Each year, Heads of School and the RCPCH Trainee Committee regional representatives are invited to submit the regional PAFTA winners to RCPCH for the national PAFTA.
We announced the winners at RCPCH Conference in Birmingham earlier today. Hear from each of the winners and two members of our judging panel!
Dr Peter Eriksen: Joint winner of Core Trainee category
Deanery: Wales
"I am incredibly honoured to receive this national PAFTA award. Training in the Wales Deanery has given me the privilege of being part of an incredible paediatric community: one defined by exceptional mentorship, genuine kindness, and a deep commitment to developing trainees. I have been supported to follow my interests and grow in ways I could not have imagined at the start of my paediatric training.
"This award highlights the current strength of paediatric training in Wales and the colleagues who inspire and encourage me every day. I am truly grateful."
Dr Nkechi Onyige: Joint winner of Core Trainee category
Deanery: East Midlands
"Winning this award is profoundly humbling and a powerful reflection of the journey I have been privileged to walk. I’m thankful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and mentors who have lifted and shaped me along the way. I am very grateful to my longitudinal Educational Supervisor, Dr Mya Mya Yee, whose belief in me has been transformational. Above all I thank God.
"As I step into PEM GRID training later this year, I carry this recognition with purpose, to keep growing, to advocate fiercely, and to deliver excellent, compassionate care as a future paediatric emergency medicine clinician."
Dr Barah Hassan: Winner of Specialty Trainee category
Deanery: North East, including North Cumbria
"Receiving this award is a huge honour, but the credit belongs to the exceptional neonatal teams and colleagues I work alongside. I am privileged to be surrounded by inspiring colleagues and mentors whose leadership and kindness have empowered me to lead projects that improve patient care while also hugely improving my own knowledge and skills.
"In particular, working within the Newcastle Neonatal Simulation Training team (NEST) and Northern Neonatal Transport Service (NNeTS) has been transformative. These experiences have not only shaped the high-quality care we deliver to babies and families but have profoundly redefined my own career and professional journey."
Dr Katherine (Kate) Burke: Winner of Educational Supervisor category
Deanery: Wales
"I am honoured and extremely humbled to receive this award – enormous thanks so those who nominated me, and to my brilliant colleagues in the neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital and the trainers and trainees throughout South Wales who have supported me on my journey as a supervisor.
"Making a positive contribution to the training and development of colleagues at different stages of their personal and professional journey is such a privilege. The opportunity to learn and grow with every person you support - to jump for joy, commiserate or sit quietly with people in the highs and the lows of life - provides enormous meaning, complementing (and enriching) clinical working! I look forward to continuing on the rich and varied journey of educational supervision, with all of the variety, fun and challenge it brings!"
Dr Cathryn Chadwick, Vice President for Training and Assessment, said:
"Reading the nominations for the PAFTAs has been one of the highlights of my year, the examples of great patient centred care and interesting, diverse projects initiated by residents as well as the wonderful examples of thoughtful, supportive and inclusive supervision are fantastic to read. Congratulations to every one of the nominees, you are all winners!
"I look forward to welcoming the national winners, Nkechi, Peter, Barah and Katherine to the annual conference. It is so important to take time to acknowledge and celebrate excellence and to remind ourselves that the future of paediatrics is in very safe hands."
Dr Josh Hodgson, Chair of Trainee Committee, said:
"To Nkechi, Peter, Barah and Katherine… CONGRATULATIONS!
"Winning the National PAFTA is one of the greatest achievements we paediatricians (already a pretty great bunch!) can aspire to. It is a timely reminder that our hard work does go noticed. All with the end-goal of caring for our children and families.
"Many thanks to everyone who got involved and voted. It’s meaningless without you. I cannot wait to celebrate with you all at conference!"
Josh
Read more about the national PAFTA and winners in previous years