Mt Gambier rural GP awarded prestigious Peter Graham ‘Cohuna’ Award 2021

Rural Generalist (RG) doctor, Dr Diana Cross, is the recipient of the prestigious ACRRM-RDAA Peter Graham ‘Cohuna’ Award 2021 for her dedication to providing exemplary care to the community of Mt Gambier, South Australia, for more than 37 years.

Dr Cross received the award at the Rural Medicine Australia (RMA21) Virtual conference on Friday night.

The ACRRM-RDAA Peter Graham ‘Cohuna’ Award, presented annually by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), recognises rural doctors who provide outstanding advocacy and medical service to their community.

It has been awarded since 2008 in memory of the late Dr Peter Graham, who served the Cohuna community in rural Victoria for 48 years.

Dr Cross, a Fellow of ACRRM and member of the Rural Doctors Association of South Australia, practises as a rural GP and GP obstetrician. She is highly regarded for her skills across many disciplines including aged care and pain management.

ACRRM President, Dr Sarah Chalmers, said Rural Generalist doctors like Dr Cross exemplify what it means to be a rural GP in community.

“This award has been bestowed on leading RGs across the nation and it is fitting that Diana is celebrated as an RG who has not only demonstrated length of service, but also commitment to her community and inspiration to her colleagues,” Dr Chalmers said.

“Diana was nominated by professional peers who describe her diligence and commitment to patients as exemplary. She takes the time to listen to her patients to not only treat the symptoms they present, but to let them raise deeper issues too.”

RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said: "This recognition is very fitting given the many years of dedicated service that Diana has provided to her community. She is passionate about rural practice, and is an enormously intelligent and reflective doctor who cares deeply about her patients and community.

“Diana not only takes the time needed to carefully listen to patients, in order to accurately diagnose and manage their conditions and any contributing factors – she is also a strong believer in genuinely working with her patients to get the best health outcomes for them, including having open conversations with them about additional care approaches they may be keen to try. Many of her patients greatly appreciate the collaborative style of consultations that Diana provides.

“We warmly congratulate Diana on receiving this highly deserved award.”

Dr Cross said: “I was very surprised and very humbled when I learnt I had received this award. I feel like I haven’t done anything extraordinary, except be an old-fashioned GP who has stayed in one practice — Hawkins Clinic – where each GP was encouraged to pursue their particular medical interests for the benefit of our patients. I feel very honoured.”

Born in Adelaide, Dr Cross is the daughter of a GP and a midwife, and grew up seeing their selfless care and dedication for people. She became fascinated by nature and biology, and continues to be fascinated with how the human body works.

Following her graduation from Flinders University in 1984, Dr Cross joined Hawkins Clinic, a large GP practice at Mt Gambier, in country SA, where her procedural skills and special interests were encouraged and supported.