As a child, Anastasia Vlachadis Castles thought saving lives “looked pretty cool”.
Television shows glamorised the medical profession and left a lasting impression on the Mill Park youngster.
She completed her residency at Northern Hospital last year after working as a radiographer there for five years. And the 27-year-old has quickly proven her capacity and enthusiasm to learn.
Last week she was named the 2015 Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria’s ‘junior doctor of the year’ at a ceremony in Darwin. The national award recognises junior doctors who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of medicine and research in Australia.
Dr Castles was nominated by two people: an intern and the Northern Hospital’s director of cardiology, Associate Professor William van Gaal. She said it was nice to know her hard work had been recognised “and on a professional level it’s always nice to have these things under your belt”.
Dr Castles said having both parents as teachers had instilled in her a passion for education and learning. She is currently studying for her masters degree in health professional education. Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah congratulated Dr Castles on her achievement.
“She has made significant contributions to the education of new medical students by implementing the Medical Student Mentoring Program in 2014, and she continues to help supervise and teach medical students throughout their placements,” he said.
Dr Castles was one of two Victorian recipients of the award. She will be considered for the national award in Darwin later this year.
