A Specialist Trainee Orthodontist at the Countess of Chester Hospital has been awarded the William Houston gold medal for achieving the highest mark in the Orthodontic Membership examination at the Royal college of surgeons in Edinburgh.
Simon Watkinson is a qualified dentist working part time at the Countess of Chester Hospital and recently completed his three year additional specialist training to become a Specialist Orthodontist. At the end of the three years, trainees are required to take an exam with the Royal College of Surgeons called the 'Membership of Orthodontics' exam, which they have to pass to become a Registered Specialist Orthodontist.
Every year one trainee specialist is awarded the William Houston Gold Medal for achieving the highest mark in the exam that year. Simon achieved the gold medal this year out of approximately 70 trainee specialist orthodontists worldwide.
The William Houston Gold Medal is presented to the candidate achieving the most outstanding and commendable performance in the Membership of Orthodontics examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Simon said: "I am completely honoured to achieve this award but not only do I see this as a personal achievement, I also see it as a reflection on the excellent training I have received at the Countess, particularly from Consultant Orthodontists, Colin Melrose and Steve Chadwick."
Simon is now embarking on a further two years training to become a Consultant Orthodontist.
Consultant Orthodontist, Colin Melrose commented: "This is an extremely prestigious achievement and highly regarded among Orthodontists. Simon has worked extremely hard and the gold medal is testament to his skills and ability as an Orthodontist and the Countess is lucky to have him."
Consultant Orthodontist, Stephen Chadwick added: "Simon has performed brilliantly to achieve this prize. I am confident he will continue to progress in his further training at the Dental School in the University of Manchester."