Outstanding geriatric trainee awarded
Every year, senior staff at Caulfield Hospital decide the recipient of the Dr Simon Scharf Award for Outstanding Advanced Trainee in Geriatric Medicine. Dr Susanto Winata received the 2019 award for his compassionate, empathetic and patient-centred care along with great leadership.
“In his time working as a geriatric trainee across Alfred Health, he has become an exceptional clinician with attitudes, skills and expertise that will allow him to become an outstanding young geriatrician,” said A/Prof Peter Hunter, Director of Geriatric Medicine.
This $1,000 award honours the memory our colleague and friend Dr Simon Scharf who was a mentor and role model and showed excellence in clinical care, teaching, research and set the highest standards for professional and ethical behaviour.
“I am honoured to be the recipient of the award. I would like to thank my mentors and colleagues for their great contributions to my learning journey,” said Susanto.
Q and A with Dr Susanto Winata
Why did you choose to focus your skills on geriatric medicine?
I have chosen to specialise in Geriatric Medicine because I find that providing a holistic approach to improve the outcomes of older patients with multiple comorbidities and their families very rewarding. There is a great need in our community to help older patients in various stages of their illnesses and I would like to contribute my skills to provide great care to older patients.
What was the best part about working for Alfred Health?
Working for Alfred Health has been a wonderful experience for me. I have had enormous support from the Consultants who have also been great mentors and role models. I also value the friendship that I have made with the rest of the staff whilst working for Alfred Health. I hope I can work together again with them in the future.
How do you keep motivated on days that might be tough? How do you keep colleagues motivated?
When things get tough, I always remind myself and my colleagues that we are working together as a team to improve patients’ wellbeing, so no one is carrying the burden on their own. I also remind myself that all the hard work I have put in is worth it as it can make a difference in the patients’ or their families’ lives. And it does not hurt to smile!
What is the most important thing you learnt at Alfred Health?
Alfred Health is the place where I grew up as a doctor, and I have learnt how to be competent clinically and at the same time compassionate and empathetic to patients and their families.
