16th July 2026
The Southern Trust’s Medical Education Centre team was recognised at the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency’s (NIMDTA) 9th Annual Educational Excellence Day, which brought together doctors and dentists in training, educators, trainers and healthcare leaders from across Northern Ireland to celebrate excellence in medical and dental education.
The flagship event highlighted the achievements of trainees and educators, showcasing innovation, leadership and best practice in medical and dental training.
Opening the event, NIMDTA Board Chair Mr Derek Wilson described Educational Excellence Day as “a celebration of commitment, innovation and leadership – but above all, a celebration of people.” He praised the dedication of resident doctors and dentists in training and acknowledged the crucial role educators and trainers play in supporting the future healthcare workforce.
A key highlight of the day was the presentation of the Educational Excellence Awards.
The Innovation in Training (Trainer/Educator) Award was presented by Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, to Dr Tiarna Byrne, Southern Trust Medical Education Fellow, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to postgraduate medical education.
Dr Byrne was honoured for designing and delivering an innovative simulation-based clinical skills programme for Internal Medicine Trainees, addressing a recognised gap in procedural training. Developed using a quality improvement framework and centred on hands-on learning and psychological safety, the programme has led to measurable improvements in trainee confidence, competence and procedural assessments.
Her work demonstrates a commitment to educational excellence, innovation and leadership, strengthening postgraduate medical training and supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care across the region.
The event programme also featured presentations from NIMDTA’s Simulation Champions, SUCCEED Leadership Fellows, ENGAGE Programme Facilitators and ADEPT Clinical Leadership Fellows, including Southern Trust ADEPT Fellows Dr Daniel Kane and Dr Lauren Hetherington, whose work highlights the positive impact of leadership development and quality improvement initiatives within healthcare.
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