The core mission of SAPC is to champion expertise in academic primary care and drive improvements in primary care provision, whilst the core purpose for the RCGP is to encourage, foster and maintain the highest possible standards in general medical practice. Their combined awards recognise the excellence, the efforts and the contributions that have been made to general practice.
SAPC/RCGP Awards for Outstanding Early Career Researcher 2022 - Oliver Van Hecke
This particular award recognises the contribution of Oliver's research in common infections, anti-microbial resistance and optimising antibiotics use, to advancing primary care theory and practice. This award was jointly won alongside Dr. David Blane of Glasgow University.
Both Oliver and David will give presentations at the SAPC ASM 2022 on Wednesday 6th July in the Award winners session 16:00-17:00 - see SAPC ASM 2022 programme.
Having recently forged academic partnerships with researchers in South Africa to start an implementation study (PRINS Study), Oliver says this award will contribute to his travel costs to meet his international colleagues and help set-up the study locally. The study seeks to optimise antibiotic prescribing for acute cough in publicly funded primary care clinics in the Cape Town Metropole. The findings of which, will fill a fundamental gap in the evidence base that will inform antibiotic stewardship innovations, guideline development and future interventions.
SAPC Medical Student Essay Prize 2022 - Hettie Davies
Undergraduate medical student, Hettie Davies, won this award for her essay on "A consultation in primary care that changed my practice"; of which there were 52 submissions! Hettie's essay was commended as, "very moving, it captured some of the essence of the important issue of humanity in general practice and in Hettie's words "the conflict between the roles of the doctor as ‘healer’ and ‘advocate".
We would like to congratulate both Oliver and Hettie on their wonderful achievements.