2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist: Dr Catherine Daly
An unwavering passion for rural medicine has seen Bunbury-based Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Catherine Daly named a finalist in the 2026 Western Australian Rural Health Excellence Awards.
Dr Daly, who is in the running for the WA Country Health Service RMO of the Year award, is one of 33 finalists including 17 from our health service.
Raised in Gidgegannup, Dr Daly graduated from The University of Western Australia in 2023 after completing her final two years of studies with the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) at Bunbury.
She then completed an internship at Bunbury Regional Hospital where she spent 2025 as a Postgraduate Year 1 RMO.
“I’ve just moved to Perth to start working at Royal Perth Hospital in the Basic Surgical Program to gain further exposure and skills as I work towards my goal of becoming a rural specialist,” Dr Daly said.
“What I love about rural medicine is the variety and challenge of the work — no two days are the same, and the breadth of practice keeps the medicine interesting and stimulating.
“Rural practice fosters an inclusive, supportive team environment where everyone works closely together. Combined with a work–life balance that’s second to none; rural medicine is both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding.”
Dr Daly’s commitment to excellence and drive to go above and beyond made her an invaluable team member during her time at Bunbury Regional Hospital.
She actively advocated and supported her colleagues during a two-year stint as Secretary of the Bunbury Doctors in Training Society, and helped develop the society’s popular annual Multidisciplinary Ball.
Dr Daly said it was an honour to be named a finalist in the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards, which celebrate the dedication, compassion, skills and ingenuity of outstanding health professionals throughout rural and remote WA.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the amazing teams and outstanding junior doctors I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past few years, as this recognition reflects their support, collaboration, and dedication as much as my own efforts,” she said.
“To be acknowledged in this way by WA Country Health Service is a humbling recognition of the work I’ve been able to do and something I’m truly grateful for.”
Dr Daly previously won RCSWA’s 2022 Dr Anne De Boer Memorial Prize, awarded annually to a student who shows a strong interest in women and children’s health, knowledge sharing and being a positive role model.
The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony during the WA Rural Health Conference on Saturday, 14 March 2026.