Yamatji/Nyoongar medical professional Dr Shauna Hill was among recipients of the General Practice Registrars Australia NT scholarships, awarded this weekend in Darwin.

The scholarships were announced at the first-ever GPRA NT Annual Registrars Forum, which brought together GP registrars from across the Northern Territory to participate in educational workshops, network with peers, and celebrate the winners of the inaugural GPRA NT Scholarships.

The 2024 scholarship recipients, who were recognised for their dedication to Indigenous health, rural and remote healthcare, and paediatrics, were formally honoured at the Awards Dinner on Saturday night.

The GPRA said Dr Hill, "a worthy inaugural recipient of the GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship", exemplifies a "deep dedication to improving healthcare in remote Aboriginal communities".

"Her journey from a research officer to a trailblazing general practitioner in Alice Springs is marked by resilience, dedication, and a profound sense of purpose," the organisation said.

Currently practising at the Central Aboriginal Australian Congress in Alice Springs, Dr Hill made a significant move from Western Australia to the Northern Territory this year to commence her GP training.

"I am a Yamatji/Nyoongar woman from a large family that extends across WA and into the NT, as I've discovered since moving to Alice Springs," she said.

"Perth is where I grew up, have mostly lived, and where I studied medicine, as well as my first degree in Politics and History."

She said winning the GPRA NT Rural and Remote Scholarship is a significant milestone for her.

"It means I am supported in my focus on, and commitment to a career in remote healthcare," she said.

"It validates the importance of community and providing culturally appropriate healthcare, and it reveals a sense of community and support within the GP profession."

The scholarship, which provides $20,000 over two years, is designed for prospective NT-based GP registrars who demonstrate a strong commitment to further specialised training in remote locations within the Northern Territory.

"This scholarship will enable me to further develop the skills necessary for a GP to deliver and improve the delivery of healthcare in remote settings," Dr Hill added.

The other winners were Dr Ella Heggen (Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship); Dr Anna Walmsley (Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship); Dr Sophie Yeates (Dr Debbie Stach Scholarship); Dr Leah Ginnivan (Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship); and Dr Asim Razi (Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship).

Former NT Australian of the Year Dr Wendy Page was the guest speaker at the Awards Dinner.

GPRA President Dr Karyn Matterson expressed her pride in the event's success and the recognition of the outstanding scholarship winners.

"We are incredibly proud of the success of the first-ever GPRA NT Annual Registrars Forum and to have had the opportunity to honour these exceptional GP registrars," she said.

"The energy and enthusiasm over the weekend were inspiring, and it's clear that the future of healthcare in the Northern Territory is in great hands."

Dr Matterson also highlighted the importance of supporting these doctors through initiatives like the GPRA NT Scholarships.

"These scholarships play a crucial role in encouraging doctors to work and thrive in the Northern Territory, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities," she said.

"Each recipient has shown remarkable dedication to their work, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make."

GPRA Board Director and local NT GP Dr Siobhan Hensey, who presented the awards on the night, shared her pride in the significance of the forum to her personally as a GP and medical educator living and working on Larrakia Country, in Darwin.

"Having completed my General Practice training in the Northern Territory myself, this forum is particularly meaningful to me," said Dr Hensey.

"It's been a privilege to witness the passion and commitment of the NT GP registrars who are working so hard to make a difference across the NT.

"Being able to present the awards and celebrate their achievements was an honour."

Dr Matterson also highlighted the impact of the forum on registrars' professional growth.

"This event not only recognised the accomplishments of our scholarship winners, but also provided all attendees with the tools and knowledge to grow as healthcare professionals.

"The opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of healthcare in the Territory, along with the importance of rural and remote healthcare and intercultural communication, was invaluable," she said.

The NT Annual Registrars Forum featured a range of interactive sessions over the weekend, including presentations on leadership, the business of general practice, and cultural education and working in remote communities, providing attendees with valuable insights to enhance their professional development.

"We were honoured to bring together such a dedicated group of GP registrars and guest speakers," added Dr Matterson.

"The success of this inaugural event sets a strong foundation for future forums, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth and development of GP registrars in the NT."