Congratulations to this year's Excellence in Allied Health Award nominees and winners. 

District Allied Health staff marked Allied Health Professions Day on 14 October 2025 with a special ceremony to announce the recipients of our District’s Excellence in Allied Health Awards. 

Nominations were received for teams and individuals across Sydney Local Health District dietetics, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, psychology services, social work and speech pathology services. 
 

Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year 
Johnny Tran, Social Worker, Drug Health Services 
 

Johnny is an emerging future leader of clinical excellence. He strives to deliver safe, high-quality, and compassionate care that truly elevates the human experience. His daily practice reflects a strong dedication to NSW Health CORE values, consistently demonstrating respect, honesty and a friendly manner that fosters trust and collaboration. 
 

Allied Health Researcher of the Year 
Dr Suzie Ferrie, Dietitian, RPA Hospital  
 

Dr Suzie Ferrie is a highly productive and impactful clinician researcher. She has a strong focus on research partnerships that contribute to improved patient outcomes and service delivery. She actively seeks opportunities for research collaboration, with a focus on multi-disciplinary research.  

Allied Health Educator of the Year 
Trina Ahmad, Pharmacist, Concord Hospital
 

Trina is an outstanding clinician who contributes to education and improvement of clinical standards. She plays a key role in departmental planning and strategy, ensuring ongoing improvement aligned with professional standards. Her approach balances high expectations with empathy, patience, and respect, cultivating a supportive and empowering learning environment. 

Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support person of the Year 
Parinaz Babaei Amghani, Transitional Aged Care Program, Sydney Local Health District
 

Parinaz (Pari) is recognised for her professionalism, versatility, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to providing safe, patient-centred care. She is an integral team player demonstrating client centredness and a passion for her work which makes a significant contribution to elevating the human experience.  

Allied Health Leader of the Year 
Sophia Brindle, Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Services 
 

Sophia is a professional and visionary leader. Her leadership style focuses on collaboration, championing evidence-based practice and building strong networks across the District. She is a change-management champion who values the experience and ideas of staff, while bringing the experience required to translate ideas into tangible actions and outcomes.  

Allied Health Professional of the Year 
Vanessa Yip, Speech Pathologist, Community Health 
 

Vanessa is widely respected by her peers as a highly professional and inspiring Speech Pathologist who consistently models the NSW Health CORE values. Vanessa’s unwavering commitment to excellence and values-based practice makes her an outstanding allied health professional.  

Allied Health Team of the Year 
The Child Sexual Assault Counselling Service and Safe Wayz Program, Community Health 
 

The Child Sexual Assault Counselling Service and Safe Wayz Program are a dedicated team who collaboratively provide trauma-informed support tailored to each child and young person's unique needs. They are known for their positive workplace culture and ensuring inclusivity and support for clients and colleagues alike. The team show genuine care for their clients’ journey and are willing to go the extra mile to provide a top-quality service.