The RCOG introduced the annual National Trainer of the Year and Trainee Trainer of the Year Awards to recognise exceptional trainers across the UK who consistently go above and beyond to support and educate our trainees.
In addition, two further categories have been introduced to acknowledge the vital contributions of colleagues across the wider workforce: the AHP Trainer of the Year Award and the LED Trainer of the Year Award.
Nominations are submitted by each Deanery, with winners and runners up selected by the National Trainees’ Committee executive team and the RCOG Vice President for Education following a full review of all submissions.
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“Every year, these awards remind us of the extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion, resulting in excellence in obstetrics and gynaecology training across the UK. Our trainers and educators play a vital role, not only in shaping the next generation of our workforce, but also in ensuring that women receive the highest standards of care.
“The nominations we have received, showcase the incredible skills and qualities that are abundant across our amazing profession. Well done - and thank you all!"
We are pleased to announce the 2026 award recipients, who were nominated in November 2025 and selected in February 2026:
Trainer of the Year
Dr Makiya Ashraf FRCOG (Wales)
Dr Ashraf is a highly respected and trusted trainer whose calm, supportive and compassionate approach has made a lasting impact on trainees across the region. She provides consistent, high‑quality supervision in both emergency and elective gynaecology, creating a safe and encouraging environment for learners to build skills and confidence. Alongside her clinical teaching, she offers thoughtful educational supervision, supports quality improvement work and helps ensure training needs are met. As Head of School, she oversees a comprehensive regional programme while remaining personally involved in teaching and curriculum delivery. She has played a significant role in developing trainees’ leadership skills, exam preparation and Special Skills Modules, and has championed simulation training through the Gynaecology Emergency Multidisciplinary Simulation programme. Her steadfast mentorship and dedication to trainee wellbeing make her an exceptional educator and a truly deserving recipient of the Trainer of the Year Award.
Trainee Trainer of the Year
Dr Liadin Rider MRCOG (Wales)
Dr Rider is an exceptional ST6 trainee whose natural ability to teach, support and inspire makes her highly valued by junior colleagues. She is frequently sought out on labour ward and in gynaecology for her calm, encouraging supervision, guiding trainees through key procedures and helping them build confidence with thoughtful, practical feedback. Beyond clinical teaching, she has shown remarkable commitment to exam support through her leadership roles within the TWOGS Education Committee, organising comprehensive teaching programmes, study days and mock examinations for both Part 2 and Part 3 candidates. She has also contributed regionally by coordinating a high‑demand deanery study day and is widely recognised as a supportive mentor who offers guidance both professionally and personally. Despite the demands of training and family life, she brings warmth, positivity and motivation to every setting. Her dedication, reliability and meaningful impact on peers make her a truly deserving recipient of the Trainee Trainer of the Year Award.
AHP Trainer of The Year
Ms Maeve Tuomey (London Northwest)
Maeve is an exceptional clinical leader and educator who plays a central role in training obstetrics and gynaecology trainees rotating through the Early Pregnancy and Acute Gynaecology Unit at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. As Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, she provides high quality supervision in gynaecology ultrasound, tailoring her teaching to individual learning needs and offering real time feedback that supports rapid skills development while maintaining patient safety. She is also deeply committed to compassionate, trauma informed care and guides trainees in communicating sensitively with patients experiencing pregnancy loss. Maeve contributes to research and innovative training methods, including virtual reality simulation and tele mentoring, and fosters a supportive, multidisciplinary learning environment. Her sustained impact on clinical education, communication skills, and patient centred care makes her an outstanding recipient of the AHP Trainer of the Year Award.
LED Trainer of The Year
Dr Krishnaveni Raman (Wales)
Krishnaveni is a dedicated locally employed doctor who consistently supports learning and development across the multidisciplinary team. Known for her calm and approachable manner, she is a trusted trainer for doctors, students and allied health professionals. She plays a key role in teaching newly joined resident doctors and learners of all levels, providing supervision in essential clinical skills, constructive feedback and meaningful workplace‑based assessments. Her commitment extends to undergraduate education and regional training, where she delivers bedside teaching, supports mock examinations and contributes to simulation workshops. She also helps newly arrived doctors settle into NHS practice through her work with the Resident Doctors’ Forum. Krishnaveni’s commitment to high‑quality education, professional development and trainee wellbeing makes her a truly deserving recipient of the LED Trainer of the Year Award.