College Awards Spring 2025

We are pleased to announce the award winners from the last meeting of the Nominations Committee held on 30 April 2025

College Medal
Dr David Murray, Past National Project Chair, NELA, Clinical Lead and Honorary Lecturer, PgC Advancing Human Factors in Health & Social Care, Teesside University, Consultant Anaesthetist, James Cook University Hospital, has been awarded the College Medal for being instrumental in the creation and the success of the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA).

Dr David Murray has been instrumental in the creation and success of NELA for over 10 years, driving significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced 30-day mortality. Though he credits the NELA team, his leadership in uniting and motivating central and local teams was crucial in achieving these changes. Known for his authentic, compassionate leadership, Dave exemplifies the qualities of understanding, empathy, and support, fostering a positive work environment that has enhanced both staff morale and patient care.

College Medal
Mr Lawrence Mudford, CPOC Patient Lead since its inception in 2019 has been awarded the College Medal for his championship of the patient voice within CPOC.  His compassionate, unpaid leadership has shaped the organisation’s development, ensuring meaningful, patient-centred progress and he is widely respected for his insight and pragmatism. Mr Mudford has a 38 year career in dentistry and dental education.

President’s Commendation
Dr Sudhansu Pattnaik, Consultant Anaesthetist, Deputy RA and Final FRCA examiner, Queen’s Hospital Romford has been awarded the President’s Commendation in recognition of outstanding support to trainees.

Dr. Pattnaik is a highly respected anaesthesia educator whose dedication to training and mentoring has shaped many careers. Progressing from college tutor and primary FRCA examiner to Deputy Regional Advisor and Final FRCA Examiner, he is known for his clinical excellence, selfless support of trainees, and valued guidance. His lasting impact is widely recognised within and beyond his department.

“I was very fortunate to have Dr Pattnaik as my Educational Supervisor when I first started anaesthetics. He was such a supportive and kind mentor and was simply invaluable when it came to sitting my Primary FRCA. His dedication and enthusiasm for teaching and training is second to none. I have learnt so much from him in the theatre setting and am forever grateful to him for all of the time he gives up outside of work to practice viva’s and helping us all through our exams”
Dr Pattnaik will receive his award at the College Annual Diplomates Day to be held in London on 5 September 2025

President’s Commendation
Dr Nicola Hickman, Bernard Johnson Adviser for the RCoA, has been awarded the President’s Commendation for her deep commitment to teach, training and patient safety. Dr Hickman is nearing the end of a distinguished consultant career marked by a deep commitment to teaching, training, and patient safety. She has held numerous key educational roles, including college tutor, TPD, deputy head, and regional advisor for the East Midlands School of Anaesthesia, and led the local rollout of the 2021 curriculum. A dedicated advocate for less than full-time training and supported return to work, she has served as LTFT lead, suppoRTT champion, and currently as the Bernard Johnson advisor for the RCoA. Her leadership in safety and quality, including establishing regular risk management meetings in Leicester, has further highlighted her lasting contributions.
Dr Hickman will receive her award at the College Tutors meeting in Glasgow, 5 June 2025

Samuel Thompson Rowling Oration
Dr Niall McMahon, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley 
Dr Niall McMahon has been awarded the Samuel Thompson Rowling Oration, which he will deliver at the Winter Symposium in November this year.  Dr McMahon is a consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley and Lead Consultant for the emergency medical retrieval service (EMRS) based in Glasgow. He has received the award for his work in remote & rural Scotland and pre-hospital care, providing a valuable insight into anaesthetic and critical care practice in challenging circumstances and supporting rural healthcare.
Dr McMahon will deliver his Oration at the Winter Symposium 21 November 2025