Congratulations to Kimberley Doctor and 2018 Rural Health Excellence Awards Rising Star winner Khean (James) Shang Wong received the RACGP Community Project of the Year Award.
Dr Khean Shang Wong won the award for his innovative project on the treatment of parasitic worms in the Kimberley region in Western Australia.
‘Parasitic worms may not be a popular topic, but it is a serious health issue in the Kimberley region, and anyone can get it,’ Dr Wong said.
Dr Wong is proud to receive the award, which recognises his project as directly contributing to healthcare improvement and positively impacting the local community.
‘I recognised part of the problem where I work was a lack of community awareness,’ he said.
‘There are simple steps people can take in terms of prevention and treatment, so I put together posters to help raise awareness across the region, as well as clear guidelines for managing parasites, which have been really useful for patients.’
Dr Clements said that this year’s winners showcase the diversity of rural healthcare and those going above and beyond to support their community.
‘Rural GPs couldn’t be more deserving of the spotlight. They are essential for the health and wellbeing of rural communities, and they are in turn truly valued by their communities,’ he said.
‘As a rural GP myself, I know what entices medical graduates to go rural.
‘It’s a uniquely varied and rewarding career, no one day is the same, and you really get to know your patients and provide long-term holistic care, which general practice is all about.’
