Tasmanian Rural Generalist (RG) Dr Aaron Hawkins is the recipient of the 2020 Rural Registrar of the Year Award, presented by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), for demonstrating outstanding leadership and advocacy in the field of rural and remote medicine.
Dr Hawkins lives and works in the North West of Tasmania, where he is currently undertaking ACRRM training with General Practice Training Tasmania and providing Rural Generalist services in the Smithton hospital and medical clinic. Dr Hawkins is also undertaking his Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in mental health with the North West Adult Community Mental Health Services. He is a member of the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania.
RDAA President Dr John Hall says Dr Hawkins’ outstanding commitment to providing quality healthcare to the small community of Smithton is matched by his dedication to supporting colleagues as a Registrar Liaison Officer.
“Dr Hawkins has balanced his training and provision of medical services to the local community, while also giving back to his profession through support and guidance,” Dr Hall says.
“Demonstrating such commitment is why he has been chosen for this year’s award, and it is presented with the knowledge that this has been achieved at a time when the impacts of COVID-19 have been particularly challenging for all registrars and health professionals.
“By not just undertaking, but excelling in his role during this pandemic, Dr Hawkins has exhibited the traits of a great leader, advocate and colleague.”
ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers agrees.
“Dr Hawkins is a fine representative of our College and for the profession of Rural Generalism. He has a real understanding of the demands of the profession, as well as the needs of his community” Dr Chalmers says.
“While working in the hospital and general practice, Dr Hawkins recognised a real need for mental health services in the local community. To address the issue, he applied for a variation in training to complement and enhance his mental health Advanced Skills Training, to meet that need.
“ACRRM is proud to have registrars such as Dr Hawkins training with the College, demonstrating that Rural Generalism attracts high quality doctors who have the right skills to provide the right services at the right time in their communities.”
On accepting the award, Dr Hawkins says he is incredibly humbled to be recognised among many deserving nominees.
“I moved to Tasmania from Queensland just a few years ago to start my ACRRM training and have been welcomed with open arms by the Rural Generalist community. It has been an amazing experience both professionally and personally,” he says.
“I’ve met some incredibly passionate people, who work tirelessly to improve the healthcare available to rural Australians. The kind of people with an infectious passion that rubs off on everyone around them. They are the driving force behind Rural Generalism and working with them has shaped my own aspirations for my career.
“Having the opportunity to expand my training in mental health in Tasmania has been a great privilege I hope to repay by trying to address the sorely needed access to mental health care across rural Australia.
“I want to thank all of my mentors, supervisors and the other registrars who have been supporting me through my registrar training. It is only with that support that I have had the privilege of receiving this award.”