2020 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
Congratulations to all staff members who are nominated for a Faculty of Medicine Excellence Award.
The Awards celebrate our achievements over the past year, which is even more important to acknowledge in such unprecedented times. Each year the Awards Selection Committee are amazed by the outstanding contributions, innovative work and exemplary leadership demonstrated in the Faculty.
This year has seen a record number of nominations submitted, with 161 nominations outlined below across 11 award categories.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and thank you to the nominators for taking the time to complete a submission.
Award Winners and Commendations are below.
Collaborators of the year award
Winner
UQ Ochsner Recruitment Team (Faculty)
This year with no applications in the pipeline, relatively low brand awareness and the inability to travel to the US or hire new staff, a new way of recruiting students into the UQ-Ochsner MD was required. A diverse team of staff from across both organisations came together to implement a unique international recruitment model that has resulted in a record number of applications.
Team members:
- Professor Stuart Carney
- Ms Keira Anderson
- Ms Lisa Casey
- Ms Monique Chang
- Ms Shalon Hilton-Sinclair
- Ms Marni Jacoby
- Mr Justin Laing
- Mr Brian Mallon
- Ms Cecile McGuire
- Mr Scott Peters
- Ms Stacey Porter
- Ms Belinda Ryan
- Ms Nicole Shepherd
- Mr Carl Tholen
- Dr Tamika Webb-Detiege
- Katie Guillot
- Natasha Rabbitt
- Mila Miladinovic
Commendations
Professor H. Peter Soyer ACEMID Team (UQ Diamantina Institute)
Peter Soyer and his teamundertook a mammoth task in 2020 and were able to bring together 3 major universities across 3 states, with 15 different health services to be involved in the ACEMID project, with the aim of delivering radical change in the early diagnosis of melanoma.
Team members:
- Professor H. Peter Soyer
- Professor Monika Janda
- Associate Professor Liam Caffery
- Professor David Abramson
- Associate Professor Helmut Schaider
- Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- Associate Professor Rick Sturm
- Professor Len Gray
- Professor Mieke van Driel
- Liz Payne
- Dr Uyen Koh
- Melissa Kerr
- Clare Primiero
- Katie Lee
- Kaitlin Nufer
- Joachim Torrano
- Caitlin Horsham
- Montana O’Hara
- Dr Brigid Betz-Stablein
- Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo
- Dr Mitchell Stark
Yiota Lallas and Casey Timaloa (School of Clinical Medicine)
Yiota and Casey are a very special pair of team members whose collaboration, particularly during 2020 has been exceptional. Yiota and Casey have taken the lead in providing professional skills development opportunities to colleagues, supported our medical students and organised team activities to encourage health and well-being amongst both groups.
UQ Royal Commission Cost of Care Project Tea (Centre for Health Services Research)
Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Business, Economics & Law have been recognised for their amazing collaborative work into a co-authored report on the cost of residential aged care for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The report adds more evidence on the performance of the sector and will ultimately contribute to the final recommendations due to be handed down in February 2021.
Team members:
- Associate Professor Tracy Comans
- Dr Kim-Huong Nguyen
- Associate Professor Valetin Zelenyuk
- Bao Hoang Nguyen (PhD candidate)
- Zhichao Wang (PhD candidate)
- Alice Tran (PhD candidate)
Faculty of Medicine Collaborative Team (Faculty Office)
2020 has been a year like no other' experienced by the Faculty of Medicine.
'Normal' perceived parameters of success, recognition and appreciation have changed forever more. The Faculty of Medicine Collaborative Team came together to implement a ‘new way of thinking’ in all Faculty procedures, operations and processes.
