Congratulations to the winners of the Educator of Merit Awards for 2026. 

The SET/SIMG Supervisor of the year is an annual award presented by the Academy of Surgical Educators to recognise an exceptional contribution by a SET supervisor/SIMG supervisor toward supporting Trainees or Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) to fulfil the goals, values and mission of the College. 

This award was judged on the following criteria:

• Demonstration of the Colleges' goals, values and missions
• Inspirational role modelling as a supervisor
• Understanding and commitment to training and surgical education
• Involvement in training and continuing professional development
• A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons or Board accredited supervisor.

The Educator of Merit, SET/SIMG Supervisor of the Year recipients are: 

• Dr Anubhav Mittal, FRACS: New South Wales
• Dr Michael Falkenberg, FRACS: Victoria
• Dr Damien Ah Yen, FRACS: Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Facilitator/Instructor of the year award recognises an exceptional contribution by a course facilitator/instructor teaching Professional Development or Skills Education courses. 

The award was judged on the following criteria:

• Demonstration of the College’s goals, values and missions
• Inspirational role modelling as a facilitator of professional development programming
• Understanding and commitment to surgical education
• Demonstration of a proactive approach to leadership in professional development program delivery.
  
   

 

The Educator of Merit, Facilitator/Instructor of the Year recipient is: 

• Dr Richard Wong She, Instructor for TIPS based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Congratulations to all our 2026 recipients, and thank you for your exceptional service, leadership and dedication to supporting the next generation of surgeons and strengthening surgical education across the College.