Surgical News | Volume 21 | Issue 06
SET/SIMG Supervisors of the Year pay it forward for future generations experience is that teaching is invaluable and, for me, very much a win-win,” he said. “I always seem to learn much more than the Trainees and interacting with the junior colleagues is generally a lot of fun.”
Mr Dilhan Cabraal (right) is presented with his award by Professor David Fletcher.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) appreciates and values the work our supervisors do, and we are constantly working to support these hardworking surgeons, who find value in giving back to their Trainees. This could be because of their own educational experiences, the chance to continue learning, or watching their students flourish. When one teaches, two learn Teaching works both ways. The teacher often finds they learn while explaining a concept or when answering questions. When you teach, you open yourself up to different points of view, and take on a new perspective, fostering creativity and critical thinking for you and your student.
Learning the value of a dedicated teacher Many of the surgeons became supervisors after being inspired by their own exceptional supervisors. “As a junior doctor, I always had very dedicated consultants taking time to teach me, which inspired me to become a teacher after I became a consultant,” Mr Dilhan Cabraal said. Associate Professor Sivakumar Gananadha had a similar experience, and now views his involvement in surgical education as a way to give back. “During my surgical training I was inspired by surgeons who were amazing teachers, with their ability to teach and explain with such clarity and deep understanding of the surgical techniques,” he said. “These surgeons have had a lasting impact on my training and my surgical career.” Giving back Giving back and sharing Trainees’ successes is a major source of pride for supervisors. “Students, residents and Trainees always appreciate the teaching they have received,” explained Associate
“Surgical education is a way of paying it forward for our future generations of surgeons just as was done for us,” said Professor Peter Friedland. “It is a unique opportunity to contribute one’s own knowledge and keep learning simultaneously.”
Professor Gananadha, “and it is satisfying to know you are helping educate the next generation of surgeons.” Mr Cabraal echoed this sentiment. “I find teaching and supervising registrars a highly rewarding experience,” he said. “Recognising the different needs of registrars and helping them to overcome these is a very satisfying experience.” “You can make an enormous difference to students, residents and Trainees as a role model,” Professor Friedland said. “In turn, the personal reward you experience will keep invigorating you.” Each year the Academy of Surgical Educators recognises a SET Supervisor/ SIMG Supervisor of the Year. This is awarded in each state or territory of Australia and New Zealand, where an appropriate candidate has been nominated. Do you have a supervisor you want to recognise? Nominations for 2021 Educator of Merit awards will open in February next year. See the next issue of Surgical News for more information. RACS has a new Supervisor Support Hub. For resources, policies, interviews and more go to surgeons.org/Fellows/for-educatorstrainers/supervisor-support-hub. We support supervisors through the Academy of Surgical Educators (ASE). The Academy’s purpose is to help support and develop all who are interested in surgical education. Academy membership is open to all supervisors and is free. Find out more at surgeons.org/Fellows/for-educatorstrainers/academy-of-surgical-educators.
Mr Richard McMullin has found teaching offers unplanned moments of exchange where one can both teach and learn. “Almost every clinical encounter, X-ray image and pathology result can be a way into a discussion that can lead into general principles, related examples, patterns and pitfalls,” he said. Mr Simon McMahon agreed. “My
Mr Simon McMahon
Professor Peter Friedland (right) is presented with his award by Dr Sally Langley.
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