AMA honours Victoria doctor for globally leading training initiative
The AMA has recognised Dr Sarah Lee with the Excellence in Healthcare Award in recognition of her contributions and achievements in the field of anaesthesia education.
The Victoria-based consultant is a staff specialist anaesthetist at Eastern Health and has been a Supervisor of Training since 2022 and an ANZCA Training Accreditation Visitor since 2022. It is Dr Lee’s work in founding the Anaesthesia Discussion, Views and Contemporary Evidence (ADVANCE) platform in 2022 that really stands out, even above her many other contributions.
ADVANCE is a multidisciplinary education and research platform that engages clinicians through interactive polls, surveys and expert-led discussions. It has grown from a local initiative into one that now attracts clinicians and renowned panellists from around the world. The platform has been recognised for CPD purposes by both Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM).
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen told the AMA26 National Conference that Dr Lee’s commitment to knowledge sharing and supporting colleagues, not just in Australia but across the world, was an inspiration across the profession.
“The dedication Dr Lee has demonstrated since beginning her career, not only to her own continuous development but to our profession as a whole is truly commendable,” Dr McMullen said.
“Her approach fosters both professional growth and improved patient care, and her work in setting up ADVANCE also helps with the translation of emerging evidence into everyday clinical decision-making. By creating a space where clinicians can interrogate new data, share experiences, and refine their approaches, Dr Lee has enabled a form of continuous learning that is both dynamic and directly relevant to patient outcomes.
“In an era where healthcare is increasingly complex and rapidly evolving, initiatives like ADVANCE play a critical role in ensuring that clinicians remain informed, connected, and adaptable.”
Dr Lee’s long-term goals include utilising ADVANCE survey data to develop a registry and research program to enable the benchmarking of contemporary Australian anaesthesia practice to inform evidence-based education, research priorities, and guidelines.
Dr Lee said, “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. Thank you to the AMA for honouring the importance of education in our profession.
“I want to especially thank my colleagues here and around the world, whose generosity, dedication and commitment to their patients and to lifelong learning inspire me every day. It is a privilege to work and learn alongside them, and it is on their behalf that I accept this award.
“I hope we continue to create opportunities for clinicians to learn together across hospitals, specialties and disciplines. When we are willing to share our experiences, challenge our own practice and remain open to learning from one another, we not only grow as clinicians; we give our patients the very best chance of receiving exceptional care.”
