Posted on: 8 February 2024
Huge congratulations to ToniSam Doolings Dumas for winning Capital AHP’s Rising Star Award this week. ToniSam is an Occupational Therapist at CNWL and works in the Hillingdon Community and Mental Health Team (CMHT).
The award was announced and presented at Capital AHP’s London AHP International Recruits Celebration Event on 5 February 2024. The day was a celebration for Internationally Educated Allied Health Professionals who have joined London NHS Trusts recently and historically and included presentations and panel discussions with Allied Health Professionals.
On hearing the news, ToniSam said:
"It's an absolute honour being acknowledged by receiving this award. I think as a health professional, especially as an occupational therapist, the work we do is never geared towards receiving accolades or praise but rather at ensuring the best quality of care is provided and that lives are impacted positively. Being an international recruit from South Africa brings its own unique challenges, and sometimes additional unspoken pressures. But I've honestly been so lucky with my OT team, who have pushed and supported me in all the right ways and allowed me the freedom to be myself and work in a way that best suits me.
Ultimately, I think the overriding feeling is pride. In myself, in my work, in my capabilities and my future within CNWL. My parents back home are pretty chuffed too"