Dr Choopong Luansritisakul, the first Anaesthetic Fellow at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital in Gobowen, has scooped the RJAH Stars Award.

Joining The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in October 2022 from Bangkok, Dr Choopong has worked as a junior consultant for five years, after training in anaesthesia and completing a two-year fellowship in chronic pain.

The award was proposed by members of the research team, Barbara Linklater-Jones, research nurse and Sara Owen, research project manager, and supported by Dr Mel Bloor, consultant anaesthetist and principal investigator for two studies that Dr Choopong contributed towards.

Ms Linklater-Jones said: "Choopong has supported us fully, both in setting up and running two anaesthetic studies.

"He went above and beyond what we all expected, and with such grace and professionalism to both our patients and the Research Team."

Ms Owen followed this with her own praise: "He is an absolute credit to the medical profession and an all-around delightful human being.

"Choopong will be returning to Thailand soon, and he deserves this award before leaving Team RJAH."

While working at the hospital, Dr Choopong has simultaneously completed a Surgery MCh at Edge Hill University, while gaining experience in regional anaesthesia.

Regarding his award and time at RJAH, Dr Choopong said: "This was a complete surprise and I want to thank everybody who nominated me.

"The Research Team is amazing and they have been really good to work with.

"I also want to thank the Anaesthetic Department.

"My mentors Dr John and Dr Bloor have been really good with me and nothing has been too much trouble.

"I asked them if I could get involved in these research studies and they were generous enough to allow it."

Dr Choopong, set to leave RJAH in October, will spend two months at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne before returning to Thailand.

The award made up of a keepsake certificate, vouchers, and a box of chocolates, was presented by chief executive Stacey Keegan.

Ms Keegan said: "It was clear in the short space of time I spent with the Research Team just how valued Dr Choopong is, and the impact he has made in his role.

"The whole department turned out for his presentation, including several colleagues who could not be in the room but joined us on Microsoft Teams.

"I think that speaks volumes."