Highly respected Wembley Downs doctor David Oldham has been named the West Australian finalist in the 2017 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) General Practitioner of the Year Award.
The annual award recognises GPs who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their community.
Chair of RACGP Western Australia Dr Tim Koh said Dr Oldham was a most worthy recipient of the award.
“Dr Oldham has devoted his career to enhancing the lives of his patients and their family members,” Dr Koh said.
“He has been an outstanding advocate for general practice for over 30 years and is a wonderful asset for his community.”
As well as the exceptional care he has provided his community, Dr Oldham has also dedicated much of his life to improving the education of other GPs.
“Dr Oldham’s work with young hospital doctors has helped enhance the reputation of general practice,” Dr Koh said.
“Dr Oldham has been heavily involved in teaching GP registrars - facilitating workshops and external clinical teacher visits - and worked in the demanding role of RACGP examiner for many years.
“His approach to teaching has helped other doctors build confidence and the skills needed to also become wonderful GPs.”
The RACGP also announced Dr Sarah Newman as the 2017 RACGP WA Registrar of the Year.
Dr Koh said Dr Newman was a standout nominee for her advocacy for doctors’ health and wellbeing.
“As well as her exceptional care of patients, Dr Newman has worked passionately to improve the health and wellbeing of her colleagues,” Dr Koh said.
“She was Co-chair of the Australian Medical Association (WA) Doctors in Training Welfare Group in September 2013, and is a current Board Member of the Doctor’s Health Advisory of WA.”
“She has also conducted presentations on doctors’ health and wellbeing to junior doctors at teaching hospitals throughout Perth.”
Other 2017 RACGP WA award finalists:
- Dr Sarah Newman – Registrar of the Year
- Dr Harinder Paul – GP Supervisor of the Year
- Canning Vale Medical Centre – General Practice of the Year
The national winners of the RACGP awards will be announced at GP17 – the RACGP’s annual conference for general practice – running from 26–28 October 2017.