Dr Jennifer Critchley memorial plaque unveiling

The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health held a plaque unveiling in memory of Dr Jennifer Critchley.  Dr Jennifer Critchley passed away in 2018 but her legacy with the University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health and GV Health lives on.

Around 60 people attended the unveiling with Jennifer’s family, husband Ian, children Sam, Owain and Meagan (Hugh is currently overseas) sister Glenys and brother Geoff all attending.  Presentations were given by Professor Julian Wright, Head of the Department of Rural Health, Professor Steve Trumble Head of the Department of Medical Education, Ms Kim Read, Director of Department Women’s and Children’s at GV Health and husband Mr Ian Critchley, Orthopaedic Surgeon.  MC was Ms Anne Thewlis who is the Clinical Skills Manager and was the first CEF to come on board this successful program.

Jennifer was a trailblazer for health and higher education and developed the Clinical Education
Facilitator (CEF) role within the Rural Clinical School.  All CEF’s are highly skilled nurses with many years of experience in specialty areas. They have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and contribute greatly to the wellbeing of the medical students they work with.  The CEFs give valuable feedback at the bedside as students practice their skills. The CEF program quickly became a core part of the Rural Clinical School training experience.  It has also been adapted for a similar program at the Universities metro clinical schools.