Award set-up in memory of junior doctor in Walsall
An award has been set-up in memory of a "vibrant" junior doctor who died from cancer at the age of 28.
Dr Steph Clarke worked in the acute medical unit, surgical assessment unit and hospital palliative care team at Walsall Manor Hospital before her death in March following a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Out of work she also helped at a food bank and has now been acknowledged by fellow doctors with an award to commemorate her life.
Dr Matthew Lewis, Walsall healthcare medical director, said: “It’s hard to draw positives from the death of such a vibrant 28-year-old but the speeches from her school friends, university friends and work colleagues at her funeral showed what an invigorating influence Steph had on the people who were lucky enough to spend time with her.
“We heard that she was a bright student, who became a brilliant doctor.
"More than that, though, she displayed an exceptional desire to do as much as possible for her patients and colleagues.
“Steph truly embodied our trust values of respect, compassion, professionalism and teamwork and an award in her memory seems a fitting tribute to someone who made such a positive impact here.”
Foundation Year doctors voted to award the prize to the most professional, supportive and patient-orientated worker to commemorate Dr Clarke's contribution to healthcare yesterday.
Dr Esther Waterhouse, consultant in palliative medicine and director of postgraduate medical education, said: “Steph was such a vibrant, caring person and an advocate for the patient through and through.
"She had her own health issues yet was constantly considering the needs of others.
“She was a tremendous asset to our trust as a whole as well as to her peer group and we will always miss her lovely smile and can do attitude.
"But her spirit lives on and being able to give an annual award to those following in her very impressive footsteps keeps her memory alive.”
