Thrive Awards 2025
Sydney Adventist Hospital’s annual Thrive Awards were held on the 30th of October and were an evening dedicated to honouring staff who have been recognised for their excellence over the past year.
The first awards of the night were the San Foundation Ambassador category with Dr Upeksha De Silva and James House as the recipients.
The San Foundation research grant was awarded to The INFORM Trial. The study explores how we can better inform patients before a coronary angiogram, comparing the usual consent process with a new patient education video designed to improve understanding and confidence. The team behind the work is Dr Sonali Gnanenthiran, Dr George Lau, Dr Elizabeth Shaw, Michael Lin, and Jade Jones, with Dr Elizabeth Shaw accepting the award on the night.
Doctor in Training Award
This award recognises the work of a San doctor who is undergoing training in an intern, resident or registrar role, has demonstrated high standards of professional and clinical excellence, gaining the respect of the hospital team and their peers and reflects the holistic values of the hospital about caring for the whole person, ‘mind, body and spirit’.
This year, the winner of the Doctor in Training Award is Dr Terrance Lau.
Academic Award
The academic award recognises the work of a San Doctor who has taken a leadership role in managing and innovating within a specialised field of medicine and shown dedication to research and/or educating others about advances in this area of pursuit.
The 2025 Academic Award went to Professor Tristan Yan.
Community Service Award
This award recognises the work of a San Doctor who has demonstrated altruism, compassion, integrity, and leadership while providing quality health care and services to those in greatest need, either locally or more broadly. They have made significant contributions through outreach clinical work, healthcare philanthropy or other healthcare services to the public. It recognises someone who has taken an educative and mentorship role in adding value to the health knowledge of practitioners, patients and the broader community, and reflects the holistic values of the hospital about caring for the whole person, ‘body, mind and spirit’.
The recipient of the Community Service Award for 2025 is ClinA/Prof Gurdial Singh.
San Doctor Award
The San Doctor Award recognises the work of a doctor who exemplifies the mission and the holistic values of the hospital about caring for the whole person, ‘mind, body and spirit’; and has made an outstanding medical contribution and through their conduct demonstrates true leadership and clinical excellence, gaining the respect of the hospital team, their peers and community.
The winners of the San Doctor of the Year for 2025 are Dr Csilla Hasovits and Dr Jobe Shatrov.
Emeritus Consultant Appointments
The Emeritus Consultant designation is an honorary status that recognises practitioners who have made a significant and lasting contribution to Sydney Adventist Hospital. They are awarded following nomination by the Department or Division, recommendation by the Medical Advisory Committee, and approval by the Board, and acknowledge those who have demonstrated distinguished service, outstanding merit, and extraordinary accomplishment during their professional tenure and have since retired from active practice.
- Dr Norman Blumenthal, Emeritus Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Prof Ralph Cohen, Emeritus Consultant in Paediatric Surgery & Paediatric Urology
- Dr Robert Hardwick, Emeritus Consultant in Paediatrics
- Dr Gillian Rothwell, Emeritus Consultant in Palliative Medicine
- Dr Matthew Swann, Emeritus Consultant in Anaesthesia
Professor Geoffrey Herkes received a service recognition for his work as Director of Research.
Quality Awards
Hand Hygiene Award
Managed by the Infection Prevention and Control department, this award was introduced to encourage personnel and departments to comply with the requirements of the National Hand Hygiene Initiative.
The Burnside Ward was awarded the trophy this year.
Quality Award Clinical
The award recognises staff who have submitted projects directly relating to clinical changes in practice.
This year, the award was given to the San Nurse Led Heart Failure Service - CCU.
Co-Clinical Award
This award recognises staff & departments who have submitted projects which provide a supportive role in improving clinical care.
The winner was Caring Beyond Surgery: A Quality Improvement Journey for Enhanced Recovery - Allied Health & Clark 8 Sharpe Ward.
Quality Award Overall Excellence
This is the highest award presented each year and is chosen from submissions across both categories.
This year, Operating Theatres Anaesthetics/PACU was the award recipient for Prewarming to prevent perioperative hypothermia - product trial.
Nursing Excellence Awards
These awards recognise team members who are models of excellence in nursing care and professional practice.
There were so many compassionate, skilled and dedicated people nominated in this category, but the winners were:
- Robert Minett - After Hours Manager
- Colleen Roberts - Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Emma Smith - Clinical Nurse Educator – ICU
- Wentong Chen - Registered Nurse
- Sarah Cherry - Clinical Nurse Consultant
Excellence in Care Awards: Allied Health
This Care Excellence award recognises a non-nursing team member working in Allied, Radiology and Pharmacy roles who models excellence in care and professional practice.
The winners of this category for 2025 are:
- Bailey Brown - Wards Persons
- Sebastina Bothma - Acute Allied Health
Service Excellence Award
The Service Excellence Award recognises a team member working in a services and support function such as Hospitality, Food Services, Patient Services, Health Information Services, Finance, IS, People & Culture, Engineering & Maintenance, Marketing, CSSD, Medical Services, Ward Persons & General Admin roles who are models of excellence in service or innovation.
Congratulations Lynn Dholah – Hospitality (ICU)
People Leadership Excellence Award
The People Leadership Excellence Award recognises an AHCL People Leaders who are a model of outstanding people leadership.
- Coco Leung - Chief Pharmacist
- Catherine Dixon - Medical Workforce Manager
Mission Ambassador of the Year
The Mission Ambassador program recognises and encourages employees who are living examples of our Mission, Christianity in Action – caring for the body, mind and spirit of our Patients, Colleagues, Community and Self.
Kym Cross, from Spiritual Care was selected as the 2025 Mission Ambassador. Adventist HealthCare’s mission is Christianity in Action - serving others through words and actions regardless of your role, whilst leading by example; values which Kym embodies.
A huge congratulations to everyone who received an Award. The Thrive Awards are a highlight at the San, as they remind us that great patient care is only possible because of the commitment, compassion and expertise of our staff.