Three Bunbury-based doctors have been recognised for their long-time commitment to rural communities at the 2018 WA Country Doctors’ Awards last month.
Dr Michael Hall, from Dr Foster and Associates, was recognised with a 40 Year service award.
Dr Nicholas Newman from South West Surgical Services and Dr Craig Hendry from St John of God Healthcare – Bunbury received 20 Year service awards.
The doctors were presented with trophies at the WA Country Health Service – Rural Health West WA Country Doctors' Awards dinner on March 24.
WA Country Health Service chief executive officer Jeff Moffet said it was important to acknowledge doctors working to ensure rural communities have continued access to high-quality medical care.
"To spend their entire careers of 20 or 40 years working within a country town shows remarkable commitment and provides outstanding continuity of care to patients," he said.
"It demonstrates their incredible dedication to the bush and to their patients and I am proud to acknowledge their achievements."
Dr Hall, who has worked in Bunbury since 1977, was attracted to rural medicine by the variety offered by rural general practice and the opportunity to become involved with the community.
Dr Newman came to the region in 1997, providing visiting surgical services in Collie, Busselton and Margaret River in addition to his work in Bunbury.
Dr Hendry came to the region as a surgeon in 2005, previously working in Port Hedland. He performs surgery in Busselton and Bunbury.
The doctors were awarded for their contributions to ensuring rural and remote communities have access to quality healthcare.
Rural Health West Chief Executive Officer Mr Tim Shackleton said building a long-term relationship with a doctor is particularly important to rural communities.
"Rural Health West works hard to attract doctors to work in rural locations and to encourage them to remain working in the country," he said.
"These three doctors have provided incredible services across the South-West and I am extremely pleased to acknowledge their contribution to the health and well-being of their communities."
Nine doctors were also recognised with special awards during the event.
Mr Shackleton said the awards are a rare opportunity to shine the spotlight on the contribution of doctors in rural communities.