AFOEM Essay Prize
Applications closed 31 October 2025.
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) Essay Prize is awarded for excellence in occupational medicine; demonstrated either through the best essay written additional to curriculum requirements, or the best research project or assignment submitted in the assessment of courses in occupational or environmental health (either as a requirement or optionally).
Yaron Gu | 2025 recipient
Dr Yaron Gu is a junior medical officer at the Central Coast Local Health District in New South Wales, Australia. He's a recent graduate of the University of New South Wales, where he completed a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine with Distinction and a Bachelor of Science (Medicine) with First Class Honours. Yaron plans to undertake further postgraduate study in clinical epidemiology to strengthen his skills in clinical research methods and evidence-based practice.
He has a strong interest in dermatology, with broader interests in public health, health economics, and education. During medical school, Yaron was actively involved in the medical student community through leadership roles in student-led events, as well as teaching as a student tutor.
Through participation in the AFOEM Essay Prize, Yaron deepened his understanding of the intersection between occupational exposures and public health outcomes, sparking a growing interest in preventive strategies and policy development.
Outside of medicine, Yaron enjoys social sport, cooking, travelling, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Eligibility
Applicants must be either:
- a medical student deemed eligible by the Dean of their medical faculty, depending on year level and studied curriculum, or
- a medical intern or having graduated from their internship in the previous year (this allows applicants to present material from their final year).
Prize
The winner receives AUD$1000.
Apply
Read the terms and conditions for awards and prizes valued up to $5000 before applying.
Your application must be submitted in a single PDF file to Foundation@racp.edu.au and include:
- a completed application form
- your essay of up to 2000 words (additional to curriculum requirements), research project or assignment (either additional to, or part of, the curriculum requirements) on any topic in the fields of occupational or environmental health
- a letter of support from your medical institution
You can submit formal published researcher papers provided they identify any contributions by additional authors or supervisors.
The College Conflicts of Interest Policy (PDF) and Privacy Policy apply.
Selection process
If there are no applications of sufficiently high standard, the AFOEM Education Committee will not award a prize.
For more information about this prize, contact the RACP Foundation.
Related content
Past recipients
Terms and conditions
Division, Faculty and Chapter Awards and Prizes