Dr Nisha Padmanabhan Nair of Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to training the next generation of GPs, by being named GP Synergy Supervisor of the Year for the Western NSW training region.

It was during her own training to become a specialist GP that Dr Nisha Padmanabhan Nair first came to Coonamble.

After completing her training, she stayed in town and became an accredited GP supervisor.

“The GP I am today is due to having some great mentors, so I feel a responsibility to give back,” Dr Padmanabhan Nair said.

Dr Nisha has been working in Coonamble for three years and Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service CEO Phil Naden says they have just extended her contract for a further two years.

Dr Padmanabhan Nair is considered a valued member of the team at the Coonamble Aboriginal Medical Service. Photo courtesy of GP Synergy.

"She is a highly skilled doctor and a valued member of our team," Mr Naden said.

"To be a recipient of that award is just indicative of the person that she is - a really pleasant person who loves rural health."

"From me personally, and on behalf of the Board and Executive of CAHS we acknowledge the work that Nisha is doing and commend her on being a recipient of the award," he said.

Dr Nisha said that working with junior doctors brings mutual benefits.

“I have immense pleasure in helping others who are in the same pathway as I was a few years back," she said.

"It is also a great educational opportunity for me to upskill."

“I enjoy being part of the multidisciplinary team that we have and the close ties with the community, it’s a great opportunity for trainee GPs to be part of that."

“They get to be an integral part of the team which enables them to have a holistic approach towards patient care. It is a great honour, and I am humbled to have received such an incredible award at such an early stage of my career. I’m grateful to

GP Synergy for giving me this platform, to have trained and now play a vital role in training other GPs.”

Mrs Georgina van de Water, CEO of local general practice education and training provider GP Synergy, said GP supervisors and general practice staff are an essential part of training our next generation of GPs.

“GP supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring these GP registrars develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand and meet local population health care needs."

Across the Western NSW region, there are more than 120 accredited GP supervisors, training nearly 100 GP registrars.

“Although there can only be one winner, the annual Supervisor of the Year award provides an opportunity to reflect and call attention to the significant contribution and dedication of all of our GP supervisors. “

"In what has been a particularly challenging year for general practice, our GP supervisors have risen to the challenge whilst also ensuring the training needs of registrars have been met," Mrs van de Water said.

“GP Synergy is delighted to be able to present this year’s Supervisor of the Year award for Western NSW to Dr Nisha Padmanabhan Nair in recognition of her commitment to excellence in general practice education and training,” she said.