MEDICUS MARCH 2016

P R O F I L E

Love of learning key to award win Dr Elizabeth Gray’s holistic approach and hard work

within General Practice have seen her being named 2015 WAGPET Registrar of the Year

W hen she was at high school, Dr Elizabeth Gray laboured over her decision to study medicine or teaching. Today she is lucky enough to be able to pursue both interests. “Funnily enough, I feel like I have come full circle, back to my 17-year- old self except this time, I don’t have to choose between the two,” says Elizabeth. “I am continuing to work in General Practice but will also start some teaching by facilitating small group tutorials for first-year UWA medical students.” This love of learning has seen Elizabeth excel in General Practice and recently win the WAGPET 2015 Registrar of the Year award. Elizabeth was nominated for her exceptional care and follow-up both within and outside of practice hours, and her thorough and holistic approach to managing acute and chronic conditions, preventative health and screening tasks.

my previous supervisors,” she says.

Practice is being able to deal with uncertainty, and that statement has certainly resonated with me. Unlike most other specialties, patients present to you with undifferentiated illnesses, a lot of which will likely resolve but others will only come to light with the passage of time.

For Elizabeth, it is the diversity of General Practice, which is both challenging and stimulating, that is among the most appealing aspects of the vocation. “I enjoy the continuity of care; the idea of cradle to grave medicine is for me extremely fulfilling,” she says.

“What is really special about General Practice is the nature of the therapeutic relationship that develops – you really are in a position of privilege as patients open up to you about their history and their lives.” Dealing with uncertainty is one of the challenges Elizabeth has had to overcome. “My training advisor, Dr Wence Vahala, said that one of the most difficult things about General

Elizabeth was very honoured to receive the award.

“I am incredibly humbled to have been nominated let alone receive the award and am grateful to all who have helped me in my training, including

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