Kimberley doctor Dean McKittrick wins national Royal Australian College of General Practitioners award

A Kimberley doctor has received a national Royal Australian College of General Practitioners award for his unwavering commitment to servicing the community. Dr Dean McKittrick, who currently works as a renal GP registrar for Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, won the award for rural registrar of the year alongside Dr Ishani Kaluthotage from South Australia. Announcing the award, RACGP Associate Professor Michael Clements said that Dr McKittrick had attracted attention for his focus on finding the best way to use his skills in areas where patients have complex needs. “Dean’s dedication to achieving excellence in a way that questions the status quo and subsequently improves the service he is involved in has been recognised by all services he has worked in,” he said. Unable to collect his award in person at a ceremony in Sydney on October 25, Dr McKittrick said the award was a testament to the hard work of his team in the Kimberley. “To my colleagues and mentors back in the Kimberley, thank you for inspiring me each day to work hard, and strive to be a better health worker, team member and person,” he said. “I truly believe this award is to be shared and relished by a small but passionate team. A team that welcomed me and encouraged me to aspire towards better health outcomes for our patients.” The dedicated health worker also moonlights as the frontman of three-piece cover band the Sundowners who can be seen rocking out at venues across Broome. Congratulating this year’s winners, RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said they were and “inspiration” to fellow doctors everywhere. “These award winners should be tremendously proud. The RACGP Awards highlight why GPs and practice teams are so important to the communities right across Australia,” she said. “If you are considering a career in general practice, I encourage you to look to these individuals. They demonstrate why it is such a rewarding and interesting career.”