2023 Faculty of Medicine Excellence Awards

The Excellence in Mental & Physical Health award recognises the implementation of innovative and exciting ideas and practices which contribute to the mental and physical health, safety and wellness of our staff and students.

Winner

Faculty of Medicine and Mater Education High Value Conversations Program Team 

The Faculty of Medicine and Mater Education’s High Value Conversations training program was specifically designed to facilitate a transparent platform for voicing concerns, challenging assumptions and providing feedback. After the program’s success, an additional twelve foundation programs are taking place until early 2024.

Commendation

The Wellness Committee at UQ Centre for Clinical Research for providing exceptional pastural care to the Centre’s community through varied and innovative activities, which in turn has had an exceptionally positive effect on the culture and wellness at CCR. 

Nominees

• Ada Gao, Nicole Chandler and Kyoko Tsuji
• Dr Steven Wallis
• FoM and Mater Education High Value Conversations Program Team
• Queensland Digital Health Centre
• UQCCR Wellness Committee (9)

The Innovators of the Year award recognises individuals and teams who have implemented innovative and effective initiatives that have resulted in significant tangible improvements, change and success within the Faculty.

Winner

The Year 1 MD Learning Hub Team

The MD Learning Hub team successfully implemented new approaches to the MD Design. These included small group learning in clinical and procedural skills, the implementation of the Education Advisor role to provide individualised feedback, rural and First Nations immersion experiences, masterclasses and symposia. This innovative design has prepared our students exceptionally well as they head into year 2 of the program.

Nominees

• Belinda Swyny
• Dr Syed Afroz Keramat
• Year 1 MD Learning Hub Team

The Leader of the Future Award for academic staff recognises an individual who display the qualities of a great future leader and who leads and inspire others to strive for excellence.

Winner

Associate Professor Kristen Gibbons

As a distinguished statistician and leader of the Children’s Intensive Care Research Program, Associate Professor Kristen Gibbons has led impactful multicentre, multinational studies in the field of paediatric critical care. Dr Gibbons fosters a culture of excellence, inspiring her team and students to reach their goals.

Commendations

Dr Yousuf Mohammed from Frazer Institute for his exemplary leadership in improving the accessibility of affordable topical medications which has in turn revolutionised the way generic medicine products are regulated.

Dr Megan Ferguson from the School of Public Health for her unwavering dedication to fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration and inclusivity alongside her research work with remote Indigenous communities and Indigenous Leaders.

Nominees

• Associate Professor Kristen Gibbons (2)
• Dr Aakanksha Dixit (7)
• Dr Abbey Diaz
• Dr Kate Anderson
• Dr Kate Matthews
• Dr Malcolm Lim
• Dr Megan Ferguson (4)
• Dr Steffen Bollmann
• Dr Yousuf Mohammed (3)
• Wayne Williams

The Leader of the Future Award for professional staff recognises individuals who display the qualities of a great future leader and lead and inspire others to strive for excellence.

Winners

Tyneisha Flanagan Carr

As a dedicated member of the Faculty Office Administration Team, Tyneisha Flanagan Carr consistently goes above and beyond to inspire those around her. She has a natural aptitude for fostering a collaborative and motivating work environment and has played a pivotal role in elevating team performance, culture and achieving outstanding results.

Dr Jake Russell

Dr Jake Russell has been instrumental in establishing and managing UQ’s Viral Vector Core Facility, which specialises in the production of high quality, affordable viral vectors to help boost research capabilities. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, determination, flexibility and collegiality in establishing the facility from the ground up. Jake has set up successful workflows and a business model that balances client needs with operational sustainability – showing a maturity beyond his years.

Nominees

• Caitlin Horsham
• Dr Jake Russell
• Tyneisha Flanagan Carr

The Leader of the Year Award goes to a team or individual with exemplary leadership who thinks and works strategically, achieves tangible results and drives accountability. The winner must foster learning and a positive work culture while inspiring others to focus their talents.

Winner

Professor Gabrielle Belz

Professor Gabrielle Belz has consistently exhibited unparallel academic leadership, substantiated by her tangible contributions and initiatives in immunology. As Chair of Immunology at Frazer Institute, Professor Belz has significantly impacted institutional, state and national immunology landscapes. She frequently excels in strategic initiatives within the institute, notably the Partnerships and Development, Research and Consumer Engagement Committee and tirelessly dedicates her time to nurturing future leaders.

Commendation

Professor Anthony Smith from Centre for Health Services Research for his determination and leadership in the field of telehealth, in particular his role in developing a telehealth curriculm among other tools to address a lack of confidence when it came to digitally delivering healthcare.

Nominees

• Associate Professor Judith Greer
• Associate Professor Nadeeka Dissanayaka (10)
• Associate Professor Pene Prasad
• Dr Amy McCart Reed (7)
• Dr Anne Sophie Bergot (3)
• Dr Dwan Vilcins (6)
• Dr Yousuf Mohammed (3)
• Professor Andreas Obermair
• Professor Anthony Smith
• Professor Coral Gartner (4)
• Professor Di Yu
• Professor Gabrielle Belz
• Professor Jason Pole
• Professor Jason Roberts
• Professor Mark Midwinter
• Professor Monika Janda (2)
• Professor Peter Sly

The Leader of the Year Award for professional staff goes to a team or individual with exemplary leadership that supports a positive, performance-based culture and contributes to the achievements of the Faculty.

