Meet Dr Viplove Sharma:

GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship recipient in 2025

Celebrating Dr Viplove Sharma: Embracing the challenge of rural medicine

Dr Viplove Sharma, one of the recipients of the 2025 GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship, has made an indelible mark on the rural health landscape of Katherine, Northern Territory.

Practising at Bauhinia Health, he is deeply immersed in the realities of rural medicine– where the rewards are as vast as the challenges.

His journey into healthcare began far from the dusty roads of the Outback, but it was a path that would ultimately lead him to embrace the unique needs of rural and remote communities.

 

A journey from Canada to Katherine

Originally from a small town in Canada, Viplove‘s interest in medicine was sparked during his formative years.

“Growing up in a rural community, I witnessed the significant challenges people faced in accessing healthcare,” he recalls.

“It was this experience that fuelled my desire to make a tangible difference.

“My mother also pushed and encouraged me to pursue medicine because she saw the potential, so I am very grateful for everything she did to support me.”

He began his academic journey in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph, Ontario, gaining a solid foundation in science that later became the bedrock of his medical career.

Determined to broaden his horizons, Viplove moved to Australia to complete his medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)) at the University of Queensland, before ultimately moving to the Northern Territory.

“The move to Australia was driven by my passion to explore diverse landscapes and healthcare systems,” he says.

“My wife and I embraced this new adventure, and it has been both a professional and personal journey of discovery.”

The mentor who inspired a lifelong passion

While Viplove’s academic achievements in science set the stage for his medical journey, it was a high school biology teacher, Mr Robinson, who provided the spark that ignited his passion for medicine.

“He was a fantastic teacher who not only taught biology but instilled in me a love for critical thinking,” Viplove says.

“His mentorship guided me toward pursuing a biomedical sciences degree, and ultimately, medical school.”

 

Facing the challenges of rural practice

The transition from hospital-based medicine to general practice has not been without its challenges.

As a GP in Katherine, Viplove has faced the complexities of independent practice, where each day brings new decisions, some uncertain and others urgent.

“It’s about building confidence in clinical decision-making and adapting quickly to changing patient needs,” he says.

Living and working in Katherine has meant navigating the additional hurdles of limited resources and specialist access.

“The lack of specialist input and the challenge of working with scarce administrative and nursing support can be overwhelming,” he shares.

“But it’s these experiences that have helped me grow as a GP, teaching me resilience and adaptability.“

The allure of general practice

What attracted Viplove to general practice was the variety and flexibility it offers.

“General practice is all-encompassing, allowing me to work in everything from emergency care to mental health, paediatrics, and chronic disease management,” he says.

“The ability to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and develop long-term relationships with my patients is what I find most rewarding. Especially in rural settings, where continuity of care is so important.”

For Viplove, general practice represents an opportunity to continuously expand his expertise, particularly in areas such as occupational medicine, focused psychological strategies, and skin cancer medicine.

“The diversity within general practice ensures that no two days are ever the same,” he says.

“It also gives me the flexibility to specialise in areas that best serve my community.”

Personal qualities that define a good GP

When asked about the qualities that make a successful GP, Viplove highlights the importance of strong interpersonal skills.

“A good GP needs to connect with people – often, we are the first point of contact for patients, and it’s vital that we foster a supportive environment,” he explains.

“Compassion, empathy, and effective communication are key.

“Clinical judgement is equally critical in ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.”

 

Looking ahead: A vision for the future

As he looks to the future, Viplove envisions further growth and development in his career.

“I am excited to continue developing my expertise in general practice, focusing on chronic disease management, which I believe is vital for improving patient outcomes,” he says.

“Over the next five to 10 years, I want to remain adaptable to the needs of the populations I serve.

“I hope to continue to practice evidence-based medicine in a sustainable way, ensuring that my contributions make a lasting difference.”

Memorable patient experiences

Viplove finds that the more everyday encounters with patients are often the most profound.

“The moments that have the most impact on me are the everyday consultations,” he says.

“It’s about giving people the time and care they need, even if it means extending my workday.

“When patients express gratitude for the time and care I’ve given them, it makes me feel that I am doing the right thing.”

 

A scholarship that will shape his career

Viplove’s decision to apply for the GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship stems from a desire to advance his skills in skin cancer medicine, a field of critical need in rural areas.

“Skin cancer is a major concern in rural and remote communities, and having the ability to manage it effectively can make a significant difference,” he explains.

“This scholarship provides the financial support I need to undertake training in this area, which I’ve long aspired to do.”

Receiving the GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship is a significant milestone in Viplove‘s career.

“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised with this scholarship,” he says.

“It allows me to upskill in an area that is vital to the health of my community.

“The knowledge I gain will enable me to provide comprehensive care in areas where specialist services are often inaccessible.”

A promising future

Looking ahead, Viplove is excited to apply the skills he gains through this scholarship to better serve his patients and the broader rural community.

“This scholarship will allow me to enhance my capabilities in skin cancer management, which is crucial in rural and remote general practice,” he says.

Dr Viplove Sharma will be officially presented with his scholarship at a special Celebration Function on Saturday 6 September in Darwin, as part of the GPRA NT GP Registrars Forum 2025.

NT-based GP registrars are encouraged to book their spot now at the forum. Travel costs are covered by GPRA and registrations are open until 22 August.

Find out more about the NT Forum, and secure your place
Read more about the GPRA NT Scholarships