Team members:
- Mary Schneider, Faculty Operations Manager
- Adele Rankin, SPH Receptionist
- Libby Kelly, EA to SPH Head of School
- Jenyl Brady, Faculty Health & Safety Officer
- Rebecca Aller, EA to RBCU Head of School (and previously Project Officer, Business Systems)
- Lucinda Coalter, Faculty Facilities Officer
Innovators of the year award
Winner
OME Teaching and Assessment Support ProctorU Team (OME)
This small team pioneered externally proctored examinations at UQ necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. They were responsible for: running all end-of-semester MD program examinations (scheduled before the main University exams), developing comprehensive preparatory information for students, coordinating paper preparation, supporting students during exams, results processing and collating feedback to guide troubleshooting processes. Throughout this, they liaised closely with a wide range of stakeholders including senior colleagues within the Office of Medical Education (OME), the Faculty of Medicine, Central Examinations, ProctorU and Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (ITaLI). Timely reports informed requests for vendor improvements, and support for staff and students prior to the main university examinations. An extraordinary achievement.
Team members:
- Ms Janine Kerber
- Ms Liss Cadenas Padron
- Mr Juan Vargas Restrepo
- Dr Pavla Simerska-Taylor
- Ms Kate Sweeney
- Ms Ashleigh Williamson
Commendation
UQRCS Clinical Skills Online Teaching and Learning Group (UQ Rural Clinical School)
The UQRCS Clinical Skills Online Working Group commenced in April 2020 to ensure the ongoing clinical skills education for Year 3 despite withdrawal from the clinical environment and for Year 4 students with reduced clinical experiences and to ensure clinical skills development as they prepare for internship. The team worked together in rapid time to audit all the Phase 2 Course's Clinical Skills requirements, online resources available either at UQ or via other online platforms or resources.
Service excellence award
Winners
Gross Anatomy Facility Team (SBMS)
Gross Anatomy Facility, received two nominations from their peers. This team has led the Gross Anatomy Facility through a period of great change this year, including critical State Government legislation, new staff training policies and procedures, and last but certainly not least, the immense task of reopening the GAF to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching under COVID-19 restrictions, with the largest student throughput in UQ.
Research Support Community of Practice (Faculty)
The Faculty's Research Support Community of Practice brings together over 25 professional staff to support the research efforts of the Faculty the Research Development Officers, Research Development Managers, Research Partnership Managers, Research Contract Officers, PCN Clinical Unit Research Manager, Med Dean's Portfolio Project Manager, the MRI-UQ Research Office team, the Faculty Research & Research Training Manager and Research Admin Officer, and the Associate Dean Research.
This Community supports the Faculty's objective of excellence in research quality and impact though their work supporting the funding, collaboration and delivery of projects and translation of outcomes through our industry and health service partners. Their efforts and work ethos reflect many of the Faculty's stated principles including excellence, respect, collaboration, resilience and integrity, as well as the University's value of creativity and independent thinking.
I can recommend the members of the Faculty's Research Support Community of Practice to the awards panel, as trusted individuals who are pivotal to the processes, support and delivery of our Faculty's research efforts.
Commendations
Kerry Marles (UQ Rural Clinical School)
Service is not just a skill. It is an attitude. For over 15 years, Kerry Marles has exemplified this attitude as the keystone of the Bundaberg Rural Clinical School. During this time, she has grown both professionally and personally and been a significant contributor to the development and flourishing of the Bundaberg campus, which is recognised amongst peers and students as a quality site delivering the MD Program. The worth of her high quality and consistent efforts is immeasurable, underpinning the success of a distributed model of medical education while staying true to the UQ values.
Centre for Online Health (Centre for Health Services Research)
The Centre for Online Health (COH) in the CHSR exhibited telehealth leadership and provided a remarkable response to the need for telehealth expertise during this COVID response. The COH response has resulted in exceptional services and benefits for UQ and our wider community. COVID-19 has resulted in major disruption to all aspects of living and unprecedented demand on our health system. Since the onset of COVID-19, telehealth has clearly emerged as a key strategy to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of health services, reducing the risk of transmission of vital importance for vulnerable patients and clinicians. The uptake of telehealth was rapid with clinicians and patients grappling for support to provide effective telehealth services.
