Gisborne GPs Stephen Newton, Rod Guy and Kulbir Gill have spent the past 21 years training Australia’s future family practitioners.
Last week, the trio’s service to the health sector was recognised when they were three of 58 medics across Australia honoured for their work as GP supervisors by General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA).
GP supervisors are highly-trained specialist GPs who train young doctors in an apprentice-based model. Their role is to guide and mentor young doctors before they are registered to practice.
GPSA chairman Dr Steve Holmes said the Gisborne Medical Centre Gibrone doctors are helping build the competence and confidence of local doctors in the area.
“Doctors Guy, Newton and Gill are being recognised for their commitment to providing the very best care to patients while supervising, inspiring and supporting the next generation of GPs and the future GP workforce,” he said.
The three doctors started in Gisborne more than 30 years ago, and became GP supervisors because they believe it adds another level of interest to their role as community doctors.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Bastian Seidel said GP supervisors are essential for providing one-on-one teaching, supervision, support and feedback.
“They are at the coal-face of GP training. It is the apprenticeship model that supports the best health outcomes for patients,” he said.
