2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist: Dr Joshua Briotti
From stockman to up-and-coming anaesthetist, Dr Joshua Briotti is in the running to be crowned Youth Health Professional of the Year at the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.
One of 17 WA Country Health Service finalists, Dr Briotti was nominated for his collaborative, patient-centred approach during an outstanding three-year stint as a Resident Medical Officer at Broome Health Campus.
During that time, he gained diverse experience across emergency, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics, completing his Emergency Medicine Certificate through the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and undertaking anaesthetic training immersions.
It was this time spent working alongside skilled GP-anaesthetists that inspired Dr Briotti to take on his current role as an Anaesthetic Registrar at Royal Perth Hospital.
“What draws me to anaesthetics is the mix of physiology, problem-solving and teamwork,” he said.
“I love how hands-on the specialty is, and the calm focus it demands, even in high-pressure situations. Most of all, I value the trust patients place in you – it’s that one-on-one responsibility of guiding them safely through surgery that brings out the best in me as a clinician.”
Dr Briotti distinguished himself while in Broome for his strong clinical reasoning, calm approach and commitment to culturally responsive care.
In 2025, he was involved with Notre Dame University’s Rural Week, where he shared his experience and passion for rural health, hoping to inspire the next generation of country doctors.
“My desire and passion to work rurally were born from a sense of adventure – one that was profoundly shaped during my time working at Kalyeeda Station in the time of COVID,” Dr Briotti said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate that circumstances aligned to allow me to take a year away from university and immerse myself fully in life on a cattle station.
“That year gave me far more than practical experience; it offered a genuine understanding of rural life, work and community. I was exposed to the realities of remote living while taking part in mustering, drafting and riding in the Derby Picnic Races, and I was welcomed into a community defined by resilience, generosity and pride in their work.
“Most importantly, I had the privilege of learning from people with a deep passion for the agricultural industry — individuals whose commitment to their land and community left a lasting impression on me. These experiences not only fuelled my love of rural adventure but also laid the foundation for my enduring commitment to rural and remote practice.”
Outside of clinical practice, Dr Briotti – who graduated from Notre Dame University in 2021 – has conducted important research on dog-bite and e-scooter-related trauma, with his findings published internationally and sparking local policy review.
As an associate lecturer at Notre Dame University, he provides clinical and pastoral support to medical students.
He said he was surprised to be named a finalist in the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards, which celebrate the dedication, compassion, skills and ingenuity of outstanding health professionals.
“I’m incredibly humbled. It’s reinforced my commitment to keep advocating for better rural health outcomes every day – whether that’s in a remote community or while working in a city-based health service,” Dr Briotti said.
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.