Leader of the year award (Professional)
Winners
Greg Hafner (Faculty Office)
Greg was recognised for his professional leadership at UQ Diamantina Institute as Acting Institute Manager and in the wider Faculty as Senior Manager Infrastructure and Research Operations. His outstanding efforts in supporting the COVID-19 response at TRI and establishing a strong work culture, built on accountability and performance, were demonstrated through honesty, integrity and clarity of thought.
Keira Anderson (Faculty Office)
Keira was described by her peers as going above and beyond to deliver excellence in the management of admissions to the MD program. Keira has extraordinary analytical skills, she is collegial and builds positive relationships between different organisational units in the University of Queensland. Her depth of knowledge and experience in Student & Academic Administration is a great asset to the Faculty.
Commendations
Dr Uli Siebeck (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Uli was nominated six times by her peers in the excellence awards. Since she has joined the school in her capacity as RDM there have been some very substantial successes, not only research grant success, but also success with some highly prestigious fellowship schemes (e.g. Viertel Foundation Fellowship (currently under embargo) and Advance Qld Fellowship). She also helped researchers in our school to win respectable numbers of ARC and NHMRC grants as well as an NHMRC Development grant and numerous smaller grants from diverse funding bodies.
Heather Moore (School of Clinical Medicine)
From the first mention of workplace changes due to the pandemic, Heather actively sought advice and communicated only as appropriate to the team. Her commendation recognises her exceptional leadership through the many sudden changes presented in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, including work from home arrangements, return to work and facility compliance. She is a valued asset to the team.
Leader of the year award (Academic)
Winner
Associate Professor Stephen Anderson (SBMS)
This year, in his new role as SBMS Chair of Teaching and Learning, Stephen took on the challenge of revising the School Teaching & Learning Committee operational model. His nominations recognise the outstanding leadership in all aspects of the undergraduate teaching and learning program in the School of Biomedical Sciences by leading the teams of teaching staff in the School at all levels, including casual tutors through to Professors, through the progressive stages of the impact that COVID-19 had on our students and their learning activities and assessment. By acting in a manner that has been pre-emptive, innovative, and decisive but collegial, the outcomes for students in all Semester 1 courses were equitable and fair. Additional innovative changes have been possible in Semester 2 courses with a greater lead time, resulting in changes that will continue to enhance the engagement of and outcomes for our students in future years.
Commendations
Professor Helen Liley (MRI-UQ)
Nominated 3 times by her colleagues, Professor Helen Liley is a well-recognised leader in the fields of neonatal resuscitation, hypoxic- ischemic encephalopathy, and the design and execution of multicentre clinical trials. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional collaboration as evidenced by her publications. Specifically, over the past decade, she has mentored several early career academics. At The University of Queensland, her sustained outstanding contribution to clinical medicine was recognised by promoting her as one of the six inaugural clinical professors in 2018.
Associate Professor Lisa Fitzgerald and Associate Professor Allyson Mutch (School of Public Health)
Allyson and Lisa are academic leaders in public health research and teaching. They are self-ascribed prac-academics' who seek to translate community-based research into policy and practice. This extends to their innovative and collaborative classroom teaching practices to enhance learning.
Allyson and Lisa inspire their students through their passion for the social determinants of health and the health and wellbeing of people who are marginalised and experiencing disadvantage. Considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic their teaching practices have demonstrated significant innovation and flexibility to better support first year students undertaking their Health Systems & Policy course. In developing an interactive e-learning space, Allyson and Lisa's Flipped Classroom' approach enhances student-to- student engagement through peer-based learning activities. This provides students with opportunities to apply key concepts to problem-based learning situations. It also provides students with the opportunity to unpack and clarify complex theories with each other and support student to student engagement. As part of their commitment to continuously enhancing student learning, Allyson and Lisa engage with Students as Partners to continuously engage in feedback and collaboratively build and reflect on course material to better support teaching and learning.
