The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) National Rural Faculty (NRF) will tonight recognise a general practice registrar and medical student for their contribution to general practice in rural and remote Australia.
The NRF Rural Registrar of the Year Award and Medical Undergraduate Student Bursary awards will be presented as part of GP14 – The Conference for General Practice, currently taking place in Adelaide.
2014 RACGP National Rural Faculty Rural Registrar of the Year Award
Dr Samuel Gubicak of Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, NT, will be awarded with the 2014 RACGP NRF Rural Registrar of the Year Award.
The award is presented to a general practice registrar who has demonstrated commitment to rural general practice, learning and education and service to rural patients and rural communities.
Dr Kathy Kirkpatrick, Chair of the RACGP NRF, said Dr Gubicak exhibited the traits of a strong future leader in rural and remote general practice.
“Dr Gubicak has demonstrated exceptional commitment the responsibilities that come with rural and remote general practice, often acting as the sole on site GP,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
Dr Gubicak spent the last 10 months working in Lajamanu in remote North Western Northern Territory where he also volunteered with the Mt Theo Youth Program.
Dr Gubicak graduated from the Australian National University in 2009 and worked in rural South-Eastern NSW and the ACT for 3 years prior to moving to central Australia. He is currently completing his GP training with Northern Territory General Practice Education (NTGPE).
Having recently relocated to Tennant Creek to work with Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, Dr Gubicak currently works between the town clinic and remote Outstations of the Barkly Region.
Upon learning he was the Rural Registrar of the Year recipient Dr Gubicak said he was extremely grateful to those who sponsored his nomination and thankful for the RACGP’s recognition.
“I have always wanted to work in rural and remote general practice. It has its unique challenges but it also provides an experience that is rewarding like no other,” said Dr Gubicak.
2014 RACGP National Rural Faculty Medical Undergraduate Student Bursary
Michelle Seckington, a third year medical student at Monash University in Melbourne, will tonight be presented with the 2014 RACGP NRF Medical Undergraduate Student Bursary.
The award is presented to a medical student who is a member of a rural health students’ club at an Australian university who has completed the required essay on a topic chosen by the RACGP. This year’s essay topic asked students to reflect on the conference theme with a rural emphasis: ‘Lead. Inspire. Rural general practice.’
Dr Kathy Kirkpatrick said the winning essay demonstrated a deep understanding of rural practice.
“Ms Seckington’s raised a very poignant message in her essay regarding the unique skillset necessary in rural general practice,” said Dr Kirkpatrick.
Ms Seckington said she was delighted to learn she had been selected to receive the NRF Student Bursary.
“To have the opportunity to attend GP14 means so much to me and I am thrilled at the opportunity to learn from such experienced rural and remote GPs,” said Ms Seckington.
For more information on GP14 – The RACGP’s annual conference for general practice, taking place from 9-11 October in Adelaide, visit the GP14 website.