The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has congratulated the winners of the annual RACGP Victorian faculty awards.
This year’s winners:
· GP of the Year is Dr Bernard Shiu of the Banksia Medical Centre in Newcomb
· GP in Training of the Year is Dr Katie Snow of Bendigo Community Health Services
· General Practice of the Year is the Altona North Medical Group practice
· GP Supervisor of the Year is Dr Terence Heng of Surrey Hills in Melbourne.
RACGP Acting President Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda today congratulated the award winners.
“This year’s award winners highlight why general practice is so important for communities across Victoria,” Associate Professor Shenouda said.
“Dr Bernard Shiu is becoming a very well-known GP to people in the greater Geelong area and indeed right across Victoria and for good reason. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck he stood up and met the challenges facing general practice head on.
“He has called for more personal protective equipment for general practice, he has deftly cared for COVID-19 positive patients and demonstrated strong leadership when his community needed it most. This indefatigable Newcomb GP achieved all of that whilst seemingly always keeping a smile on his face too.
“The Altona North Medical Group practice is setting an incredibly high standard and provides superior medical care for patients in Melbourne’s western suburbs. It is a multi-faceted, multi-lingual medical hub with a new respiratory clinic and COVID-19 testing facility that is vital in caring for people with a respiratory illness, including those needing testing, identification and support with COVID-19 in the pandemic.
“The practice goes that extra mile to make patients feel calm and takes great pride in the fact that every room has a source of natural light and a comfortable ambience.
“Chronic Disease Management is a core capability and a dedicated coordinator is responsible for identifying those at risk, recalls, follow-ups and missing information. She is able to flag individual patients with doctors so that health problems are not overlooked.
“Altona North Medical Group also has a longstanding commitment to system innovation, research and training up the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Dr Heng is a dedicated educator and mentor who uses innovative technology platforms to discuss interesting cases and share his immense knowledge.
“He is not only a talented teacher but a trusted and well-liked GP to his many patients. Dr Heng is heavily involved in looking after patients at the local aged care facility, making constant visits to ensure continuity of care for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
“Several registrars noted that Dr Heng was the most dedicated and passionate mentor they had ever come across and that he even set up a WhatsApp group to discuss cases. I think that that speaks volumes to his enthusiasm and vision, he is an extremely deserved winner.
“Dr Snow has really dived head first into her work in Bendigo and involved herself in the community wherever possible. That includes working with a Refugee Health team to create COVID-19 videos and flyers as well as giving informative talks to other healthcare professionals at an International Women’s Day event.
“Her positive attitude, willingness to always learn and strong connection with patients from all walks of life has not gone unnoticed. I believe these are the key ingredients in being a successful GP and I have no doubt that Dr Snow will have a long career in general practice.
“To all the award winners – congratulations and all the best in your future endeavours in the years ahead. Your communities are lucky to have you.”
The RACGP Awards recognise the value of GPs in our community, celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to care for their patients.
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