Queensland doctor wins AMA’s Doctor in Training award
AMA President Professor Steve Robson presented the award in Brisbane this week.
A Queensland doctor who volunteered her spare time to teach intern doctors and be a clinical coach for University of Queensland medical students has won the Australian Medical Association’s Doctor in Training of the Year award 2023.
Dr Natasha Abeysekera was presented the award by AMA President Professor Steve Robson at an event in Brisbane on 8 November.
Professor Robson said the award recognised the outstanding achievements of doctors in training in leadership and advocacy and encouraging the development of leadership skills.
“Dr Abeysekera’s commitment and leadership has gone above and beyond, with countless hours devoted to the leadership of younger doctors on a voluntary basis,” Professor Robson said.
“This award recognises Dr Abeysekera’s work, including making research opportunities more accessible to junior doctors by assisting in re-establishing the AMAQ JDC research programs, advocating for the mental health of junior doctors, teaching intern doctors and serving as a clinical coach for medical students at University of Queensland.”
Dr Abeysekera has been a doctor in training through the Queensland health system for four years and has a keen interest in improving the lives and mental health of junior doctors.
Professor Robson congratulated the other hard-working doctors in training who were nominated for the award.
“Each nominee should take with them a sense of achievement and personal pride that stems from their excellent work as an advocate for doctors in training and improved health care outcomes.”
