Quality teaching rewarded

Joint winner of the University of Otago Medical School quality teaching award Dr Ben Brockway (centre) is flanked by Health Sciences division pro vice-chancellor Prof Peter Crampton (left) and Dean Dr John Adams at Dunedin Hospital this week. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Accustomed to walking the hospital wards together, two Dunedin Hospital doctors this week received top teaching awards from the University of Otago Medical School.

Dr Ben Brockway and Dr Wendy Busby were named as joint winners of the Medical School's quality teaching award at a presentation at the hospital.

Medical School Dean Dr John Adams said the pair could not be separated when it came to deciding the top award, which is decided by votes made by medical students.

Teaching was an integral part of the medical profession, and helped strengthen health systems, Dr Adams said.

"Education is an ongoing and crucial obligation for all doctors," he told the audience.

The teaching awards presentation was also screened live to Medical School students and staff in Invercargill via a video-conference link.

Dr Brockway agreed with the sentiments of the Medical School dean, when the Otago Daily Times approached him after he had received his award.

"It is absolutely vital to impart your enthusiasm and knowledge to students. They are a fantastically bright and wonderful bunch. It keeps you on your toes," he said.

Originally from Winchester, England, Dr Brockway came to Otago in 2008 and works at Dunedin Hospital as a consultant, who specialises in respiratory medicine, alongside his senior lecturer responsibilities with the Medical School.

He was often on ward rounds, as well as sharing teaching roles, alongside his colleague and joint award recipient Dr Busby, Dr Brockway said.

Dr Busby, who was unable to attend this week's presentation, is a specialist in the area of internal medicine, and has been based at Dunedin Hospital and the Medical School since 1987.

Besides her teaching interests, Dr Busby is involved with developing medicinal services for stroke patients at the hospital.

Other award winners were. -

Commendation: Prof John McCall, Dr Marie McLaughlin, Mr Konrad Richter (Invercargill recipient).

Registrar quality certificate winner: Dr Animesh Chatterjee.

House surgeon winner: Dr Omid Ahmadi.

Trainee intern teaching aptitude winner: Miss Yan Yi Chuah (Wellington).

Best nursing team joint winners: Ward 8C, Dunedin Hospital, North Community Mental Health Team.