The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) will celebrate Western Australian GPs and practices that have excelled in their practice and service to their communities.
The recognition comes during a state visit by the RACGP Board, including WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman and the college’s President, Dr Michael Wright.
Each year, the awards acknowledge GPs, registrars, and practices and practice teams who make an outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of their communities. The winners for 2025 are:
Western Australia GP of the Year: Dr Rajeshwary (Raji) Krishnan, who practices in Gosnells
Western Australia GP Supervisor of the Year: Dr Jane Potter, who practices in Kelmscott.
Western Australia GP in Training of the Year: Dr Alexander Ashenden, a registrar in Greenfields, Mandurah
Western Australia General Practice of the Year: Carnarvon Medical Centre
RACGP Western Australia Chair Dr Ramya Raman has congratulated this year’s award recipients, celebrating their vital contributions to the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.
“These awards showcase the incredible work being done by GPs and their teams across the state,” she said.
“This year’s winners are outstanding individuals who not only deliver high-quality care to their patients but also strengthen the health of their communities, particularly in a state as diverse and geographically vast as Western Australia.
“The winners and their fellow nominees are fantastic examples of the dedication, leadership, and innovation that define general practice. Their work is shaping the future of healthcare in WA, and we’re incredibly proud to recognise their impact.”
WA GP of the Year, Dr Krishnan – affectionately known as Dr Raji to her patients – provides comprehensive primary health care and an unwavering service to Australia’s vulnerable communities and First Nations patients. She is known to be selfless in the service and care she provides in palliative care and through a Street Doctor mobile clinic for culturally and linguistically diverse patients.
Dr Krishnan has dedicated her 44-year career to improving health outcomes for First Nations people. She said: “It is a true privilege to receive this award. To be recognised by your peers is so humbling and a real honour.
“Whilst many believe my work journey has been extraordinary, I feel every day is a privilege and I feel a great sense of pride to have cared for multiple generations of First Nations people and having had the opportunity to learn how to blend culturally appropriate care with mainstream medicine.
“I am deeply grateful for my patients, particularly the Elders, for bringing me into their community and trusting me with their families.
“I would also like to acknowledge the immense support I have had from my colleagues, team, and in particular my daughter and fellow GP, Dr Priya Krishnan, and co-director Kate Fulford, for opening Pramana Medical Centre with me and continuing this legacy of care for decades to come. As well as the lifelong strength and encouragement from my husband, Mr Arun Krishnan, which has allowed me to pursue this career wholeheartedly.”
Dr Jane Potter is a well-respected GP providing compassionate care for her patients and is highly regarded and respected amongst medical educators and registrars. She is a dedicated and reliable supervisor who is refreshingly transparent about areas she is still learning, and willing to provide additional support to registrars with additional learning needs.
Dr Alexander Ashenden is a knowledgeable registrar who shows great initiative and enthusiasm for learning and maintaining safe practice. He has served as a Submariner Medic and Medical Officer in the Royal Australian Navy and is currently completing his GP training at Murray Medical Centre in Mandurah.
Dr Ashenden is a well-connected and involved member of the Peel Health Campus community and his local health network and known as not just an asset to his clinic, but to the community.
Dr Ashenden said he was “grateful” for the nomination.
“Initially I was shocked as I was just doing my job,” he said.
“Positive feedback is always good and it’s nice to know you’re on the right direction. I feel privileged to be selected out of the many outstanding doctors we have.
“It’s always good to be recognised by the community, specifically in our community where I work a lot with the youth medical service. They don’t have funding or a regular GP, so it’s nice to be acknowledged being part of the local community support as a GP.”
Carnarvon Medical Centre is a well-regarded general practice that provides multidisciplinary care and support for an isolated coastal community, including the local hospital, 900 kilometres north of Perth.
The centre was recognised for its excellent and supportive GP training, reflected by its attraction and retention of registrars in a remote location.
The winners from Western Australia have been shortlisted for the national RACGP Awards, which will be presented at the RACGP GP25 conference in Brisbane in November.
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