“Superstar” doctors celebrated at 2021 Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals Doctors of the Year event

Leadership, collaboration, superstars, kindness, compassionate, and sensitivity are some of the words used to describe the 2021 Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals (BMDH) Doctors of the Year.

On 3 February, staff gathered both physically and online to celebrate the BMDH 2021 Doctors of the Year.

BMDH General Manager Ned Katrib congratulated nominees and winners for their dedication and commitment to serving their patients and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have so many talented, selfless, passionate clinical staff and I commend all of you who go above and beyond and strive for excellence each day,” Ned said.

With 250 votes received in the peer nominated categories of intern, resident, registrar, and consultant of the year, the four winners were:

Consultant of the Year
Dr Maria (Lissa) Buenaventura,
Anaesthetics head of department and Medical Staff Council Treasurer

Lissa believes the future of anaesthetics lies in the broader health community, not just the operating theatre.

“I’m so proud of the anaesthetics team; especially winning two of the categories – consultant and registrar of the year,” Lissa said

“Our team works collaboratively with other medical, nursing, and allied health cohorts to deliver better health outcomes such as shorter lengths of stay, less complications and improving the patient journey. It’s also a privilege to help mentor our junior doctors and have a whole senior clinical cohort available to support them.”

Intern of the Year
Dr Praba Sekhar, Emergency Department (ED) Junior Medical Officer (JMO)

Praba is described by her peers as someone who is always polite and courteous and a joy to work with.

“Being so new into training, I found it difficult at times to gauge whether I was a ’good intern’, so to receive this award from my colleagues is a great honour and for which I am grateful,” Praba said.

Resident of the Year
Dr Mithila Zaheen, Resident

Mithila said it was an honour to receive this award and stand alongside so many incredible doctors. In 2021, Mithila was a finalist for Blacktown Woman of the Year.

“I’m so proud of my colleagues for their hard work with the success of the JMO safety and quality committee which commenced last year,” Mithila said.

“It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to advocate for my colleagues and it means the world to have everyone’s support.”

Registrar of the Year
Dr Rachel Dilawari, Registrar

Rachel is described by her peers as extremely dedicated, hard-working, kind, and supportive of her colleagues, and was delighted that two staff from the anaesthetics department received awards.

“Working in a supportive environment allows for continued growth, and more importantly, the ability to stay kind to one another,” Rachel said

I look forward to what 2022 brings at Blacktown Hospital.

Medical Services Director Dr Alison Loughran-Fowlds also congratulated staff for their well-deserved recognition through their hard work, determination, and commitment to BMDH.

“Last year was demanding on all of us and I’d like to acknowledge our staff who worked tirelessly to treat patients and families in challenging circumstances,” Alison said.

“Everyone put in extra effort and went above and beyond to make sure that excellence in care continued throughout the pandemic. Congratulations for your brilliant efforts and for your well-deserved awards!”