Professor Sailesh Kumar (MRI-UQ)
He is an outstanding teacher, mentor and researcher in his own right and is also an enabler to the productivity, education and research capacity across the Faculty of Medicine. Professor Kumar's clinical teaching and mentoring achievements have been recognised through multiple nominations and awards including the UQ Teaching and Learning winner for the Tutor, Clinical, Research or Professional Practice Supervisor Awards, Faculty of Medicine - UQ, 2019 and a Distinction in teaching award UQ, 2016.
Professor Kumar's research leadership and output is recognised through his recent ranking as Australia's leading Scholar for Obstetrics & Gynaecology (The Australian, Sept 2020). Together with his personal recognition, The Australian also noted that UQ's Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology was the leading research institute in this field reflecting his leadership.
Leader of the future award (Professional)
Winner
Dr Charlotte Young (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Since 2017, Dr Charlotte Young has played an integral role in shaping the direction of SBMS teaching and learning. It’s clear through that she is highly respected by her colleagues, who commend her for her patience, expertise, kindness, and resilience. In line with her commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, Charlotte supported academics in taking on the immense challenge of converting approximately 60 courses to online learning in 2020.
Commendation
Tim Robinson (Faculty of Medicine)
Tim consistently demonstrates leadership qualities and for someone still under 30 has a big future at UQ. He has filled nearly every position in the senior finance team in 2020, ensuring we can service our customers. In all the roles he challenges the business to ensure we are making the most cost effective decisions and producing the best return on investment for the university. Of particular note is his return to the rural clinical school portfolio and returning the 2021 budget to breakeven. He consistency keeps an eye out for activities that may be falling through the cracks.
Leader of the future award (Academic)
Winners
Dr Aideen McInenery-Leo (UQDI)
Dr Aideen McInenery-Leon received an outstanding 11 nominations in this year’s awards from her colleagues and team. Her peers described Aideen is an amazing role model who leads and inspires those around her to achieve excellence. She is a strong advocate for women in STEM, and an advocate for minority groups, working within UQDI’s equity, diversity and inclusion committee. She is also a UQ Ally and mentor of EMCR academics.
Associate Professor Jason Ferris (CHSR)
Associate Professor Jason Ferris’s excellence in research represents a major contribution to the evidence base for understanding the impact of substance-related harms on mental and physical health. In addition to his significant career achievements, Jason is highly valued by peers and direct reports as an enthusiastic and generous mentor. We recognise him today for not only his personal accomplishments, but also his leadership and dedication towards building the careers of others.
Commendations
Associate Professor Carlos Salomon (UQ Centre for Clinical Research)
Associate Professor Carlos Salomon was nominated five times by his colleagues and peers in the 2020 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards. He has demonstrated consistent leadership by serving on the: Research and Commercialisation Committees, Leadership Committee of the Centre for Clinical Diagnostics (CCD) (a centre established to develop, evaluate and deliver In Vitro Diagnostics within a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited research and development environment (ISO17025, ISO13485)), and UQCCR Seminar Committee (2015-2017). He is an active member of the Faculty and as such, the CCR representative on the FoM Research Committee, as well as an international champion as part of a UQ global strategy. At this stage of his career, he has consistently demonstrated leadership at UQ in mentoring, the ability to obtaining external funding, student supervision, commercialization, and community engagement.
Associate Professor Samudragupta Bora (MRI-UQ)
Associate Professor Samudragupta Bora was recognised by his peers across three nominations for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the development of exceptional graduate attributes among UQ MD students. Sam has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance across clinical research, academic teaching and professional service. Specifically, his parallel contribution to these three key areas of academia is the distinguishing characteristic qualifying him as one of the most deserving nominees for this award.
Excellence in mental and physical health, safety and wellness award
Winner
Occupational Health and Safety Team (Faculty Office)
The Occupational Health and Safety Team, have consistently demonstrated in 2020 outstanding rapid, yet proportionate responses to COVID-19 health and safety issues, combining excellent technical knowledge and creative problem solving in ways that successfully promote UQ’s values. The team optimistically navigated the challenges during transitioning to working from home and in returning to campus, whilst also supporting those face-to-face teaching and research activities that continued on campus during the period of lockdown.
