The prestigious fellowship scheme recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. Dr Witchel was highlighted in particular for his innovative and inspirational teaching of core scientific principles, physiology and function of the heart, lungs and blood to year 1 students, bolstering their preparation for onward training in clinical medicine and patient care.
On receiving the award, Dr Witchel said: “Really this was a team effort and this award would not have been possible without the exceptional contributions of other lead instructors including Tim Chevassut (haematology), Catherine Hennessy (anatomy), the respiratory team including Harpreet Ranu, Karen Patterson, and Katie Hurt, the cardiologists including Steve Coombs and Nalyaka Sambu, Malcolm Johnston (imaging) and health psychology (Richard deVisser). Finally, none of this would have been possible or worth doing without our spectacular students at BSMS.”