Last Thursday, 4th June, we saw the return of CHFT’s Got Medical Talent. Last held in 2022, these Awards recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution our resident doctors make every single day across CHFT.

A celebration event, hosted by Medical Director Neeraj Bhasin and the Medical Education Team at the CRH Learning Centre, saw our winners being crowned.

Below you can find out who our winners are, what our judges said, and hear a snippet of what our winners said when they were presented with their award.

Compassionate Care - Dr Catherine Howell, ST7, Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Judges said that Catherine is a powerful example of compassionate care in action. She makes sure every person is respected and supported, especially those who may be in vulnerable situations. 

Catherine said: "I grew up in West Yorkshire and I feel that I should treat patients as they were a family member - especially so when they’re at their most vulnerable. I have a big passion for Gynaecology and that’s what’s driving me through!"

Excellence in Clinical Leadership - Dr Tayyab Khan, GPST Trainee in Stroke

Judges said that Tayyab demonstrates outstanding clinical leadership well beyond his level of training. He has an instinct for innovation and a culture of reflection, leaning and mutual respect. 

Tayyab said: "My personal experiences of being a patient at CHFT means I've now seen things from both sides which is a privilege. One thing I always say is that everyone is human, our patients and our colleagues, so I bring that into everything I do." 

Excellence in Medical Education - Mr Karim Jundi, ST6 in Trauma & Orthopaedics

Judges said that Karim consistently demonstrates a high standard, delivered well structured and engaging teaching with an adaptive approach. Outside the classroom he sustains a learning culture and commitment to continuous improvement with a genuine commitment on education and developing others.

Karim said: "It all started back in school where I had a mentor who had a lasting impact on me. I want to make sure our future doctors have that too. The moment we start being a doctor we shouldn’t stop learning."

Excellence in Research, Audit and QI - Dr Ahmed Boalot, Trust Grade Doctor in General Surgery

Judges said that Ahmed has made an outstanding impact across research with multiple published papers which contribute to the  evidence base and has led to tangible changes in clinical practice which has transformed patient outcomes. He has been recognised also for his strong commitment to transforming care.

Ahmed said: "It is a pleasure to be in this role at CHFT. I have found teams to be incredibly supportive, who will put you on the right path and always try and help with advice and guidance." 

Going Above and Beyond - Dr Jason Auguste, Speciality Doctor in ICU

Judges said that Jason shows outstanding clinical judgement and compassion, ensuring patients are safe and cared for. His impact is felt in patient outcomes but also in the strength he gives to colleagues. Jason is an exceptional example of what this award represents.

Jason said: "I arrived in 2018 to get a better quality of life for my family, and I have felt so much support. For me I work best where the environment is supportive and it doesn’t feel like work. A mentor once told me that people want to know how much you care, not how much you know."

Resident Doctors Choice Award – Best Supervisor - Mr George Elmaraghi, Specialist Doctor in ENT

Judges said that George has an exceptional commitment to mentorship, which has a lasting impact on professional and personal development. Nominated multiple times, he is a trusted and approachable colleague with a strong commitment to helping others grow.

George said: "It is a privilege to be a small part of people's progression. I imagine how I would want to be supervised and so I think it is key to always be there for our resident doctors. And it works both ways as I learn from them myself a lot too."

Medical Director, Neeraj Bhasin, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the return of CHFT’s Got Medical Talent. Huge congratulations to all our brilliant Resident Doctors who were nominated, shortlisted and of course to our winners! I am so pleased we have been able to recognise their valuable contribution in this way, unlike other colleagues, our Resident Doctors are on rotation so they don’t often get the chance to be recognised in our annual CHuFT Awards.

“A special thank you also goes to the Medical Education team who have pulled out all the stops to hold these awards.”

Congratulations to all the finalists: 

All the winners also received a Golden Ticket to our 2026 CHuFT Awards* which take place at the Arches in Dean Clough, Halifax on Thursday, 2nd July where there will be the opportunity to showcase their talent and achievements to the wider organisation.

The categories were:

• Excellence in Clinical Leadership - Judges will be looking for doctors who lead with vision, champion innovation, and drive continuous improvement. A doctor who demonstrates a strong commitment to personal growth, quality care, and supporting Trust priorities.
• Compassionate Care Award - Judges will be looking for doctors who put our patients at the centre of everything they do, delivering care with empathy, respect, and humanity.
• Excellence in Research, Audit and Quality Improvement - For those who turn evidence into action, using research and audit to improve outcomes and transform clinical practice.
• Going Above and Beyond - For resident doctors who consistently go the extra mile for patients and colleagues, making a real difference every day.
• Excellence in Medical Education - For inspiring educators who use innovative approaches to teaching, share best practice, and are passionate about developing others.
• Resident Doctors' Award - Best Supervisor - A supervisor who provides support, encouragement and empowers resident doctors to learn and facilitates career development and academic achievement.  A good team player and a supervisor who leads by example.