Australia’s leading GP training college, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), has welcomed new GPs to Tasmania’s health workforce and recognised the state’s top GPs and practices at a ceremony on Saturday 17 October.
Thirty-one new specialist GPs were welcomed to full independent practice as Fellows of the RACGP at the College’s Tasmania Fellowship and Awards Ceremony at the University of Tasmania Medical Science Precinct in Hobart.
Fellowship of the RACGP reflects a doctor’s qualification and expertise as a specialist GP, following at least 11 years of education, rigorous assessment, and in-practice clinical training in primary care.
A further two GPs also gained recognition as Rural Generalists, or RGs, practitioners with extended scope via a year of additional training in emergency medicine and one of a selection of disciplines needed in rural communities such as child health, mental health, surgery, and obstetrics.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright congratulated the new fellows.
“Fellowship of the RACGP follows years of dedication, study, and hands-on experience caring for patients,” he said.
“I’m proud to welcome our new Fellows to the profession as we celebrate their achievement and the vital role they play in keeping their communities and patients healthy across their lives.
“There is no substitute for the high-quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your medical history.”
RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner joined him in welcoming the new specialist GPs.
“Tasmania is a great place to work and practise, and it’s vital we continue to grow our GP and health workforce,” he said.
“General practice care helps people stay healthy and out of hospital, and being a GP and keeping patients healthy over their lifetime is a true privilege.”
The ceremony was attended by Bridget Archer, Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, as well as Tasmanian Labor’s spokesperson for health, Sarah Lovell.
RACGP Tasmania also presented its state awards and Life Memberships.
Tasmanian GP of the Year: Dr Jehan Phillips
Newstead GP Dr Jehan Phillips was named Tasmania’s GP of the Year for his outstanding dedication to general practice and his community over many years of service.
Alongside his commitment to his patients, Dr Phillips has made a significant contribution to the future of the profession through his support and training of the next generation of GPs.
“Dr Phillips expresses his dedication to his community and the genuine care and his professionalism in every aspect of his work, and the deep trust and respect his community has for him are clear,” Dr Gardner said.
“His more than 26 years of service, enduring generosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence in general practice make his recognition as Tasmania’s GP of the Year Award well-deserved.”
Tasmanian General Practice of the Year: Launceston Medical Centre
Launceston Medical Centre was named the state’s General Practice of the Year. Owned and led by Dr Jerome Muir Wilson, the practice was recognised for its outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of the Launceston community.
“Launceston Medical Centre’s commitment to accessible, high-quality patient care makes it a deserving recipient of the RACGP Tasmania Practice of the Year Award,” Dr Garder said.
“The practice has demonstrated its dedication to its patients’ diverse healthcare needs, as well as to education and the future of the profession through its ongoing support of GP training.”
Tasmanian GP Supervisor of the Year: Dr Jay Shoemaker
Hobart GP Dr Jay Shoemaker was recognised as Tasmania’s GP Supervisor of the Year for his exceptional commitment to teaching, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of general practitioners.
“Through consistent guidance, leadership, and a passion for education, Dr Shoemaker has made a significant contribution to GP training and is a highly deserving recipient of the Supervisor of the Year Award,” Dr Gardner said.
“Dr Shoemaker is recognised as an outstanding role model who leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and excellence in clinical practice. As both a GP and practice owner, he has shown a genuine dedication to creating a positive learning environment where registrars are encouraged to develop their skills and confidence.”
Tasmanian GP in Training of the Year: Dr Rebecca Kelly
Dr Rebecca Kelly of Glebe Hill Family Practice in Howrah was recognised as Tasmania’s GP in Training of the Year in recognition of the excellence she demonstrated throughout her GP training.
“Dr Kelly has earned the respect of colleagues through a strong commitment to patient care, professional development, and leadership as a registrar,” Dr Gardner said.
“She’s been described as an outstanding trainee who’s consistently demonstrated the qualities that exemplify the future of general practice, including a dedication to learning, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care. She’s already made a positive impact on both patients and colleagues and will no doubt continue to build on that in the rest of her general practice career.”
Life Membership of the RACGP
Two GPs were also awarded Life Membership of the RACGP, Dr Nerrelie Cann and Professor Tania Winzenberg.
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