rural Talent Award winners and their commitment to delivering the best quality care to people in the Loddon Mallee region, gives me great hope for our future workforce and the standard of care we are able to provide. Congratulations to Samuel, Alex, Jess and Anna - I look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work in the region.”
Images courtesy of Bendigo Health
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Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs
The Monash Rural Health Regional Training Hubs facilitate speciality training and career development opportunities for junior doctors to help them live, work and train rurally. The Monash Regional Training Hubs are supported by the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.