- Ms Jenyl Brady
- Mr Deon Knight
- Dr Paul Lovelock
- Mr Lawrie Myers
- Ms Robyn Oram
- Ms Michelle Wright
Commendation
Dr Roberta Mazzieri (UQ Diamantina Institute)
Dr Mazzieri is recognised for her outstanding leadership, support to her students and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about issues regarding equity, diversity and inclusion.
Spirit of Reconciliation award
Winners
Francis Nona (SPH)
Mr Francis Nona from SPH who was nominated by his peers for his steadfast focus on building strength-based relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous students and staff. He generously shares his story and his culture, and embodies the Spirit of Reconcilation by bringing people together, advocating for cultural safety and being a wonderful mentor.
Ryan Galea (UQDI)
Ryan has contributed his knowledge as an Indigenous man, to further recognition of Indigenous culture and the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at UQDI and to the greater UQ community.
Over the past two years, he has organised a number of scientific research seminars with relevance to Indigenous culture and has promoted NAIDOC Week events. He facilitates the UQDI Yarn Circle, a traditional and effective means of communication used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and he has thoughtfully promoted the adoption of Acknowledgement of Country throughout committees and meetings.
Philanthropic leader of the year award
Winners
Professor Darrell Crawford (Faculty)
A long-time friend and leader in the Faculty, Professor Darrell Crawford was recognised for his ongoing efforts in support of philanthropy. In addition to his own giving, Darrell is a key-connector, relationship builder, and advocate for the philanthropic support of our Faculty’s students, and our research. Darrell uses his personal experience of giving to reach out to others, and has helped to inspire a number of significant contributions to the Faculty for the Create Change Student Scholarships.
Professor Wendy Hoy
Professor Wendy Hoy has dedicated her career to researching the risk of kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in disadvantaged or high-risk populations. Her commitment to Indigenous health is also reflected in her personal giving. Inspired to donate to UQ to build a resource to advance Aboriginal health and research, Wendy has gifted to UQ over a number of years and has played a key role in helping Advancement secure philanthropic gifts from corporate partners to broaden the culture of philanthropy within the Faculty.
Rising star of the year award
Winner
Dr Megan Ferguson (SPH)
Dr Megan Ferguson from School of Public Health, who has been described by her nominees as a true rising star – showing outstanding commitment to her research on food security and food supply in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Megan is a valued colleague and a strong contributor to not only the School community, but UQ and more broadly with external partners; a shining example of an emerging research leader.
Commendations
Dr Taylor Dick (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Dr Taylor Dick arrived at UQ to begin her T&R position in October 2017 with less than 2 years post-doctoral experience. She has embraced all aspects of her role with energy and enthusiasm. She has outstanding commitment to her research, teaching and service/citizenship at UQ and beyond. Her commitment has been acknowledged at the School level with a teaching award, and University level with support for research infrastructure and research projects. The rising star award has provided recognition for her outstanding achievements from The Faculty of Medicine.
Dr Julie Wixey (UQ Centre for Clinical Research)
Julie commenced her postdoctoral training in 2015 in The Perinatal Research Centre at UQ Centre for Clinical Research. Her research trajectory has been incredibly impressive given that she has only worked in a part-time capacity until recently due to carer responsibilities. Julie has demonstrated outstanding efforts in the field of perinatal medicine in the pursuit of improving neurological outcomes for babies born at risk for brain injury. Her commitment to research has been shown through her constant pursuit of funding to secure ongoing support for herself and others in the group. In the past 5 years Julie has secured more than $2.3 million in funding including an NHMRC grant as CIA in 2018. The impact of her research through publications, conference attendance and several awards has firmly cemented her growing contribution and recognition in the field.
- 2024 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2023 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2022 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2021 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2020 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2019 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2018 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- 2017 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards
- UQ Faculty of Medicine Objectives, Characteristics and Principles