February 8, 2022“What makes a good clinical teacher?”, asks Associate Professor Leonie Griffiths, Director Northern Clinical School.
As she explains, this has been “the subject of much debate and numerous literature reviews over the years. The pandemic has taught us the value of providing students with clinical role models who can support learners, make sense of the patient experience, the hospital culture and of the diversity and health inequities we see in the northern community.”
“Students need to surround themselves with educators who bring varied perspectives, curiosity and who can engage in conversations that support a student to grow,” she adds.
The Northern Clinical School Teacher of the Year Award aims to answer precisely that question, by asking students each year to vote for clinical teachers that have made a positive impact on their learning.
Mr Krinal Mori was chosen as the Joint Winner – Medical Doctor Year 2 (MD2) Teacher of the Year 2021.
Krinal is a General and Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon at Northern Health and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Northern Clinical School. He completed his fellowship at Northern Health in 2016 and has been working as a surgeon since 2017.
Krinal has a keen interest in surgical skills training and says, “Surgical education is my passion.”
Over the years, he has been involved in educating medical students at the Clinical School, as well as training of surgical registrars, HMOs and interns at the hospital. Krinal is also the Supervisor of General Surgery Training at Northern Hospital, Epping.
His students have nothing but praise for Krinal:
“Krinal is a wonderful educator who is clearly passionate about what he does. He is very encouraging to students and breaks down difficult concepts into easy explanations. He is very good at teaching examinations and gives good tips and advice. His surgical case presentations were detailed and facilitated great discussion.”
“Lovely manner, great teacher and very committed to his students.”
“I really enjoyed our bedside discussions of surgical issues, as well as his surgical tutorials and can honestly say they have been the most helpful for learning and engaging with content.”
“His compassionate nature comes across clearly both in his work on the wards and as an educator – and his dedication to our learning experience did not go unnoticed. He was always willing to go above and beyond for us and quite often fit in tutorials after long shifts at the hospital. Each concept and topic was thoughtfully explained and he created the optimal environment for learning where there was never a fear of judgment. One of the kindest people you will meet, Krinal played a huge role in my surgical rotation.”
Associate Professor Griffiths agrees. “The students remark on his empathic bedside manner and ability to help them understand complex concepts, while providing a safe learning environment. He excites students to consider a career in surgery, ensures they talk with patients in a meaningful way and ensures students are welcome in the operating theatre. Krinal is a great advocate for supporting students to undertake research projects and mentor for the Student Surgical Society,” she says.
We congratulate Krinal on this award and salute his contribution to the Northern Clinical School.
Featured image: Krinal demonstrating the use of a Laparoscopic Maryland Forceps
