College of GPs award showcases the value of our workforce in every NZ community

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Community Service Medal recognises members who have made outstanding contributions to general practice and rural hospital medicine through work in their communities.

College President Dr Samantha Murton presented had the honour of presenting this award to four deserving recipients at Saturday evening’s Fellowship and Awards ceremony, held as part of GP24: the Conference for General Practice in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

Dr Murton says, “Our workforce has 23 million patient contacts a year and deals with 90 percent of health concerns in communities right across Aotearoa.

“Tonight’s Community Service award recipients are serving their communities in ways that address the specific needs of their patients and providing services that otherwise might not be easily accessible, and I’m glad their work is being recognised.”

The 2024 recipients are:

Dr Jennifer Hall | Bay of Plenty

Dr Hall has been instrumental in establishing a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) -led community gynaecology service in the Bay of Plenty which was designed in partnership with six Kaupapa Māori and Pacific organisations alongside consumers to reduce traditional access barriers. Based in semi-rural Te Puke, the service has improved access of care to a vulnerable population and redirected referrals from an overloaded secondary care facility. The service is more sustainable and cost-effective than its secondary counterparts and referrals are easy and reliable.

Dr Hall is a true kaitiaki who demonstrates whanaungatanga and is a well-respected colleague and clinician within her community.

Dr Marta Kroo | Dannevirke

Dr Kroo has worked in Dannevirke as a rural GP since January 2009 and has made a significant contribution to rural general practice and with focus on the Dannevirke Community Hospital. She has embraced her role and set up systems to allow timely access to rural hospital care for her priority patients, including after-hours admissions. This is particularly evident when there are barriers to secondary care for social and/or physical reasons.

She has shown outstanding kindness to vulnerable patients, particularly if there is difficulty navigating the health care system, and for those with complex needs or those experiencing challenging experiences.

Dr Kroo acknowledges the importance of working within a collaborative team, and that health is an all-encompassing phenomenon. She utilises a range of healthcare providers, community support services and whānau to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients. She actively partners with iwi led Hauora to build an equitable care package for each individual and their whānau.

Dr Martin Mikaere | Waikato

Dr Mikaere (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Maru) is a Māori specialist general practitioner deeply committed to his kāinga in Hauraki. He is the current clinical director of Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki and Hauraki PHO and has served his community and kāinga since training as a GPEP registrar, but his love for his people began when he was raised in Manaia, Coromandel.

Dr Mikaere continues to provide a clinical space that supports the varied clinicians who work for Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki. He continues to assist in organising peer groups across the five clinics within Hauraki and uses social media platforms to keep all clinicians informed of important updates related to the health and well-being of Hauraki.

Despite the many challenges Te Korowai faces as a rurally isolated region, Dr Mikaere continues to exhibit a refreshing and optimistic view that encourages all health workers of Te Korowai to strive for excellence, equity, and personal empowerment.

Dr Vivek Patel | Auckland

Dr Patel started his medical centre, Dynamic Family Doctors, in 2021 and working as a solo doctor, has built his practice to serve over 2,400 patients in his community.

He has been recognised for providing beneficial outcomes through performing minor surgeries on patients who cannot afford a procedure or are unable to get treatment in the public sector.

Many of his patients have suffered silently for years, and his patient-focused service has helped many to receive the care they need, when they need it.

Within the College, Dr Patel has also been a teacher for those applying for Fellowship and has taught and supervised undergraduate students from the University of Auckland doing their general practice run.