Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s (GLCH) Dr Patrick Kinsella, a devoted and long-serving GP in East Gippsland, has been awarded the Victorian GP of the Year Award by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
The award was presented last Thursday in Melbourne, in recognition of Dr Kinsella’s exceptional contributions to the health and wellbeing of his community.
Dr Kinsella will now represent Victoria in the National Awards later this year.
Originally from Ireland, Dr Kinsella earned his medical degree in 1976. He is widely known for his incredible sense of humour and storytelling abilities. Beyond his medical expertise, he has sung with the Nowa Nowa Men’s Choir, served as a DJ on community radio, and starred in GP the Musical, which was performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2013 and later at NIDA in Sydney.
Dr Kinsella’s journey with Gippsland Lakes Complete Health began in May 1984, when he joined (then known as Lakes Entrance Community Health) as a newly vocationally registered General Practitioner. At that time, Community Health Centres were a pioneering concept rooted in the social model of health, which emphasised community involvement. This philosophy has significantly shaped Dr Kinsella’s practice, especially in areas such as Aboriginal health, pharmacotherapy and drug and alcohol services.
For four decades, Dr Kinsella has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. He has worked closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in Lake Tyers, providing culturally sensitive care and has made some amazing friendships. His dedication to serving vulnerable populations is widely appreciated and his leadership in training and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals is impactful.
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Upon receiving the award, Dr Kinsella expressed his gratitude.
“I am stunned to be receiving this award,” he said.
“It is very humbling as I know many GP’s who I think are equally or more deserving of it.
“Working as a rural GP has been a privilege and the most rewarding part has been working with the wonderful community here in East Gippsland.”
Cheryl Bush, executive manager of clinical and nursing services at GLCH, commended Dr Kinsella’s dedication.
“Patrick is an invaluable member of our team and the broader East Gippsland community,” she said.
“His commitment to comprehensive care, especially for the Aboriginal community, is a benchmark for others.
“His genuine compassion, respect, and advocacy for his patients are truly appreciated, and his leadership has shaped the future of healthcare in our region.”
Dr Kinsella’s career has been defined by his passion for community health. From emergency response in his early years at Lakes Entrance to outreach clinics for the Aboriginal community, his contributions have left an enduring legacy. His dedication to mentoring young doctors and advocating for collaborative healthcare models has helped pave the way for a brighter future in rural healthcare.
