Four Hobart doctors recognised by their peers for their contribution to health care

‘It makes the wins even more special’: Four exceptional Hobart doctors and consultants have been recognised for their impact and commitment to colleagues and patients.

Dr Dominic Van Winden Resident of the Year, Dr David Bertoni Consultant of the Year, Dr Joshua Blum Intern of the Year and Dr Soheil Samadi Registrar of the Year. Picture: Elise Kaine

The most memorable part of Dominic Van Winden’s first year as a resident medical officer has been the support and mentorship he has received along the way.

“Each time I’ve moved to a different unit I’ve had a fantastic group of people around me who are willing to support me and help me learn,” Dr Van Winden said.

Dr Van Winden said balancing work with a new baby, 10-month-old Edith, during his resident year was a “challenge” and a blessing.

“Becoming a dad has been the best thing, it’s been really great,” he said.

“At times it was difficult to manage with work but it is a learning process and you can find the balance so it’s been really great.”

As a young doctor, he said having senior doctors around willing to impart knowledge was a crucial part of career progression.

“Particularly when you are starting out you are very impressionable, and you want the right people to make the right impressions on you,” Dr Van Winden said.

Dr Dominic Van Winden Resident of the Year and 10-month-old Edith Van Winden. Picture: Elise Kaine

He said having a good outcome, or being able to deliver a good bit of news to a family or patient was always “a great feeling”.

“There are definitely less wins than losses, but it makes the wins even more special.”

Dr Van Winden was recently awarded resident of the year by medical, nursing and allied health professionals from across the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Voting is based on a doctor’s all-round performance, including communication skills, clinical judgement and skills and relationships with staff, patients and relatives.

Iranian immigrant and chief registrar at the RHH Dr Soheil Samadi was recognised as the registrar of the year.

He said the award was a huge honour, as it meant he was accepted by his colleagues and his community.

“It means all the people here are accepting me, they can see my progress and so it’s a big achievement for me.”

Dr Samadi said critical care and helping in emergency situations was the thing he loved most about working as a registrar.

Dr Soheil Samadi Registrar of the Year winner. Picture: Elise Kaine

“I love to help people in a life-threatening situation, that is the main thing I really love about the job,” he said.

“I love it, so I don’t care if it is hard.”

Dr Samadi hopes his next career move will be towards working air retrieval for the rescue helicopter.

Dr Joshua Blum was named intern of the year and Dr David Bertoni was named consultant of the year in the annual Junior Medical Officer of the Year and Consultant of the Year Awards in December.

Dr David Bertoni: Consultant of the Year winner. Picture: Elise Kaine

Intern of the Year Dr Joshua Blum. Picture: Elise Kaine

Minister for health Jacquie Petrusma said the four doctors-in-training were recognised for their exceptional contribution to health services in southern Tasmania.

“The awards are given each year to acknowledge the skill, commitment and growth of doctors-in-training over the last 12 months,” she said.