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“Outstanding” medical educators recognised

13 March 2012

Dr Kamila Hawthorne and Dr Steve Riley receiving their awards

Two of the University’s leading medical educators have been elected Fellows of the Academy of Medical Educators in recognition of "outstanding achievements".

Director of Community Based Learning, School of Medicine, Dr Kamila Hawthorne and Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, Dr Steve Riley were among a select number of senior educators presented with certificates of Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Educators at a special ceremony held at the National Museum of Wales.

The Academy of Medical Educators is a professional organisation, working nationally and internationally, for all those involved in medical education - the education and training of students and practitioners in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.

It aims to provide leadership, promote standards and support all those involved in the academic discipline of medical education.

President of the Academy of Medical Educators, Professor Sean Hilton, said: "Excellent medical teaching leads directly to improved patient care.

"Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Educators is a significant achievement and a sign of an individual’s personal commitment to raising standards in the teaching of medical students and doctors."

Dr Hawthorne works as a GP in Butetown and is also Director of Community Based Learning, School of Medicine, where she has responsibility for ensuring that medical students get the best possible opportunity to learn in local settings such as GP surgeries and clinics.

Dr Riley, a specialist in kidney disease at the University Hospital of Wales, is also a senior lecturer in the School of Medicine where he is currently involved in a new project aimed at improving medical students’ transition from medical school into clinical practice.

Dean of Medical Education, School of Medicine Professor John Bligh said: "Cardiff University’s School of Medicine is totally committed to ensuring that its medical students become excellent doctors; and they can only learn this from excellent teachers.

"I am delighted that Dr Hawthorne and Dr Riley have received this fantastic acknowledgement of their skills and dedication in medical education."