Portsmouth doctor named Foundation Training Programme Director of the Year at national Medical Education Leaders Awards 2026.
Prestigious award handed out for doctor’s “exceptional dedication”
A Portsmouth doctor has been recognised at a national award ceremony with judges citing her “exceptional dedication” and “strong leadership”.
Dr Helen Peet, a foundation programme Director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU), was named Foundation Training Programme Director of the Year at the national Medical Education Leaders Awards 2026.
Dr Peet was handed the prestigious award at the Medical Education Leaders Annual Conference in Cheltenham in May. A spokesperson for PHU stated the judging panel highlighted her “exceptional dedication to supporting foundation doctors, her strong local educational leadership, and her commitment to inclusion, trainee wellbeing and career development”.
Helen said: “I am absolutely delighted and very honoured to receive this award. Supporting foundation doctors at the very start of their careers is incredibly important to me, and none of this work would be possible without the fantastic educational and administrative teams I work alongside. To be recognised nationally is a real privilege.”
The nomination highlighted Dr Peet’s work in enhancing teaching programmes, expanding hands-on and simulation-based learning opportunities, and providing consistent pastoral support for trainees.
Dr Peet is seen to have led “significant improvements” to teaching programmes including introducing tailored exams and interview preparations, with her work drawing “high praise” from junior doctors, educational supervisors and senior leaders, a PHU spokesperson said.
Dr Aileen Sced, Director of Education at PHU and Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “This is thoroughly deserved recognition for Helen. She is an outstanding leader and educator whose commitment to high-quality training and pastoral support has made a real difference to the experience of our foundation doctors.”
The Medical Educators Awards help to celebrate individuals and teams who make an exceptional contribution to postgraduate medical education across the NHS.