The RCPCH Conference 2025 theme was ‘Innovate, Integrate, Inspire’.
In our section on the final day of the conference, we therefore decided to shine the spotlight on some of our colleagues and how we can learn from them to be better educators.
Prior to the conference, we asked for nominations for a ‘PEdSIG PAFTA’ - celebrating those colleagues whose teaching is inspiring and that we can all learn from.
We received 30 nominations for inspiring paediatric educators around the country.
The standard of nominations was exceptionally high, therefore it was a challenge to determine who should win the award. We therefore asked nominees to submit a 3-minute video on one of the following topics:
1. Top tips for teaching
2. A micro teaching session on a topic of their choice
3. What makes them an inspiring teacher?
These videos were shared at the conference, and from these, the winner was voted by the conference delegates at our session.
‘PEdSIG PAFTA’ Most Inspiring Teacher Winner - Dr Shrouk Messahel (nominated by Hassan Nasser)
Dr Messahel's exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to paediatric education and research make her a standout candidate. As an NIHR NWC Research Scholar, Dr Messahel leads the development and delivery of groundbreaking research in the Paediatric Emergency Department. She excels in both ED-generated projects and collaborative efforts with other specialties, driving advancements that benefit countless young patients. In her role as a PEM consultant and ED research lead at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, she has demonstrated exemplary leadership. Additionally, she serves as the NIHR NWC Speciality Lead for Trauma & Emergency Care and PERUKI Secretary. Her teaching sessions are consistently engaging and enjoyable, reflecting her passion for education. Dr Messahel is always keen to support juniors on the shop floor, providing top-quality hands-on teaching and supervision. Her mentorship has been invaluable to many junior clinicians, fostering their growth and development. Dr Messahel’s remarkable achievements and tireless dedication make her a truly deserving candidate for the PAFTA award. Her impact on paediatric emergency medicine and education is profound, and she continues to inspire her colleagues and juniors alike.
Runner Up - Dr Nicola Xiang (nominated by Monica Latchman)
Thank you also to the following nominees for their time and effort creating videos to share at the conference as part of the ‘PEdSIG PAFTAs’:
- Dr Anna Baverstock (nominated by Jess Morgan)
- Professor Carly Fertleman (nominated by Chloe Macauley)
- Dr Geeta Subramanian (nominated by Bushra Rafique)
- Dr Bikash Bhojnagarwala (nominated by Tushar Kulkarni)
- Dr Hannah Pool (nominated by Hassan Nassar)
- Dr Chloe Macauley (nominated by Alice Roueché)
- Dr Nalaayeni Kanesan (nominated by Janapriya Sugumar)
You can watch their videos here: PEdSIG PAFTAs videos
Congratulations to all nominees, listed below:
- Anna Baverstock, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- James Charlesworth, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Debbie Pullen, East Surrey Hospital
- Shrouk Messahel, Alder Hey Children's Hospital
- Hannah Pool, Alder Hey Children's Hospital
- Nalaayeni Kanesan, Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- Tom Lissauer, Imperial College (ret)
- Bikash Bhojnagarwala, Medway NHS FT
- Aung Soe, Medway NHS FT
- Felicity Brokke, Medway NHS FT
- Sue Maillard, Great Ormond Street Hospital (x2)
- Andrew Elliot-Smith, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- Hannah Caller, Homerton University Hospital
- Nicholas Schindler, NNUH, Norwich (x2)
- Lee Ann Quek, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (x3)
- Josephine Quaynor, New Cross Hospital
- Geeta Subramanian, Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Nicola Xiang, Evelina
- Kyra Theron, Evelina
- Mike Hayes, Doncaster Royal Infirmary
- Carly Fertleman, Whittington Hospital
- Chloe Macaulay, Evelina
- Ajanta Kamal, Evelina
- Sharmila Jeyansingh, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, Brighton
- Rachel Kirk, Lister Hospital (ENHT)
