General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) has today announced the launch of four prestigious Northern Territory-based scholarships for general practitioners (GPs) in training.

Applications have now opened for the GPRA Northern Territory (NT) Scholarships, which underscore GPRA’s commitment to continue to attract and support future GPs across the NT.

The scholarships include:

• Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP Registrar of the Year Award
• Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship
• Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship, and
• GPRA Northern Territory Rural and Remote Scholarship (targeting interstate doctors to come and practice in the NT).

GPRA President Dr Karyn Matterson said she was excited that GPRA can deliver these scholarships across Northern Territory communities.

“We are delighted to coordinate three of these scholarships for current NT-based GP registrars, and to introduce a brand new scholarship targeting prospective NT-based registrars,” said Dr Matterson.

“Attracting future GPs to train in the NT and other remote areas of the country has been an ongoing challenge over many years.

“These scholarships reflect our dedication to the GP profession fostering exceptional talent and addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced in the Northern Territory.”

Dr Siobhan Hensey, GPRA Board Director and NT-based GP, said the scholarships played an important role in attracting and supporting future GPs in the NT.

“I trained here and fell in love with the people, the work and the environment,” she said.

“It’s important we give support to other future GPs to have the opportunity to experience what it’s like working in the NT.

“These scholarships not only honour the legacies of remarkable individuals, but also empower future generations of GPs to make enduring contributions to healthcare in the NT.”

Dr Debbie Stach Northern Territory GP Registrar of the Year Award

This prestigious award commemorates the remarkable life of Dr Debbie Stach, who died tragically in a car accident in 2004 soon after completing her GP training in the NT. The scholarship honours her legacy of dedication and leadership in general practice. Valued at $10,000, this annual award recognises a GP registrar enrolled in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program in the NT who has demonstrated excellence in medicine, commitment to improving Indigenous health outcomes, and outstanding professionalism.

Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship

Named in tribute to Ada Wilmadda Parry, a trailblazing Cultural Educator in the NT, this scholarship aims to enhance Indigenous health outcomes by fostering cultural understanding among general practitioners. The $5,000 scholarship is available for up to two GP registrars who exhibit a strong interest in improving Indigenous health and cultural competence.

Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship

In honour of Professor Alan Walker’s profound contributions to paediatrics in the NT, this scholarship supports GP registrars pursuing further education in paediatrics. Valued at $5,000, it recognises up to three registrars annually who demonstrate exemplary professional behaviour and a dedication to paediatric care.

GPRA Northern Territory Rural and Remote Scholarship

This new, annual scholarship is for prospective NT-based GP registrars who demonstrate a strong commitment to further specialised training in remote locations (MMM6-7) within the NT.

“We encourage all eligible GP registrars to seize this unparalleled opportunity to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in NT communities,” added Dr Matterson.

Applications for all scholarships will open today and close on 28 March 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit the GPRA scholarships page.

ENDS