Celebrating Excellence in GP-led Research
02 Dec 2025
The Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, recognised outstanding GP researchers at the awards ceremony held during GP25 in Brisbane.
The awards underscore the creativity, rigour, and real-world impact of research led by GPs; projects presented throughout GP25 focused on strengthening primary care and improving health outcomes for communities across Australia.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the awards reflect the Foundation's continued commitment to advancing research in general practice.
He said GP researchers are leading work that not only expands knowledge but also meaningfully improves care for communities, with the awards recognising the dedication and innovation supporting better health outcomes for Australians.
Peter Mudge Medal
Dr Shruti Yardi was awarded the Peter Mudge Medal for her research into specialist reconciliation in general practice, which addresses an essential element of safe, coordinated and high-quality patient care.
The medal is named in honour of the late Professor Peter Mudge, a highly respected GP researcher, past Chair of the RACGP Research Committee and a strong advocate for research in general practice. It is offered annually to a GP whose original research has significantly advanced the discipline and demonstrates real potential to benefit everyday clinical care.
Rhee Family Award for Research in Aged Care
Professor Claire Jackson was awarded the Rhee Family Award, for her work on advancing frailty screening and management for older Australians.
A recent addition to the Foundation’s suite of awards, the Rhee Family Award supports GP-led research with strong potential to influence aged care practice. It recognises work focused on frailty, residential aged care, community-based ageing and initiatives that improve outcomes for older people.
Alan Chancellor Award
Dr Jasmine Lau was awarded the Alan Chancellor Award for research into prescribing psychostimulants for adults with ADHD.
Dr Christopher Dickie also received the award for research into what influences prevocational doctors in their choice of general practice.
The Alan Chancellor Award recognizes emerging GP research talent and is awarded to the best first-time research presenters annually at the RACGP annual conference, and it encourages early-career GPs and GP registrars to bring fresh evidence and ideas in primary care.
Best Poster Prize
Dr Mahesh Ravutha Gounden was awarded the Best Poster Prize for research into improving the management of boils in general practice.
Foundation Committee Chair Sarah Lance offered her congratulations to all awardees, adding that the quality of the research presented at GP25 reflects the breadth and depth of inquiry taking place across the profession.
She said that the projects 'demonstrate how strongly GPs understand the challenges faced by patients and communities', and that the awards celebrate that insight, passion and expertise.
Further recognition for Professor Claire Jackson
In addition to the Rhee Family Award, Professor Jackson's work was nationally recognized in March 2025 when she was awarded a $1.2 million Medical Research Future Fund grant to establish the Alliance for Healthy Ageing (AHA).
The AHA will lead the development of a scalable model for frailty screening and management through the Centre for Health System Reform and Integration Queensland, with particular focus on rural and remote Queensland.
The project builds on previous work that embedded the FRAIL Scale into the RACGP Red Book and will assist GPs and practice nurses in identifying frailty in less than two minutes as part of annual health assessments, and in developing tailored management plans to reduce risk and improve wellbeing.
GPs or practices who are interested in participating in this trial can contact: research@racgp.org.au
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation supports GP-led research aimed at strengthening primary care across Australia.
News Source: RACGP
