The future of new dietitians in safe hands: Dr Simone Gibson recognised for teaching excellence
Dr Simone Gibson (right) pictured receiving her award alongside fellow Monash University awardee Professor Alastair Thomson (middle) and Vice Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardiner (left).
Dr Simone Gibson has been awarded the Universities Australia Award for Teaching Excellence in the area of Biological, Health and Related Studies which celebrates and rewards excellence in university teaching, recognising the impact that educators have on the learning and teaching experiences and outcomes of university students.
Preparing the next generation of dietitians for the realities of life as a clinical dietitian is Dr Simone Gibson’s superhero power. This dedicated educator, whom we are lucky enough to call our own, has been recognised for her commitment to teaching through the 2018 Australian Awards for University Teaching. She has been awarded the Universities Australia Award for Teaching Excellence in the area of Biological, Health and Related Studies category. The awards recognise Australia’s most outstanding university teachers who have demonstrated excellent leadership through a sustained commitment to innovation, delivery of quality teaching and sustained dedication to improving the student experience and learning outcomes in higher education.
When describing her teaching, she explains that she focuses on preparing students for the dynamic, fast-paced and often stressful hospital environment where they are required to reach clinical competency, and beyond to employment. To do this Simone engages work-based educators involved in student training and promotes teaching excellence in work-integrated learning. Simone explains that her teaching and learning strategies are ‘multi-faceted including simulation and real-life patient interactions’. She uses a range of evaluation techniques including student learning and cost-effectiveness measures.
On acceptance of this award, Simone was quick to acknowledge the importance of the team she works with at the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, ‘although I led these initiatives, I am part of a team whom without I couldn't have achieved anything.’ Simone also recognised her colleague Associate Professor Claire Palermo who also received this award in 2017.
Simone’s role as an educator was also recognised in 2017, where she received both the Vice-Chancellor’s and Dean’s Awards for Teaching Excellence at Monash University.
With over 20 years of clinical practice, Simone transitioned to an academic career seven years ago. As a result of her achievements and leadership over the past seven years, she was recently appointed Director of Education for Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences. Simone continues to maintain her role as senior lecturer in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food. She is an Associate Fellow for the Australia and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators and an editorial board member for the Focus on Health Professional Education journal. She has received over $73,000 in grants for leading educational research and is committed to improving the success of her students and graduates.
More information:
Dr Simone Gibson is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian and an academic staff member and researcher within the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food. Simone’s expertise is in health professional educational research, online learning of nutrition information, and nutrition and inflammation.
Click here to access Simone’s research profile. You can follow Simone on Twitter via @SimoneGibson4.
Stay up to date with the Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food on Twitter via@MonashNutrition.
