Respected country doctor up for national award
WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) Dr Jared Watts has been named a finalist for Rural/Remote Health Professional of the Year in the 2023 National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
The awards, hosted by Rural Health Pro, pay tribute to the exceptional health professionals who have made significant contributions to improving healthcare throughout rural and remote Australia.
Dr Watts is one of three finalists from Western Australia. Based in the Kimberley, Dr Watts is Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Kimberley as well as the Clinical Director for Obstetrics and Gynaecology for WACHS.
Since starting at WACHS in 2005, his work in country WA has – and continues to make – a positive impact on women. This is especially true of the patients he treats during remote and outreach clinics in the Kimberley, who affectionately call him the “ladies’ doctor” and welcome him into the sacred space of “secret women’s business.”
WA Country Health Service’s Dr Helen Van Gessel said the recognition was a true reflection of Dr Watts’ dedication to country communities.
“We have been lucky to have Dr Watts on our team. He’s absolutely committed to working with his colleagues and communities to make sure that women in the Kimberley and throughout country WA receive the best possible care.
“That’s why we’re so proud to see him named a finalist for yet another award, especially one on a national level. The recognition is a true testament to his expertise and leadership in this field,” she added.
Dr Watts also volunteers his skills internationally, teaching in Cambodia and Laos and working as an Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist for Medicine Sans Frontiers around the world.
He also holds the position of Medical Coordinator and Senior Lecturer at the Rural Clinical School of WA and holds roles with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as a Board Director and chair of the Joint Committee for GP Obstetrics and Certification Regional Fellows.
This recognition adds to a long list of accolades, including his recent win in the 2023 Rural Health Excellence Awards where he took out Specialist of the Year (non-GP).
Winners will be announced at the National Rural and Remote Health Awards ceremony in Canberra on Monday 13 November 2023.