Over the next few issues of Surgical News, we will spotlight the recipients of the 2025 Educator of Merit awards. This initiative of the Academy of Surgical Educators celebrates excellence in surgical education across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Each year, the Academy recognises outstanding contributions in two key categories:
•  SET Supervisor/SIMG Supervisor of the Year: Awarded in each Australian state/territory and Aotearoa New Zealand, this honour acknowledges exceptional support provided to Surgical Education and Training (SET) Trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs).
•  Facilitator/Instructor of the Year: This award recognises exceptional contribution by a course facilitator/instructor teaching Professional Development or Skills Education courses and is awarded to one facilitator/instructor across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2025, the Academy conferred five SET Supervisor/SIMG Supervisor of the Year awards and two Facilitator/Instructor of the Year awards.
Professor Ian Civil, general surgeon, FRACS, is one of this year’s Facilitator/Instructor of the Year awardees. He is the course director for CCrISP, EMST, and OWR; instructor for TIPS and is based in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Professor Civil exemplifies the values and principles of the College. His unwavering commitment to excellence, ethical integrity, and respectful collaboration has made him a cornerstone of surgical education in the region. His deep understanding of the College’s structure and mission, combined with his extensive teaching experience, continues to enrich both faculty and Trainees alike.

His leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the College, and his contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Highlights from his nomination include:
•  Ian has instructed on over 100 courses and is a past chair of the CCrISP committee. His passion for teaching and mentoring has had a lasting impact on both participants and fellow instructors.
•  Professor Civil is one of our most respected and valued faculty members. He consistently upholds the highest standards of service and integrity, treating everyone with fairness and respect.”

Professor Civil shares his journey as a surgical educator.

What inspired you to pursue surgical education? 
“My family is full of teachers, so I naturally gravitated toward that aspect of surgical practice without consciously choosing it.”

What is your proudest moment as a surgical educator? 
“Having attended every ASC since 1988—except during COVID-19—my proudest moments are watching Trainees walk across the stage to receive their Fellowship certificates. Knowing the effort behind that achievement, and having played even a small part in it, fills me with pride.”

Any advice for new surgical educators? 
“Always reflect on your teaching and mentoring. There’s always room to improve. Every course includes educators who inspire—learn from them.”

Dr Hannah Burns, FRACS, an otolaryngology head and neck surgeon, is one of this year’s SET/SIMG Supervisor of the Year awardees based in Queensland. 

Highlights from her nomination include:
•  Hannah plays a vital role in Trainee education and support across Queensland, going well beyond her formal duties. She’s a dedicated mentor, championing diversity and equity in ENT surgery, and actively supports junior doctors through events, courses, and inclusive initiatives. As chair of the regional training committee and former supervisor at Queensland Children’s Hospital, she’s known for fair, compassionate leadership, closely tracking Trainee progress and advocating tirelessly for their success and remediation when needed.
•  Dr. Burns champions inclusion and equity in training, exemplifying collaborative paediatric care. She allocates registrars to balance personal needs with training goals. Her leadership promotes lifelong learning, and she is highly respected nationally and internationally for her dedication to Trainee support and her collegial approach across multidisciplinary teams.

Dr Burns shares her journey as a surgical educator 

What inspired you to pursue surgical education? 
“I've always been driven by a desire to see our Trainees thrive—not just technically, but as confident, well-supported professionals. My interest grew from asking important questions: How do we select the best candidates? How do we ensure diversity, equity, and fairness in both selection and training? How can we continuously improve the learning experience to produce future colleagues we're proud to work alongside?

"Much of my inspiration comes from my own mentors—those who generously gave their time to guide and support me. I want to emulate that same spirit. Surgical education, for me, is about giving back, but more than that—it’s profoundly fulfilling. I truly believe that in teaching, we receive more than we ever expect to give.”

What is your proudest moment as a surgical educator? 
“Receiving recognition from the Trainees has been one of the most meaningful moments of my career. It validates the time and energy invested in guiding them and reinforces my commitment to surgical education.

"One highlight has been the annual Paediatric Airway Workshop, which consistently fills with a waitlist of both Trainees and consultants seeking to upskill. The feedback—especially from those who’ve shared the training directly improved patient outcomes or their own performance during high-stakes situations—has been incredibly rewarding.

"But it’s the personal milestones that stay with me: when an unaccredited registrar earns a training post and I’ve been part of that journey; when they achieve their FRACS, head off to Fellowships, and return as skilled, capable colleagues. Watching them surpass us—because that’s the goal—is both humbling and inspiring. Ultimately, it’s about fostering capable, compassionate surgeons who carry forward a love for lifelong learning and teaching.”

Stay tuned for more profiles celebrating the educators shaping the future of surgical excellence.

If you’re passionate about clinical education, consider joining the College as a Skills Course Instructor. These programs thrive thanks to the voluntary contributions of faculty from diverse medical disciplines, offered on a pro bono basis.