At AfPP, our awards celebrate the people and teams making a real difference to patient care, safety, and best practice across perioperative practice. Our Educator of the Year award recognises those whose teaching, leadership, and encouragement are shaping the future of the profession.
The award gives AfPP student members the chance to celebrate an exceptional educator. It recognises those who shape the future of perioperative practice through outstanding teaching, encouragement, and leadership, inspiring confidence and helping students grow as they begin their professional journey.
The nominations reflected the qualities that make this award so meaningful, from innovative and inclusive teaching to the genuine care and encouragement shown to students every day. They highlighted educators who build confidence, create supportive learning environments, and champion excellence in perioperative practice.
We were overwhelmed by the quality of the nominations, and choosing a winner was no easy task. Each submission showed the difference these educators make and the lasting impact they have on students’ confidence, ambition, and future careers.
After careful consideration, we are pleased to announce that Keiran Goreeba, Clinical Educator at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, has been chosen as Educator of the Year.
When students speak about Keiran Goreeba, they describe more than an excellent educator — they describe someone who changes how they feel about themselves and their future in perioperative practice. Across multiple nominations, he was praised not only for his teaching, but for the lasting impact he has on students’ confidence, wellbeing, and ambition. Time and again, students said they arrived on placement feeling nervous or unsure, only to find in Keiran a calm, encouraging educator who helped them believe they could succeed.
**“Keiran has consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for teaching and a strong commitment to developing students into safe, confident, and knowledgeable practitioners.”
Axe Allan, student **
Students consistently highlighted the way Keiran goes above and beyond to create a supportive learning experience. He was recognised for developing a detailed induction process to help students feel prepared before placement, as well as for producing a comprehensive 100-page teaching booklet, Fundamentals of Perioperative Practice, to support learning clearly and accessibly. His teaching was described as thoughtful, adaptable, and inclusive, using whiteboard explanations, practical sessions, discussion-based learning, and reflective supervision. By tailoring his support to different learning styles and levels of confidence, Keiran ensures every student feels seen, supported, and able to progress.
What stands out most is the way Keiran helps students move from anxiety to confidence. Nominations describe how he breaks down complex information, links theory to clinical practice, and creates a safe environment where students feel able to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn without fear of judgement.
“His calm, supportive teaching style and consistent encouragement quickly helped ease my anxieties.”
Marco Capobianco, student
Whether supporting a first-year student through their first placement, guiding learners through scrub preparation, helping them anticipate the next stages of surgery, or standing up for a student when they were denied a learning opportunity, Keiran’s impact is both practical and deeply personal. Students said his calm reassurance, high expectations, and belief in their potential motivated them to aim higher and become more proactive, reflective, and resilient practitioners.
Keiran was also praised for the compassion and professionalism he demonstrates every day. Students spoke of an educator who listens, checks in on wellbeing, celebrates progress, and makes learners feel like valued members of the wider theatre team.
He not only teaches clinical knowledge and technical skill, but also demonstrates the importance of patient safety, teamwork, accountability, and kindness. Taken together, the nominations show an educator who does far more than teach: he inspires.
“His enthusiasm for teaching is seen not only in his clinical work but also in the time he spends providing students with extra support, mentorship and guidance. His impact extends beyond academic achievement, helping students build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.”
Olena Mykhailiuk, student
I am proud to be recognised by AfPP, an organisation that champions safer surgery, professional development, and excellence in patient care.”
AfPP Student membership is free for undergraduate, non-registered students. To become a student member click here