Broome doctor named Australian Clinical Educator of the year

A long-term WA Country Health Service clinician has won the Australian Clinical Educator of the Year award for his work in training remote doctors.

Based at Broome Health Campus, district medical officer Dr David Forster was honoured with the award at the Annual Prevocational Medical Education Forum.

Nominated by Junior Medical Officers (JMOs), the award demonstrates the high calibre of training that Dr Forster and his team provide to country physicians.

With the support of Senior Medical Officer Dr Sue Phillips and the WACHS Medical Education Unit, Dr Forster has been able to conduct training in remote centres, saying he was most proud of his training achievements.

“When it began the training group was only small.

“Now it is much larger and involves hospital nurses, doctors and allied health, the local paramedics, RFDS, Careflight and university medical students,” Dr Forster said.

“Using videoconferencing, staff in surrounding towns are also able to join in.

“My co-simulation trainer Dr Yehuda Levy and I are also able to take annual road trips to Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Kununurra to provide free, hands-on, relevant training to the teams in these remote hospitals,” he added.

Dr Forster said being able to train and work with junior doctors was a privilege.

“I see them develop and flourish as they choose their medicine career path – it’s special to see them achieve and gain so much through their training at Broome Hospital,” he said.

“They are such a skilled group, and we have become a close-knit, supportive team.

“Working in this way enables all the staff to give first-class, individualised care to our patients.

“I highly recommend that JMOs consider taking a training position at Broome Hospital,” he added.  

Broome Hospital Operations Manager Wendy McKinley congratulated David on his award win and said his dedication was typical of the clinicians who worked there.

“Broome Hospital offers some excellent services and facilities and one of our greatest assets is a team of wonderful, committed clinicians who enjoy the challenges of remote medicine and who like working together,” Ms McKinley said.

“I am so pleased that Dave has been recognised with this national award for his efforts in training and, just as importantly, supporting and mentoring the next generation coming through.

“Dave is an inspirational leader and, whenever asked about this award or any other achievement, he will always acknowledge the team contribution,” she added.