WA recognises GPs making a difference across local communities
21 Oct 2026
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recognised seven recipients at its 2026 Western Australian Awards, celebrating their contributions to general practice across the state.
The awards highlight achievements in patient care, education, leadership and community service, including work in rural and regional areas.
GP of the Year: Dr Richard Taylor
Dr Richard Taylor, a second-generation GP based in Geraldton, was named GP of the Year. Located about 400 kilometres north of Perth, the regional city is where he has built strong relationships with patients and the wider community.
RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said his work reflected the important role rural GPs play in caring for families across generations. She also stressed the need to support doctors working in rural and regional Western Australia.
GP Supervisor of the Year: Dr Jennifer Ellis
Dr Jennifer Ellis received recognition for her work in GP training, mentoring and cultural leadership. The judging panel acknowledged her commitment to helping registrars develop their skills and supporting high standards in medical education.
GP in Training of the Year: Dr Christopher Chi
Dr Christopher Chi was recognised for his commitment to rural and remote healthcare. He moved with his family to work with communities in regional Western Australia.
The award acknowledged his dedication to patients, involvement in training and contributions early in his medical career.
Practice of the Year: Pioneer Health Albany
Pioneer Health Albany, located about 400 kilometres south of Perth, received the Practice of the Year award.
The practice was recognised for its community-focused approach, local partnerships and outreach to vulnerable groups. Its multidisciplinary model also supports coordinated primary healthcare.
Faculty Legend Award: Dr Brett Montgomery
Dr Brett Montgomery received the Faculty Legend Award for his longstanding work in advocacy, clinical leadership and professional representation.
He has been involved in several RACGP committees, working groups and advisory panels.His recent work includes representing the college on the WA Department of Health Cancer Screening Services Review Advisory Group.
He also contributed to the 2026 Australian prostate cancer early detection guidelines and supported the college’s work on GP prescribing of isotretinoin and patient safety initiatives.
Jack Christodulou Examiner Award: Dr Jenny Smith
Dr Jenny Smith was recognised for more than 20 years of contribution to Fellowship assessment in Western Australia.
Her work has included mentoring, education, examining, quality assurance, question writing and setting assessment standards. She also became Assessment Panel Chair in 2019.
The award honours the late Dr Jack Christodulou, a former RACGP WA Assessment Panel Chair and WA Council member. It recognises examiners who support high standards in Fellowship assessment and help doctors progress towards becoming Fellows.
Sam Bada Medical Educator Award: Dr Jessica Huang
Dr Jessica Huang received the Sam Bada Medical Educator Award for her commitment to registrar education, mentoring and wellbeing.
Through remediation support, small-group learning and mentoring, she has helped registrars manage challenges during training, including difficult personal and professional circumstances.
Named after the late Dr Sam Bada, the award recognises educators who help train and mentor future GPs and improve general practice education.
Dr Raman congratulated all seven recipients, highlighting their contribution to communities throughout Western Australia.
She said their work demonstrated the importance of lasting patient relationships, local knowledge and ongoing support for people at every stage of life.
WA recognises GPs making a difference across local communities
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Western Australian Awards 2026.