Batemans Bay GP Dr David Rivett was honoured for his contribution to rural medicine with a Australian Medical Association’s ‘President’s Award’ earlier this year.
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The association described Dr Rivett as: “A country GP with decades of service to both his community and the State and Federal Australian Medical Associations (AMAs).”
Dr Rivett has been a GP in the Eurobodalla since 1975, was the inaugural chair of the AMA Council of Rural Doctors, and the first AMA Federal Councillor for Rural Doctors.
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Proud partner Lindy Nedwich said Dr Rivett didn’t like fuss – but was quietly chuffed to receive the award.
“He was very honoured – it’s totally unexpected,” she said.
“He’s dedicated so many years to his passion for rural medicine. There have been a lot of trips to Canberra, lobbying politicians – he pecks away at them until he has a win.”
AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said Dr Rivett is known for his contribution to general practice and rural medicine.
“Dr Rivett has been a trailblazer for rural medicine at both the State and Federal levels of the AMA,” Dr Gannon said.
“In 2007, Dr Rivett was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding service to rural and remote medicine.
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“He has been a passionate advocate for better access to quality health services for country Australians throughout his career, and for encouraging doctors to train and work in regional and remote areas.
“His commitment to rural medicine stems in part from the wide variety of work a rural doctor can do – from delivering babies to performing autopsies, and from stitching up chainsaw wounds to removing maggots from a hospital patient’s ear.
“Dr Rivett sums up the versatility, camaraderie, and good humour that is so essential in rural and remote practice, and he is an outstanding recipient of the President’s Award.”