GPRA celebrates NT Scholarship winners at successful GP forum in Darwin

General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is delighted to announce the success of the second annual GPRA NT GP Registrars Forum, which took place over the weekend in Darwin.

The event brought together GP registrars from across the Northern Territory to participate in educational workshops, network with peers, and celebrate the winners of the GPRA NT Scholarships.

The 2025 scholarship recipients, who were recognised for their dedication to First Nations health, rural and remote healthcare, and paediatrics, were formally honoured at a special Celebration Function on Saturday night, attended by more than 60 healthcare professionals from across the Territory.

The winners are:

●        Dr Alex Tyler (Alice Springs) – GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship (targeting interstate doctors to come and practice in the NT)

●        Dr Viplove Sharma (Katherine) – GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship

●        Dr Jennifer Evans (Darwin) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship

●        Dr Karlie James (Darwin/Tennant Creek) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship

●        Dr Maddison Hall (Yirrkala) – Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship

●        Dr Natalie Gracia (Alice Springs) – Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship

●        Dr Rosemary (Rosie) Murphy (Nhulunbuy) – Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship

●        Dr Fraser Tankel (Nhulunbuy) – Dr Debbie Stach NT GP Registrar of the Year Award.

Special guest speakers at the forum included Dr Paul Burgess, Northern Territory’s Acting Chief Health Officer.

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie, who hosted the Celebration Function and officially presented the award recipients with their scholarships, expressed his pride in the event's success and the recognition of the outstanding scholarship winners.

“We are incredibly proud of the success of the second GPRA NT Annual Registrars Forum and to have had the opportunity to honour these exceptional GP registrars,” said Dr Dickie.

“The energy and enthusiasm over the weekend were inspiring, and it's clear that the future of healthcare in the Northern Territory is in great hands.”

Dr Dickie also highlighted the importance of supporting these doctors through initiatives like the GPRA NT Scholarships.

“These scholarships play a crucial role in encouraging doctors to work and thrive in the Northern Territory, particularly in remote and First Nations communities,” he said.

“Each recipient has shown remarkable dedication to their work, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make."

GPRA Board Director and local NT GP and medical educator Dr Siobhan Hensey, who facilitated the forum, shared her reflections on the event.

“Completing my training in the Territory has had such an impact on my work and my life, and being able to share these experiences and hear those of our incredible registrars is always such an uplifting experience,” said Dr Hensey.

“Our registrars bring such passion and commitment to their work across the Territory. Seeing them connect, learn, and celebrate their achievements together has been incredibly rewarding.

“What stood out this year was not just the calibre of our scholarship winners, but the sense of community and shared purpose across everyone who attended. It was an honour to be part of it.”

Dr Dickie also highlighted the impact of the forum on registrars' professional growth.

“This event not only recognised the accomplishments of our scholarship winners, but also provided attendees with the tools and knowledge to grow as health professionals,” he said.

“The opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of healthcare in the Territory, along with the importance of rural and remote healthcare and intercultural communication, was invaluable.”

The NT Annual Registrars Forum featured sessions on family and domestic violence, tropical medicine, billing systems, AI in healthcare, and evidence-based practice, alongside workshops on wellbeing, mentorship in First Nations communities, and fitness to drive.

“We were honoured to bring together such a dedicated group of GP registrars and guest speakers," added Dr Dickie.

“The success of this event sets a strong foundation for future forums, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth and development of GP registrars in the NT.”