Two Albany doctors receive nominations for 2023 Rural Health Excellence Awards

Two Albany doctors have been nominated as finalists at the 2023 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards to be held in March this year.

Dr Angela Alessandri, a visiting specialist at Albany Health Campus, received a nomination for Specialist of the Year (non-GP) while Dr Josaphine Sadler received a nod for WA Country Health Service – Intern of the Year.

Hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West, the annual awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of rural health professionals in clinical practice, leadership, research, education, innovation and improvement and community health.

The pair will join more than 30 health professionals and teams over 12 award categories from across the State nominated for the awards, which will take place on March 11.

WA Country Health Service chief executive Jeff Moffet said this year, more than ever, it was important to recognise that country clinicians go above and beyond for their communities.

“We’re coming off the back of two really challenging years for the health sector,” Mr Moffet said.

“It’s something we would have never gotten through without the support and leadership of our country health workforce.

“Together, we manage the health needs of communities spanning more than 2.55 million square kilometres.

“The collective skill and talent we have caring for country communities is unmatched and the Rural Health Awards are a very important way to recognise the remarkable contributions of our people,” he said.

Rural Health West chief executive Tim Shackleton said this year’s nominations highlighted the incredible calibre of health professionals working in country WA.

“The selection process has become harder and harder for those on our judging panels, as some of the work being undertaken is simply phenomenal,” Mr Shackleton said.

“It’s particularly gratifying to see such strong competition in our Rising Star category, which suggests that we have a very strong cohort of early career professionals poised to transform their workplaces and improve the health and wellbeing of communities in years to come. Also wonderful to see is nominees and finalists from every region across WA.

“We are extremely proud to celebrate all of the health professionals nominated this year for their commitment, dedication and passion.”