Celebrating excellence in GP-led research

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, has recognised outstanding GP researchers at the 2025 Foundation Conference Awards, presented at GP25 in Brisbane.
 
The awards highlight the creativity, rigour and impact of GP-led research showcased throughout GP25, with projects that strengthen primary care and improve health outcomes for communities across Australia.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the awards reflect the Foundation’s growing commitment to elevating research within general practice.
 
‘GP researchers continue to lead work that not only builds knowledge, but genuinely improves care for our communities,’ he said.
 
‘These awards recognise the dedication and innovation that drive better health outcomes for all Australians.’
 
Peter Mudge Medal
Recipient: Dr Shruti Yardi
Awarded for: Research on specialist reconciliation in general practice, addressing a critical step in safe, coordinated and high-quality patient care.
 
The Peter Mudge Medal honours the late Professor Peter Mudge, a highly respected GP researcher, former Chair of the RACGP Research Committee, and long-time advocate for strengthening research within general practice.
 
The medal is awarded annually to a GP whose original research has significantly advanced the discipline and has clear potential to improve day-to-day clinical care.
 
Rhee Family Award for Research in Aged Care
Recipient: Professor Claire Jackson
Awarded for: Research advancing frailty screening and management for older Australians.
 
A newer addition to the Foundation’s awards program, the Rhee Family Award supports GP-led research with strong potential to influence aged care practice.
 
It highlights research into frailty, residential aged care, community-based ageing and initiatives that improve outcomes for older Australians.
 
Alan Chancellor Award
Recipient: Dr Jasmine Lau
Awarded for: Prescribing psychostimulants for adults with ADHD.
 
Recipient: Dr Christopher Dickie
Awarded for: Understanding what drives prevocational doctors to choose general practice.
 
This award recognises emerging talent in GP research.
 
Presented each year to the best first-time research presenter at the RACGP annual conference, the Alan Chancellor Award encourages early-career GPs and GP registrars to contribute new evidence, fresh insights and innovative approaches to primary care.
 
Best Poster Prize
Recipient: Dr Mahesh Ravutha Gounden
Awarded for: Improving the management of boils in general practice.
 
Foundation Committee Chair Sarah Lance congratulated the award winners and said the calibre of research presented at GP25 demonstrates the depth and diversity of inquiry happening across the profession.
 
‘Every project presented this year shows how deeply GPs understand the challenges facing patients and communities,’ she said.
 
‘These awards are a celebration of that insight, passion and expertise.’
 
Further recognition for Professor Claire Jackson
Rhee Family Award recipient Professor Claire Jackson received additional national recognition in March 2025 after securing a $1.2 million Medical Research Future Fund grant to establish the Alliance for Healthy Ageing (AHA).
 
Led through the Centre for Health System Reform and Integration Queensland, the AHA will deliver a scalable model for frailty screening and management, with a strong focus on rural and remote Queensland.
 
Building on earlier work that saw the FRAIL Scale incorporated into the RACGP Red Book, the project will support GPs and practice nurses to identify frailty in under two minutes during annual health assessments and coordinate tailored management plans that reduce risk and improve wellbeing.
 
GPs or practices interested in participating in the trial can contact research@racgp.org.au.
 
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, supporting GP-led research that strengthens primary care.
 
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