Flinders NT recognised doctors, nurses and allied health professionals at a special ceremony on 22 November, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond as mentors for the Northern Territory’s future health workforce.
More than 500 health students completed placements in 2018 that developed skills required in their chosen careers, and the Flinders NT Supervisor Recognition Awards showcase experienced health professionals who go the extra distance when guiding these students and helping to shape their future career paths.
Research shows that students are more likely to return for employment after a positive placement experience.
Sally Lamond, Senior Podiatrist at the Royal Darwin Hospital, has received the 2018 award for Territory Ambassador in Allied Health, which recognises therapists who are strong ambassadors for the Northern Territory, engendering cultural experience and creating a welcoming environment for students. The award was presented by the Hon. Natasha Fyles, NT Minister for Health.
Clinicians such as Ms Lamond provide support, mentorship and education that are immensely valued by students facing unfamiliar experiences which can be eye-opening and challenging.
“The high risk foot team can be a high stress and demanding placement. Sally has shown me how important my role as a podiatrist can be working with a diverse and vulnerable patient work load,” says Charlie Reynolds, a University of Newcastle podiatry student.
Ms Lamond is passionate about providing further opportunities to students and improving podiatry services in the NT while managing her own full patient load.
“Sally has inspired me to be a better practitioner through her passion and drive in this health discipline and I aim to provide the same level of care to my future patients,” says Georgia Waite, a Charles Sturt University podiatry student.
Professor John Wakerman, Associate Dean of Flinders NT, says committed practitioners ensure that unique learning opportunities are possible for their students.
“The Northern Territory provides students on placement with an unrivalled, rich clinical experience that is facilitated by experienced nursing, allied health and medical supervisors,” says Professor Wakerman.
“We are very pleased to recognise their invaluable contribution to developing our future workforce.”
Flinders NT supports students across the Northern Territory, including the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Darwin regions.
The full list of award recipients:
Territory Ambassador
- Allied Health: Sally Lamond (podiatrist)
- Nursing: Frances Blenkinsop
Outstanding Regional Supervisor
- Central Australia Allied Health: Meg Simmons (dentist)
- Central Australia Nursing: Cassandra Holland
- Katherine region: Sue Lester (speech pathologist)
- Top End Allied Health: Lori Roberts (occupational therapist)
- Top End Medicine: Natasha Keillor
- Top End Nursing: Chloe Lyons
Innovative Supervisor
- Allied Health: Peter Lambert (dentist)
- Medicine: Chris Harnden
- Nursing: John Wright
Inter-Professional Collaborator
- Allied Health: Deb Levett
- Medicine: Jennifer Delima
Commitment to Clinical Teaching
- Allied Health: Conor Harnischfeger (dentist)
- Medicine: Phil Carson
- Nursing: Chloe Lyons