Dr Qasim Malik is a National Award Winner
Dr Qasim Malik, Postgraduate Doctor at Birmingham Children's Hospital, has been recognised as Junior Trainee Doctor of the Year in this year's National Paediatric Awards For Training Achievements (PAFTA) Awards.
Dr Malik's exceptional passion for paediatrics and unwavering dedication to his patients led to his nomination by his colleagues, who also commended his outstanding support for trainees across the West Midlands.
He was presented with the PAFTA in a ceremony in Glasgow earlier this year. The annual awards recognise the very best in paediatric training in the UK.
Dr Malik said: “It was a really inspirational night and I felt so humbled to hear the incredible stories of my fellow trainees. I was honoured to receive this award, it means a lot to me to have my work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital recognised.”
Dr Malik first started working at Birmingham Children's Hospital in 2021 during one of his medical placements.
He said: "I have loved being a part of Birmingham Children's, the quality of care we deliver is exceptional. The camaraderie amongst the staff and a real ‘can-do’ attitude is what sets us apart from everywhere else.
"I was actually a patient of the hospital when I was a child, I vividly remember walking into outpatients and seeing all of the bright colours, the warmth and kindness of staff and thinking how I would love to work here."
Dr Malik added: “Winning this award all these years later is all the more special as I am working in the very hospital and trust I was born in, have been a patient in and now contributing to the fantastic care we deliver- it’s a real honour."
Dr Malik was recognised for his outstanding work supporting doctors in training in the West Midlands. He is a West Midlands Trainee representative, going above and beyond by listening to fellow postgraduate doctors in training and advocating for them and their wellbeing.
He has organised welcome and support days for doctors training in paediatrics across the region. He also used his skills as part of volunteer organisations, recently organising the Toys4Eid campaign to help deliver more than 100 toys to children across the hospital.
His innovative technical skills have also enabled the trainees' committee to share educational and wellbeing information to more West Midlands Postgraduate Doctors than ever before.
Dr Malik said: “I want to help doctors in training to have a brilliant time and support their education and wellbeing from the beginning. I know first-hand how important support is during your training, support that I have been fortunate to receive here through colleagues, supervisors and my peers."
Dr Malik was also nominated for striving to improve the care of patients and the working conditions for his colleagues, contributing to multiple audit and quality improvement projects.
His nomination commended his excellent character and support for others, as he always projected a sense of calm and reduced the stress of those around him. His dedication to listening to the children, young people and their carers and working with them to achieve the best outcome continues to inspire those around him.
Dr Malik said: "Hearing all the nominations, I was blown away by the incredible work of all my fellow trainees. When I found out I had actually won the national award, I was shocked. I was completely blown away. The first person I told was my Mum. She has supported me right from the start of my journey in medicine and has championed the cause of children in our local community.”
Dr Malik added: "I just want to thank my colleagues who took the time to nominate me. I am honoured to be surrounded by people who always support each other and do outstanding work for our patients and families. I hope that one day, I can inspire future trainees the way my colleagues have inspired me."
Dr Will Coles, Consultant Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatologist and Deputy Postgraduate Clinical Tutor, said: “Qasim is a hugely valued member of the BWC team and being nominated by his peers, and then going onto win the national junior trainee of the year is extremely well deserved.
“Qasim is not only an excellent clinician but also supports many projects and external roles in leadership and education. Congratulations Qasim!”