A regional award ceremony held this month saw two doctors from the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro take top honours.

RCHT’s Mr Tom Smith-Walker and Dr Laura Reddin joined other trainees from across the South West at the event which was held in Torquay.

Tom went on to win the 2013 trainees’ trainee award and Laura was named 2013 junior trainee.

Tom has just finished his specialty training at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and is currently working as a locum consultant while Laura has just completed her first year of specialty training with another six years to complete. Both are hoping to take up permanent posts in the county in the future.

Susie Bates, obstetrics consultant, said: “Tom’s peers voted for him because he is a great role model, colleague and teacher. Laura has achieved a great deal both clinically and academically this year.”

This is the first time the awards have been held.

Tom said: “Winning these awards does feel quite significant because it was our peers who chose who won. They singled us out and it is nice that people have recognised the hard work that we have been doing. It has been a real pleasure training and working in the Peninsula; I hope I can continue to contribute to the department and region in the future.”

Laura said: “Hopefully this will encourage others to put themselves forward and perhaps even a bit of healthy competition!”