Inaugural Victorian Minister for Health General Practice Awards

The inaugural Minister for Health General Practice Awards has recognised three Victorian GPs who have delivered exemplary care.
 A/Prof Bob Davis was awarded the Minister’s GP Award for services to disadvantaged communities, and Dr Mehdi Sanati Pour and A/Prof Ralph Audehm received Highly Commended accolades.
A/Prof Bob Davis’ career has been characterised by a longstanding commitment to improving the health of those with intellectual disabilities. Over his career, Bob has seen thousands of patients with disabilities, and their carers, and supported and taught other GPs across the state in caring for their patients.
“AMA Victoria congratulates Bob on a stellar career and steadfast commitment to the healthcare of disabled Victorians. Many individuals and families have greatly benefited from Bob’s caring and committed services,” Dr Tony Bartone, President of AMA Victoria, said.
Dr Mehdi Sanati Pour, a Mildura GP, has been Highly Commended for providing substantial care to refugee health and mental health in regional Victoria. Medhdi has worked closely with the Sunrasia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council to assist with the arrival and settlement of refugees in the Mildura region and facilitates their access to health services, in particular mental health support services.
A/Prof Ralph Audehm, a Broadmeadows GP, has provided a steadfast approach to strengthening the capacity of general practice to meet the needs of vulnerable population groups. Joining Dianella Community Health in 2010, Ralph implemented a wide range of initiatives, including health assessments for children in out-of-home care, a refugee health service, a stepping-up program for people with diabetes, and a program to improve care for those with heart failure. Each of these programs has greatly assisted members of the local community – many of whom are disadvantaged.
AMA Victoria congratulates these three GPs for continuously going above and beyond and providing care and compassion to the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.
We also recognise the following general practice clinics which were praised for providing comprehensive care to disadvantaged communities:
Winner: Banyule Community Health General Practice
Highly Commended: Elmore Medical Practice,  Westcare Medical Centre