February 9, 2026Northern Health proudly congratulates Dr Krinal Mori, FRACS, General Surgeon and Consultant at Northern Health, on being named a recipient of the 2025 Educator of Merit Award – SET Supervisor/SIMG Supervisor of the Year (Victoria) by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
The Educator of Merit Awards, an initiative of the Academy of Surgical Educators, recognise outstanding contributions to surgical education 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, highlighting excellence in mentorship, training, and educational leadership.
Dr Mori’s award acknowledges his exceptional support of Surgical Education and Training (SET) Trainees, unaccredited trainees, Specialist International Medical Graduates, and medical students. A Melbourne-trained general surgeon, Dr Mori holds public appointments at Northern Health and Austin Health, is a SET Supervisor in Victoria, and lectures at the University of Melbourne.
Northern Health is one of Victoria’s major training hubs, with up to 100 junior surgical trainees at any given time. Dr Mori plays a central role in supporting this cohort through bedside and theatre teaching, structured tutorials, laparoscopic workshops, HMO education sessions, and skills-based training, including suture and laparoscopic skills labs.
He also regularly volunteers his time to supervise laparoscopic skills training, supporting not only surgical trainees and medical students but also colleagues from other specialties. His approach to education is widely recognised for its clarity, inclusiveness, and focus on creating psychologically safe learning environments.
Dr Mori believes effective surgical education extends beyond technical competence.
“When I was a trainee, I was privileged to work with some amazing mentors,” he said. “Their ability to teach complex concepts clearly and guide me through difficult situations inspired me to do the same for future trainees.”
Colleagues and trainees alike describe Dr Mori as approachable, supportive, and deeply committed to trainee development. His teaching encompasses clinical excellence, professional development, wellbeing, and encouraging trainees to take ownership of education within their training hubs.
Reflecting on his role as a surgical educator, Dr Mori said his proudest moments come from seeing trainees complete training successfully and contribute to a positive learning culture. “Watching trainees grow into confident surgeons and leaders, and seeing them champion education themselves, is incredibly rewarding.”
“It is a great personal and professional privilege to work alongside Dr Krinal Mori. His recognition with the 2025 Educator of Merit Award reflects the incredible influence he has had on his trainees, colleagues, and the wider surgical community. His ability to inspire, support, and elevate others makes him a true asset to both Northern Health and the broader surgical field,” said A/Prof Dennis Gyomber, Divisional Director, Surgery, Northern Health.
Northern Health congratulates Dr Krinal Mori on this well-deserved national recognition. His achievement reflects both his personal dedication to surgical education and Northern Health’s ongoing commitment to excellence in training, mentorship, and patient care.
