Winners Shine at Educational Excellence Awards 2025
NIMDTA hosted its 8th Annual Educational Excellence Awards event at The Malone Hotel, Belfast on Friday, 6th June. This flagship event celebrates the outstanding achievements of doctors and dentists in training, as well as the educators and trainers who support them, across Northern Ireland.
NIMDTA Chief Executive Mr Mark McCarey, said, “The Educational Excellence Awards are an opportunity to officially recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Doctors and Dentists in training, as well as the Trainers and Educators who support them, throughout Northern Ireland. These awards highlight the commitment to excellence that defines our healthcare community. They are also a key feature of NIMDTA’s VALUED strategy, which seeks to “Applaud and Acclaim Success".
We were honoured to welcome Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, whose keynote address powerfully reflected on the vital role of high-quality education and training in shaping the future of healthcare. We are also deeply grateful to Dr Stephen Cullen for his inspiring keynote, ‘Music & Medicine,’ which explored the therapeutic power of music in enhancing patient care through creativity and compassion. Congratulations to the 21 very worthy award recipients – your contributions truly exemplify excellence in education and care."
The event opened with a warm Welcome Address Mr Mark McCarey, who praised the dedication and excellence across all training programmes, highlighting their vital role in inspiring and equipping healthcare professionals to deliver outstanding patient care.
We were honoured by the attendance of Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, Northern Ireland, who delivered an inspiring Keynote Address. Addressing one of the largest audiences in the event’s history, Professor McBride reflected on the importance of high-quality training and education in shaping the future of healthcare.
Special Recognition Awards were then presented by Sir Michael to the following outstanding recipients:
- Dr Peter Todd - recognised for achieving top honours at the Young Talents in Internal Medicine world contest.
- The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Team at Craigavon Area Hospital – honoured for being named the Best Overall Training Unit in the UK at the national Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Awards
Attendees were also treated to a thought-provoking second Keynote Address from Dr Stephen Cullen, titled ‘Music & Medicine’. Dr Cullen explored the therapeutic power of music in healthcare and its potential to enhance patient care through creative and compassionate practice.
The programme continued with highlights from NIMDTA’s Simulation Champions, SUCCEED Leadership Fellows, and ENGAGE Programme Facilitators and Showcase winner. A series of inspiring presentations showcased the work and achievements of both trainees and educators, underlining the impact of leadership, innovation, and quality improvement across the region.
Next up was the presentation of Excellence Day Awards. The category winners were as follows:
‘Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’
Dr Charlotte Irwin
Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, presents Dr Irwin with her Education Excellence Award
Dr Irwin was recognised for her dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in supporting doctors transitioning to work in Northern Ireland. She leads and enhances the N2NI induction programme, incorporating trainee feedback to address communication gaps, introduce simulation-based education, and promote work shadowing. She is establishing a working group to sustain these initiatives and has introduced a Trainee Ambassador role. Beyond induction, she contributes to the Refugee Doctor Integration Programme, has organised a NIMDTA Culture Night, and has led a ‘Train & Remain’ event to support career progression and retention within the NHS.
‘Outstanding Success in National Examination’
Dr Kirsty McClelland
Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, presents Dr McClelland with her Education Excellence Award
Dr Kirsty McClelland was awarded the Final FRCA Examination Chair’s Commendation for her outstanding performance in the Final FRCA Anaesthetics examination. She achieved an exceptional score of over 46 out of 48 in the Structured Oral Examination (SOE) and ranked in the top 5% of candidates in the Final Written Examination.
‘Innovation in Training (Trainees)’
Dr Kate Mullan
Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, presents Dr Mullan with her Education Excellence Award
Dr Kate Mullan, RBHSC Simulation & Education Fellow (2023–2024) has been recognised for her exceptional leadership and innovation in clinical education. She was key to implementing the Eolas App, redesigning undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and has developed new induction and training programmes for Foundation and GP trainees.
Dr Mullan collaborated on high-quality GP Paediatric Training, supported both Ulster University and QUB students, and contributed to establishing a new immersive simulation suite. Currently completing a Master’s in Clinical Education at QUB, her work has earned outstanding feedback across all levels of training.
‘Innovation in Training (Trainer/Educator)’
Dr Paula Houton
Dr Paul Leggett, Director of Postgraduate General Practice Education NIMDTA, accepts Dr Houton's award on her behalf from Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland.
Dr Paula Houton has led a ground-breaking multidisciplinary training on Mental Health Crisis detentions, bringing together Approved Social Work trainees, paramedic trainees, PSNI and GP registrars learning together and from each other in a collaborative and supportive environment. Based on her MD research, the session uses Forum Theatre to create an immersive, realistic learning experience.
The training has received outstanding feedback, praised for its cross-disciplinary collaboration, service user input, and relevance to real-world practice.
Dr Houton’s innovative approach marks a significant contribution to GP Education.
The afternoon saw the ADEPT Clinical Leadership Fellows 2024/2025 each present an overview of project outcomes, innovations and experiences from their host organisation placements to date, and feedback on formal leadership training including mentoring and coaching they attended as future leaders in healthcare.
The ADEPT presentations concluded with Dr Lorraine Parks and Dr Paul Leggett presenting the ADEPT Fellows with their awards, recognising their exceptional dedication and hard work throughout the year. Their achievements reflect not only their personal commitment to excellence but also the invaluable support provided by our partners and host organisations in fostering leadership and professional development.
The Educational Excellence Awards concluded with closing remarks from Dr Paul Leggett, who expressed his sincere thanks to all those who contributed to and participated in the day’s celebrations. He took a moment to respectfully acknowledge the condolence pages included in the event booklet, honouring the doctors who have sadly passed away over the past two years. Dr Leggett also extended his deep appreciation to the organisers at NIMDTA for their outstanding efforts in organising and delivering a highly successful and meaningful event.
To view the event booklet click the image below:
If you would like to know more about the Educational Excellence Awards click here
For further information on ADEPT Clinical Leadership Programme click here
For any queries regarding the Educational Excellence Awards or the ADEPT Clinical Leadership Programme, please contact: ValuedTrainees@hscni.net
