Hull York community celebrates outstanding education at this year's Clinical Teaching Excellence Awards
8 May 2026
On Thursday 7 May, the Hull York Medical School community came together on social media to celebrate the exceptional medical education and support provided to students on the undergraduate Medicine and MSc in Physician Associate Studies programmes.
The event saw 19 winners announced across seven categories, via the Hull York Medical School Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook pages, using the hashtag #HYMSawards.
The identities of more than 130 nominees had been revealed the previous week, on the Medical School website, and also on social media.
The student-led Clinical Teaching Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for students on the Medicine and Physician Associate Studies programmes to recognise those tutors and colleagues who have gone the extra mile to support them in their studies, on clinical placement or in PBL sessions, as well as in a pastoral or extra-curricular capacity.
Presenting duties were undertaken by Hull York Medical School students, who were given the opportunity to share some of the comments about winners, submitted as part of the nominations process.
Co-Chair of the Hull York Medical School Student Staff Committee Eka Narayan welcomed guests on behalf of the student body. She said:
“The nominations we received this year echo the same sentiment from students across all years: we are incredibly lucky to be Hull York students.
"We are grateful for every person who has shaped us into not only doctors and physician associates, but compassionate doctors and physician associates who treat patients with humanity, and are there when it truly matters.”
Welcoming guests to the event, Director of the MBBS programme Professor Anna Hammond said:
“What makes these awards special is the opportunity they provide to recognise not just individuals, but the strength of our partnerships. Across local NHS Trusts, GP practices, and community service providers, there is a shared commitment to delivering exceptional education. Together, our teaching community creates a rich learning environment that benefits our students – and ultimately, their future patients – for years to come.”
View a complete list of this year's nominees and awards criteria.
Winners of the 2026 Clinical Teaching Excellence Awards
Phase 1 and Gateway Core Educational Facilitator Award
Dr Farah Khatib
“goes above and beyond for the wellbeing of students”
“incredibly supportive and allows for a safe, supportive environment”
“has made everyone feel so welcomed and valued”
Dr Irene Rezk
“exemplifies everything a medical professional should be”
“encourages us to reflect in order to improve”
“extremely kind and helpfu;”
Dr Hannah Coysh
“embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator”
“not only an excellent teacher but a fantastic doctor”
“extremely supportive and always happy to help”
Dr Matthew Marchant
“constantly demonstrates the value of pursuing excellence”
“made PBL incredibly enjoyable”
“his enthusiasm and commitment to high-quality learning motivates us”
Physician Associate Studies Teaching Award
Emily Holmes, Physician Associate, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
“extremely generous with her time and provides valuable insights"
“creates such a positive and encouraging learning environment”
“has gone above and beyond to support us and is always willing to offer advice”
Primary Care Teaching Award
Dr Kay Smith, GP Tutor, Lambert Medical Centre, Thirsk
“the most supportive and encouraging tutor”
“extremely supportive”
"embodies everything HYMS stands for"
Snaith & Rawcliffe Medical Group, Goole
“from the moment I arrived at the practice, I was really made to feel part of the team”
“everyone was so friendly, from the reception staff to the GP partners”
"always provide us with helpful, constructive feedback"
Elvington Medical Practice, York
“consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching”
“empowered me to take ownership of my learning”
"created a supportive space where I could build confidence"
Dr Karamjit Marwah, GP Tutor, Greengates Medical Group (Beverley and Molescroft Surgery), Beverley
“created a very positive and supportive learning environment”
“encouraged us to consider the holistic picture, patient safety and best practice”
"challenged us in a constructive way that encouraged deeper thinking"
Secondary Care Teaching Award
Dr Anwer Qureshi, Acute Care, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
“a highly dedicated teacher"
“actively promotes a culture of diversity, respect, and aspiration”
“his dedication and values-driven teaching style have had a meaningful impact”
Dr Vijaykumar Singh, Acute Care, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
“an incredibly energetic and enthusiastic teacher"
“pushed us to think more deeply about each patient encounter”
"helped me become more adaptable and thoughtful in my clinical approach"
Dr Oliver Simmonds, Emergency Medicine, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
“one of the most compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled doctors I have had the pleasure to work with”
“great rapport with each patient”
“I have felt so much more confident under his tutelage”
Dr Luke Walker, Clinical Teaching Fellow, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
“his explanations and teaching are some of the best I’ve had”
“makes students feel supported and comfortable”
"because of his teaching, I have come away feeling confident and secure in my knowledge"
Administrative Excellence Award
SLO Team: Scunthorpe, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trusarah Baxter
“the team are amazing, and always making sure that we feel supported”
“a really supportive and approachable group”
“make a big difference to the student experience”
SLO Team: Grimsby, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
“an exceptional SLO team”
“creates a nurturing environment”
“treated us like family”
Donna Perrin, Medical Education Administrator, York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
“helped me feel prepared and supported from the beginning”
“her organisation, responsiveness, and kindness made a genuine difference”
“always available if we needed to reach out with any questions"
Mental Health Teaching Award
Navigo Health and Social Care CIC
“incredibly accommodating"
"all the staff members treated us as part of the team”
“I received such collective kindness”
Sarah Chew, Medical Education Nurse Lead, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
“extremely passionate about mental health”
“encouraged discussion and reflection, which helped us think more critically”
“did everything possible to ensure we had great teaching”
Clinical Teaching Fellow of the Year Award
Dr Rebecca Playfor, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
“created a supportive learning environment where all students felt comfortable contributing”
“delivered teaching of an exceptionally high standard”
“the feedback she provides is thoughtful, constructive, and genuinely useful for our development”
“always so passionate and dedicated”
“tailors teaching sessions to our needs, makes sure to listen, and explains concepts really clearly”