School of Medicine

The Clinical Teacher of the Year award recognises a clinical teacher in Wales who has excelled in their work supporting medical students in Wales.

The nominees for the award come from local awards given by the Wales Deanery, Swansea University College of Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine and Bangor School of Medical Sciences. The winners of the individual awards were considered by an independent panel who then decided the overall ‘all-Wales winner’ announced at a ceremony in Cardiff.

Mr Philip Banfield received the local award from Cardiff University before becoming a finalist for the Clinical Teacher of the Year Award. Professor John Bligh Dean of Medical Education at Cardiff University said:

"We are very proud of what Mr Phil Banfield has achieved. He and his team are great examples of inspiring teachers who put the student at the forefront of their clinical teaching.

The atmosphere and environment for learning that they have created in North Wales is a tribute to the high quality of clinical teachers in that part of Wales - something that is reflected year on year by student feedback that is consistently excellent"

Winner of the Clinical Teacher of the Year Award, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Mr Philip Banfield said:

“This is a huge vindication of the high quality clinical teaching that takes place in Welsh District Hospitals and of clinical placements in North Wales in particular.

“The North Wales Clinical School is a unique asset for the teaching of undergraduates, with amazing facilities. I am so proud to lead a terrific team of enthusiastic teachers, with support from fantastic staff – there is a huge pastoral element when students are so far away from their base university.

“Welsh medical students make excellent doctors, judging from those we get in the North.

It was a great evening and I am extremely grateful to everyone involved. It was very touching to be acknowledged amongst such distinguished company.”

Stephen Jones, Deputy Welsh Secretary at BMA Cymru said:

“Wales’ clinical teachers play a vital role in the delivery of high quality training for our doctors entering the profession and encouraging more trainees to look to Wales to work and live. This award goes some way to recognising their very important and influential role.”

Mr Banfield has received a Medical Education package from BMJ Learning.