Outstanding contributions to the College recognised with President’s Service Medal

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) awarded four College Fellows with a President’s Service Medal at its annual Fellowship and Awards ceremony in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Saturday evening (26 July).

The President’s Service Medal recognises outstanding contributions to the College or the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine.

College President Dr Luke Bradford says, “Tonight’s recipients have used their knowledge and experience to enhance and improve the visibility of general practice and rural hospital medicine within the wider sector. They have also been incredibly generous with their time contributing to the College through their governance, education and training roles which has benefitted GP and rural hospital medicine trainees and Fellows alike.”

The four recipients are:

Dr Andrew Corin | Tauranga

Dr Corin is a dedicated teacher for registrars in the College’s GP training programme, and a mentor to junior doctors, including international doctors who are new to practising in New Zealand.

In 2007, Dr Corin established Clinical Horizons NZ, an independent research organisation that has contributed to development of clinical guidelines and innovation in condition management across several medical specialities, including asthma and COPD. His recent research and publication explore a new model of delivering primary medical care in a patient-empowered and more holistic paradigm.

He has represented primary care on national respiratory focus groups, workshops and committees, and contributed to the governance of a number of community healthcare organisations in the Bay of Plenty and nationally.

Beyond his research, Dr Corin’s writing of blogs to support and challenge clinical thinking has gained widespread readership. His book 'This Old Stick’, and podcast ‘Elder Tales’ highlight the importance of elders in our communities, drawing inspiration from patients he has cared for.

Dr Maryann Heather | Auckland

Within the College, Dr Heather has served in governance roles including as the Pacific Chapter representative on the National Advisory Council and as a member of the Auckland Faculty.

Dr Heather works tirelessly to address and reduce health inequities and provides trusted care and culturally safe clinical practice in South Auckland and was appointed Senior Lecturer in Pacific Health at the University of Auckland and serves as an Executive Director on the board of the Pasifika Medical Association. She has also held numerous advisory and governance roles across education, research and clinical quality systems all of which reflect her leadership, academic excellence and enduring contribution to primary care and the wider health sector.

Internationally, Dr Heather’s medical service and educational involvement has spanned across Samoa, America Samoa, Cook Islands Vanuatu, China and Australia, all of which continues to inform her practice in Aotearoa.

Dr Heather is passionate about humanitarian work and is a member of the Pacific Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) which recently gained WHO-verification as the first Pacific Type 1 Mobile Emergency Medical Assistance Team the Pacific Region.

Dr Bryce Kihirini, Ngāti Moko, Tapuika, Tūhourangi | Hawkes Bay

Dr Kihirini has been an active contributor to the College as a clinical examiner, an in-practice medical educator and mentor to junior doctors, as well as to overseas clinicians who have moved to Aotearoa to practice. He is a strong advocate for Hauora Māori in the College’s clinical examinations and a patient and helpful teacher who ensures registrars are supported across all aspects of their training.

He has an unwavering commitment to rural communities, especially those that struggle with health inequities and under-resourcing.

Dr Kihirini is a valued member of Te Akoranga a Māui, the College’s Māori representative rōpū, and has a great depth of knowledge of Te Reo Māori and tikanga Māori and is a driving force for achieving health equity.

Dr Linda Pirrit | Auckland

Dr Pirrit has supported GP trainees through her time as a lead medical educator and small group facilitator, where she fostered an environment of inclusion amongst the College’s culturally diverse registrar group.

She contributes her knowledge and expertise as the only non-Māori, Hauora Māori facilitator within the College where her desire to advocate for, and work towards, achieving health equity, shines.

Dr Pirrit is actively engaged in improving health outcomes for her patients, whānau and community through her work at Turuki Health Care in Mangere and she understands the importance of having a workforce that truly represents the population of Aotearoa as being key in achieving health equity.