The AMA has recognised a Perth doctor for her dedication to improving health outcomes for multiple generations of First Nations families and establishing a multidisciplinary general practice for marginalised members of the community.
Dr Rajeshwary (Raji) Krishnan received the AMA's President's award at the AMA25 Conference in Adelaide.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said Dr Krishnan had made an extraordinary contribution to the health of vulnerable people, showing dedication to improving the health of First Nations people and general practice team care.
Dr Krishnan, who has worked for 45 years in Aboriginal healthcare, heads the multidisciplinary team at Pramana Medical Centre in Gosnells, Perth, to provide wraparound support to more than 6,500 patients of whom 65 per cent are First Nations people.
Dr Krishnan has always taken a keen interest in meeting her patients in locations convenient to them and understands the barriers to accessing care by attending to patients at home, within the community or even in a local park.
Dr McMullen said Dr Krishnan had shown a remarkable commitment to her patients during the COVID-19 pandemic by attending the homes of hundreds of vulnerable patients to give them potentially life-saving vaccines.
"Dr Krishnan has shown exceptional commitment to her patients' wellbeing by working to close the health gap between First Nations people and the rest of the community. If her patients can't make it to her, she'll go to them wherever they are," she said.
"I am sure that Dr Krishnan would be the first to say that she works as part of a team at her practice, which was honoured as a Medicare Champion last year in the national Stronger Medicare Awards.
"Dr Krishnan exemplifies the kind of patient-centred, socially-conscious care that is essential for achieving equity in healthcare."
Dr Krishnan said she was humbled to be recognised by the AMA for her dedication to community healthcare and improving Aboriginal health outcomes.
"I acknowledge the immense support I have received from my dedicated practice team, including my daughter and fellow GP Dr Priya Krishnan, co-director, the dynamic Ms Kate Fulford, and lifelong strength and encouragement from my husband, Mr Arun Krishnan," she said.
"Most importantly, I thank my patients, who continue to share their stories openly and courageously with me, who never cease to motivate me in this tireless journey of service. They have taught me more than I have taught them."
