Since 2005, Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) with the support of the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has proudly hosted the awards to recognise the significant role of health professionals contributing to the well-being of Victorian rural communities.
The awards also honour the exceptional medical specialists, GPs, nurses, allied health professionals and Aboriginal Health Workers working across rural and regional Victoria as well as the lifetime of dedication from health professionals who have contributed 35+ years of service to rural communities.
Dr Keppel, who has also been a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) for Yarrawonga Health from 1985, said it was a great honour to win two awards at the VRHA and the Length of Service award came after many years in the industry, working in the country, city and overseas.
“I commenced as a trainee doctor in 1983 from Wangaratta Hospital with Drs Van Nooten and Wilkinson in the Belmore St clinic (now part of Belmore Accounting),” Dr Keppel said.
“In 1985 after further training in the UK, I returned to Yarrawonga with Dr Newbury at 25 Mc Nally St.
“I worked as a GP Obstetrician from 1985-2009 and a GP Anesthetist from 1985-2009, and from 2014 till present.
“I provided emergency care to UCC and in patients at Yarrawonga Health from 1985-2016. I was awarded life governorship of Yarrawonga Health in 2014.
“I had no family members in medicine but was lucky to receive excellent training at University of Melbourne and at various Victorian and UK hospitals, including Wangaratta.
“The concept of working across hospital, emergency and theatre work as well as GP has appealed to me. My family (wife Gillian and daughter Laura) have supported me enormously.”
Dr Keppel also held position of inaugural director of Extended Rural Cohort medical student initiative at University of Melbourne from 2009-2014.
The Outstanding Contribution by a Rural Gp-Vmo award recognises a medical practitioner who has shown ongoing commitment to providing specialist anaesthetic, obstetrics or surgical services throughout rural Victoria.
These specialists have improved access and/ or sustainability of medical services with a significant impact on health outcomes for those living in rural area.
“The Outstanding contribution by a rural gp-vmo is in recognition of work at Yarrawonga Health as a VMO,” Dr Keppel said.
“I was on the Board of Management of Yarrawonga Community Health Centre and Yarrawonga Health also.
“It also recognises work I have done since 2016 as a GP working in Kerang, providing Emergency services to Kerang Health and also Anesthetic services since that time, which I am still doing.”