Winners

Tracey Tomlin

Throughout 2023, Tracey Tomlin has worked to develop a highly successful and collaborative new Advancement Team in the Faculty. Through her strategic thinking and compassionate leadership,Tracey has structured the team in line with Faculty priorities, working tirelessly to champion the team and foster a productive and positive work culture. Her leadership efforts have resulted in a greater impact of philanthropic engagement and donations this year, as well as building and solidifying the Faculty’s reputation in the alumni and donor community.

Sarah Piper

As School Manager, Sarah Piper is a highly regarded leader in the Faculty. Colleagues have described Sarah as taking the time to deeply engage across all aspects of the School, ensuring that everyone is listened to and heard, ensuring that her actions are aligned to the School and UQ values and always approaching colleagues in a kind, compassionate and trusted manner. She consistently excels in everything she commits to and is a true asset to the School.

Commendation

Kellie Brady from UQ’s Medical School fo her leadership of the student and academic administration team, always thinking ahead to accommodate change and taking the initiative to update protocols and procedures in a range of areas.

Nominees

• Able Tan
• Cheryl Connor
• Dr Greg Hafner (4)
• Dr Sara Gollschewski (8)
• Dr Sharon Grant
• Dr Uli Siebeck
• Kellie Brady
• Marni Jacoby
• Rebecca Magee
• Renay Marshall
• Sarah Piper
• Tracey Tomlin
• Vicki Hobson-Green

The Rising Star of the Year Award for academic or professional staff goes to early-career researcher with outstanding commitment to research and future potential as a researcher. They demonstrate qualities that align with UQ objectives and values.

Winner

Dr Jaimon Kelly

Dr Jaimon Kelly is an exceptional early-career researcher who has an outstanding commitment to research, teaching and leadership within the Centre for Health Services Research. His work has directly impacted the field of dietetics in Australia and continues to inform health policy, both at a national and international level.

Commendations

Dr Sahar Keshvari from Mater Research Institute-UQ for her role as a rising star in the Innate Immunity and Inflammation group, aiming to investigate the potential use of macrophage growth factors as a treatment for childhoold Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Dr Priya Martin from UQ Medical School for her collaborative work in bringing professions together to break barriers and enhance cooperative analysis in educational and rural health research.

Nominees

• Associate Professor Jasneek Chawla
• Dr Centaine Snoswell
• Dr Cheneal Puljevic (2)
• Dr Emma Sweeney
• Dr Hayley Thomas
• Dr Jaimon Kelly (2)
• Dr Jake Tickner (11)
• Dr Kelvin Tuong
• Dr Keshia De Guzman
• Dr Priya Martin
• Dr Rebekah Eden
• Dr Sahar Keshvari
• Dr Shafkat Jahan (2)
• Dr Tamara Butler (2)
• Dr Trish Gilholm
• Dr Yousuf Mohammed (4)
• Dr Zhian Chen

The Service Excellence Award recognises teams and individuals who show an outstanding and significant contribution to delivering excellence in service to students, staff or the wider community.

Winners

The Breast and Gynaecology Workshop Teaching Associates Team

Over the past 20 years, it is estimated that approximately 10 000 year two medical students have participated in the Women’s and Men’s Health Workshops run by dedicated teaching associate roles. This program and the dedication of the team running this workshop has a lasting impact for the thousands of medical students who have undertaken the teaching of intimate examinations and sensitive communication. 

Clare Butters from the Rural Clinical School

Clare Butters has provided excellent leadership to the professional team at the Rural Clinical School. She has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve the efficiencies in the team, which in turn has resulted in staff having more time to focus on providing a high quality of service to our medical students. She continues to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment for all.

The Consumer Involvement in Research Working Group

The Consumer Involvement in Research Working Group is dedicated to creating a collaborative, inclusive and transformative research setting solves real world problems. The activities of the group have provided exemplary service by encouraging researchers and empowering consumers to actively participate in all stages of research.

Nominees

• Amanda McGrath
• Associate Professor Dominic Ng
• Associate Professor Judith Greer
• Associate Professor Louise Conwell
• Associate Professor Mark Chatfield
• Associate Professor Paul Dawson
• Breast and Gynaecology Workshop – Teaching Associates and Simulated Patients
• Child Health Research Operations Group
• Claire Cresswell
• Clare Butters
• Consumer Involvement in Research Working Group
• Dan Striegl
• Dr Andy Kuo
• Dr Jennifer Outhwaite
• Dr Jordan Fox
• Dr Louise Marquart-Wilson
• Dr Natasha Reid
• Dr Tiana Gurney (2)
• Jo Wakefield
• Justin Flohr
• Libby Kelly
• Lisa Dingwall (10)
• Lisa Garner
• MD Teach Out Team (3)
• Michael Richards (2)
• Monique Chang
• Nyree Divitini (2)
• Paris Milburn
• Professor Coral Gartner
• Rachael Jaenke
• Rebecca Johnson (4)
• Renay Marshall
• SBMS teaching laboratory services, Physiology & Pharmacology team (2)
• School of Biomedical Sciences Student and Academic Administration Team
• SPH Finance Team
• UQCCR Floor Managers (6)

The Spirit of Reconciliation Award recognises professional or Academic teams or individuals who demonstrate outstanding and significant contribution to the spirit of reconciliation.

Winner

Frazer Institute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

The Frazer Institute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, led by Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo, has provided unparalleled service in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement through education, promotion of equity and inclusion and cultural diversity. In particular, Ryan Galea and Dr McInerney-Leo, have supported the TRI Reconciliation Action Plan, as well as NAIDOC and Reconciliation week events. They also supported an innovative education partnership for Indigenous High School students, which was established in collaboration with SPARQed, Inspire Y and Deadly Sciences for National Science week.

Nominees

• Dr Anna Finnane
• Frazer Institute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee