Six specialist general practitioners from around Aotearoa New Zealand have recently been awarded Community Service Medals by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. Nominated by their peers, this award recognises members of the College who have made an outstanding contribution to general practice through work in their communities.
Two of the winners practice in Hawke’s Bay.
College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Whether it’s through providing knowledge and experience to our newest GPs or advocating for patients ensuring the support and care they require is delivered, these recipients truly are the heart of their communities, and very deserving of this award.”
Dr Penny Henley
Dr Henley has been a GP and a medical educator in Taradale, Hawkes Bay, for many years, caring for her local community and teaching the next generation of general practitioners.
She is a tireless advocate for her patients, particularly those in aged residential care.
Within the College, Dr Henley has represented the Hawkes Bay GP community on the National Advisory Council (NAC) ensuring the views of her peers across the region are heard. She has also been Chair of the Hawkes Bay Faculty.
Dr Henley says, “I am thrilled to be nominated for this award and honoured that it comes from my peers. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from my husband, children, friends, and the entire staff at the practice.”
Dr Bob Stephens
Dr Stephens recently retired as a GP teacher, but still works as a dedicated GP in Waipukurau. During his time as a teacher, he gave GP registrars a valuable experience of rural general practice and of the complexities involved in this field of medicine.
In 2022 he was awarded the Kaumatua award at the Hawkes Bay Faculty Primary Care Awards in recognition his service to his community.
One former registrar said of Dr Stephens, “working with Bob I truly understood that having the medical knowledge was only ever going to be one part of the job. He would take time to explain why a patient was presenting a certain way as he would know about their life. He understood the whanau and whenua so he could understand the person – not just the patient.
“That understanding is what makes general practice the impactful branch of medicine.”
Congratulations, Dr Penny. Although I’m not one of your patients, I’ve been with two of your patients who needed special care.
You were decisive, professional, determined to get the best treatment for the patient that was more than you could provide and very caring.
You are a true healer!
Great job!