Recognising excellence: College Award winners
The College Awards honour exceptional contributions to anaesthesia, critical care, pain medicine, and related sciences. Open to nominations from all members, these awards are a chance to recognise colleagues whose dedication and impact inspire our specialty.
We are pleased to announce the latest recipients, as approved by Council following the Nominations Committee meeting on 30 April 2025. Congratulations to all our award winners!
College Medal
Dr Dave Murray
Awarded for his instrumental role in the creation and success of the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA).
Dr Dave Murray, Past National Project Chair for NELA, Clinical Lead, and Honorary Lecturer in Advancing Human Factors at Teesside University, as well as Consultant Anaesthetist at James Cook University Hospital, receives the College Medal for his transformative impact on emergency surgical care.
Over more than a decade, Dave has driven the growth and success of NELA, significantly improving patient outcomes - including a reduction in 30-day mortality rates. Though he credits the NELA team, his authentic and compassionate leadership has been central to uniting and motivating central and local teams. Dave exemplifies the qualities of understanding, empathy, and support, fostering a positive work environment that has enhanced both staff morale and patient care.
Mr Lawrence Mudford
Awarded for his championship of the patient voice within our Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC).
Mr Lawrence Mudford, CPOC's Patient Lead since its inception in 2019, is awarded the College Medal for his compassionate and unpaid leadership, which has shaped the Centre's development, ensuring meaningful, patient-centred progress. Drawing on his 38-year career in dentistry, regulation and dental education, Lawrence is widely respected for his insight and pragmatism.
Mr Mudford will be presented with his award at the College Annual Dinner on 13 May 2026.
President’s Commendation
Dr Sudhansu Pattnaik
Awarded for his outstanding support of anaesthetists in training.
A Consultant Anaesthetist and Deputy Regional Advisor at Queen’s Hospital Romford, Dr Pattnaik is also Deputy Regional Advisor and Final FRCA examiner. He is a highly respected anaesthesia educator whose dedication to training and mentoring has shaped many careers.
Dr Pattnaik is known for his clinical excellence, selfless support of anaesthetists in training and valued guidance. His lasting impact is widely recognised within and beyond his department. As one anaesthetist in training reflected:
“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 on 5 September 2025.
Dr Nicola Hickman
Awarded for her deep commitment to teaching, training and patient safety.
Dr Nicola Hickman, Bernard Johnson Adviser for the College, is nearing the end of a distinguished consultant career marked by a deep commitment to teaching, training, and patient safety.
Dr Hickman has held numerous educational roles, including College Tutor, Training Programme Director, Deputy Head, and Regional Advisor for the East Midlands School of Anaesthesia, where she 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 and suppoRTT champion. Dr Hickman's 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 on 5 June 2025.
Nominate a colleague
Help us recognise excellence. Visit our Awards page for full details on how to nominate a colleague. You can also contact us at awards@rcoa.ac.uk with any queries. We accept nominations year-round and review them at the next available Nominations Committee meeting.