WA Awards celebrate ‘very best of our profession’

A cohort of GPs, supervisors, GPs in training, educators, and practices who ‘exemplify the very best of our profession’ have been celebrated at the 2026 RACGP Western Australian Awards.
 
The ceremony recognises excellence in patient care, education, leadership, and service to communities across the state, including in WA’s rural and regional areas, with seven awards handed out on the night.
 
GP of the Year: Dr Richard Taylor
Dr Taylor is a second-generation GP from Geraldton, around 400 kilometres north of Perth, and was celebrated for his commitment to relationships, community focused care, and the meaningful difference he has made to his patients’ lives.
 
‘Richard’s story like many other colleagues is a powerful reminder of what rural general practice means to our communities,’ said RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman.
 
‘In places like Geraldton, GPs often care for generations of the same family, building trust and understanding that cannot be replaced.
 
‘Recognising this contribution must go hand in hand with supporting the GPs who choose to practise in rural and regional Western Australia.’
 
GP Supervisor of the Year: Dr Jennifer Ellis
Dr Ellis was recognised for her extensive contributions to general practice training, cultural leadership, mentoring, and supervision.
 
Her dedication to supporting registrars and fostering excellence in education particularly impressed the awards panel, as well as her contribution to developing the next generation of GPs.
 
GP in Training of the Year: Dr Christopher Chi
Dr Chi was recognised for his commitment to rural and remote practice, including relocating with his family to work with communities in regional WA.
 
He was praised for his dedication to patients, engagement with training and positive impact early in his career.
 
Practice of the Year: Pioneer Health Albany
Located around 400 kilometres south of Perth, Pioneer Health Albany was recognised for its commitment to integrated, community centred care and its deep connections with the region.
 
It was celebrated for its innovative approaches, including community, partnerships, outreach to vulnerable populations and a multidisciplinary model of enhanced primary care.
 
Faculty Legend Award: Dr Brett Montgomery
Faculty Legend Award was given to Dr Montgomery in recognition of his longstanding contribution to general practice through advocacy, clinical leadership and representation of the profession.
 
He has served on several RACGP committees, working groups and advisory bodies.
 
Most recently, he represented the college on the WA Department of Health Cancer Screening Services Review Advisory Group, contributed to the development of the 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia, and supported the college’s work on GP prescribing of isotretinoin and patient safety initiatives.
 
Jack Christodulou Examiner Award: Dr Jenny Smith
Dr Smith was recognised for her contribution to Fellowship assessment in WA across more than two decades, including as a mentor, educator, and examiner.
 
She has made a substantial contribution to the Fellowship assessment program, contributed across examiner, quality assurance, question-writing, standard-setting and interview roles, as well as stepping into the role of Assessment Panel Chair in 2019. 

Named in memory of Dr Jack Christodulou, a highly regarded RACGP WA Assessment Panel Chair and WA Council member, the award honours examiners who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to maintaining excellence in the Fellowship process and supporting candidates on their path to Fellowship. 
 
Sam Bada Medical Educator Award: Dr Jessica Huang
Dr Huang received her award for her outstanding commitment to registrar education, mentorship and wellbeing.  
Through her work in remediation, small-group learning and mentoring, she has provided invaluable support to registrars throughout their training, including those facing significant personal and professional challenges.  

Named in honour of the late Dr Sam Bada, the award recognises exceptional dedication to training, mentoring, and supporting future GPs, as well as fostering innovation and excellence in general practice education. 
 
Dr Raman congratulated each of this year’s recipients, saying the awards highlight the ‘extraordinary contribution GPs make to communities across WA’.
 
‘General practice is the foundation of our healthcare system, and these award winners exemplify the very best of our profession,’ she said.
 
‘From supporting patients in rural and remote communities to training the next generation of GPs, these recipients demonstrate the breadth and impact of general practice.
 
‘Their work reminds us that strong general practice is built on lasting relationships, local knowledge and a commitment to being there for patients throughout their lives.’
 
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RACGP Awards Western Australia