The BSG is pleased to extend their congratulations to Dr Sarah Clark, a Consultant Hepatologist at St George’s Hospital in London, for winning the BSG Dame Parveen Kumar for Education and Training Award 2023 (previously BSG Gold Trainer Award) for her impressive achievements and work as a trainer. The award recognises the work of excellent trainers in developing the future of the gastroenterology and hepatology specialty. The extracts below are taken from her nomination, as well as supporting comments from her colleagues:

'Sarah is a dedicated, warm, and compassionate clinician, who cares deeply about her patients, colleagues, and trainees. She shies away from the podium and has never sought accolades, and yet she is well known and loved across South London, having positively influenced generations of trainees, and all those who have had the privilege of working with her. Sarah has unique qualities as a person and as a clinician which simply cannot be measured by standard performance indicators, and which make her so special. She truly fulfils the role of unsung hero, and we cannot think of a more worthy recipient of this award.'

'Sarah Clark has been my inspiration. She is an excellent trainer and mentor. During my gastroenterology training years, her supervision and guidance shaped my career. She is an excellent endoscopy trainer, particularly ERCP, she was always very patient and had time for me even in her busy schedule. Her calmness and stamina make her an excellent trainer even in a high pressured environment. As a person she is kind and generous. My heartfelt gratitude for her time, support and patience, and for guiding me towards the right path.'

'Few consultants utilise the full potential of their trainees like Dr Clark. She leads by example, and cares deeply that all her trainees should thrive. As a female trainee this has always felt especially empowering. Her relentless dedication to patient care is matched only by her humility, which makes her so easy to admire.'

'Dr Clark has always been very supportive and generous with her time. Not only teaching junior doctors, but also ensuring the nursing staff have the same level of attention. She is incredibly supportive with the extended role of the nurse and helps to empower individuals to strive forward. She makes the impossible seem possible! Her standards of care are the highest I’ve ever experienced and she truly treats each patient like she would a member of her family. Nursing staff are always encouraged and included by her at any Trust teaching event we have and she is very supportive of their ideas and suggestions in the endoscopy room. I could say so much more as I have so much respect for her!'