WSLHD home to star doctor-in-training manager

Western Sydney Local Health District’s surgical skills training network manager Linda Bell has been named the NSW’s Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) doctors in training (DIT) manager of the year.

Linda received the award at the NSW AMA’s annual DIT awards cocktail party, held at Sydney’s Ivy sunroom on November 2.

To receive the award, managers must have demonstrated compassion, support, fairness and diligence, along with support for doctors in training, JMOS, managers and senior medical staff.

Dozens of doctors-in-training nominated Linda for the award, naming her round-the-clock care for junior doctors, her high level of organisation and her unbiased, fair rostering system as setting her apart from others.

On receiving her award, Linda told the crowd it had been an honour to be nominated – and a wonderful surprise to win.

“I often get asked what type of degree I have and I advise (tongue-in-cheek) that I have a degree in aerospace engineering, but I wanted something a little more challenging and rewarding – so I chose a career in supporting doctors in training,” she said.

“There are so many different stakeholders involved in health and the day-to-day running of units of the hospital.

“It can sometimes seem overwhelming trying to meet all their different requirements and ensuring my focus is always supporting these trainees so they can deliver the best patient care for the ever-growing community.”

Linda said the network had always had great support from Westmead Hospital A/Prof Gary Morgan, Tanya Jolly and the team from the research and education network, and Westmead Hospital chief medical advisor Dr Roslyn Crampton who had “inspired her from the very start.”

Linda also paid homage to her direct team including A/Prof Vincent Lam, Dr Tony Pang, Dr Lawrence Yuen, Dr Jeremy Hsu, Prof Henry Pleass, Dr Eva Wong, Dr Thomas Oh, nurse Jane Sinclair and the trainees, and her husband Anthony.

Linda received a $2500 cash prize, along with a HETI education grant worth up to $5000.

Congratulations Linda!