Dr Casey Smith | 2025 first place recipient

Presentation: Case studies from Burwood Spinal Unit

Casey Smith is a first-year trainee rehabilitation medicine registrar currently based at the Burwood Spinal Unit in Christchurch. She grew up in Auckland and studied medicine in Otago before eventually settling in Christchurch, which now feels like home.

Casey came to rehabilitation somewhat unexpectedly, taking a spinal rotation on a whim as a house officer to better understand spinal cord injury in a supportive setting. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a professional passion. She is thoroughly enjoying being part of a specialty that is flexible, collaborative, and fundamentally patient-focused at its core.

Outside of work, Casey describes herself as a shopaholic and enjoys theatre, musicals, and anything creative. She also loves good food—specifically oysters, spicy dishes, and anything deep-fried.

Dr Hanna Hsieh | 2025 second place recipient

Presentation: Review of New Zealand practice: Administration of the Westmead Post Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS)

Hanna Hsieh comes from a diverse cultural background. She grew up in Taiwan, spent most of her higher education and youth in Ireland, and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She is in the final stretch of Advanced Training, with completion in sight. Her professional journey is shaped by a commitment to seek meaningful connections with people from a variety of backgrounds, with the opportunity for personal growth and fulfilment. She strives for continuous learning with curiosity and respect and upholds and defends one’s integrity. While striving for excellence, she has a desire to make a positive impact on the people she meets.

Outside work, she is a member of a local badminton club and plays weekly. She is also a regular gardener, cooks often, and enjoys binge-watching sci-fi and serious movies. She enjoys listening to jazz, 80’s, synthesizer, and pop music. She also likes visiting historical and art museums, engaging in scientific and philosophical discussions, and visiting family scattered across the globe. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and often spends her free time engaging in activities that inspire and rejuvenate her.