Kimberley doctor honoured as a ‘medical champion’

By PETER ROWE

A Kimberley doctor has been honoured with a prestigious award for her contributions to primary health care in remote Western Australia.

A descendant of the Palawa people, Dr Lorraine Anderson is a specialist GP who serves as the Medical Director at KAMS in the Kimberley region.

Dr Anderson was honoured at an official ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, recognising her exceptional contributions to health care.

KAMS is a regional, member-based, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, providing over half of the primary health care services in the region, predominantly to Aboriginal patients.

“I’ve had many years in the primary health care field, and it is a great honour to have received this award,” Dr Anderson said.

“In particular, it’s meaningful to recognise the never-ending hard work that goes into this job, especially in the remote health sector – by everyone, not just myself.”

Dr Anderson was awarded the prestigious title of Medicare Champion in the Stronger Medicare Awards.

As medical director, Dr Anderson works with KAMS and eight independent Member Services. She holds several postgraduate qualifications and is a Fellow of both the Royal New Zealand and Royal Australian Colleges of General Practice, actively contributing to research, medical education, and service development.

KAMS CEO Vicki O’Donnell expressed her appreciation for Dr Anderson’s accomplishment, saying her dedication to providing comprehensive primary health care to Kimberley Aboriginal people and communities was inspiring.

“As an Aboriginal doctor, Dr Anderson demonstrates that it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, you can be what you want to be,” Ms O’Donnell said.

“Her work continues to create significant, positive changes in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. KAMS is incredibly proud to see her recognised as a Medicare Champion.”