Our dynamic duo honoured

Our dynamic duo of Dr Sara Simmons and Dr Rachel Inder have received one of New Zealand’s highest professional honours in general practice: the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners ‘Community Service Medal’.

 

The pair were formally recognised on Saturday 26^th July at the RNZCGP Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, joining just ten other recipients from across the country whose exceptional work has improved health outcomes in their local communities.

 

Each year the RNZCGP honours GPs whose service transcends clinical excellence and delivers measurable benefit to communities; with the Community Service Medal reserved for those who go above and beyond in their work at the grassroots level. The Community Service Medal is awarded sparingly and is a rare accolade in any GP’s career.

 

Dr Sara and Dr Rachel received the award in recognition of their leadership and dedication to health equity in Marlborough, through their work here at Manu Ora, our kaupapa-driven, charitable general practice. Dr Sara and Dr Rachel are the co‑founders and clinical directors – and serve ‘at the coalface’ as doctors – here in our Blenheim clinic. Friendly, innovative, and equity-driven, Manu Ora was established in a partnership with Te Piki Oranga, with a mission to create an inclusive practice that prioritises health outcomes and wellbeing for both patients and kaimahi (staff).

 

Manu Ora supports all manner of patients, but the majority are Māori, Pasifika, those experiencing homelessness, and patients with complex physical and mental health needs – all of whom often struggle to access care elsewhere. Our team delivers low-cost services, extended consultations, wraparound support and outreach to reduce barriers and improve equity.

 

Reflecting on the recipients’ impact, RNZCGP’s President Dr Luke Bradford said:

“Working in community medicine, GPs and rural hospital doctors have great insight into the challenges and healthcare trends that are affecting their communities. Because of this, we can develop and implement effective solutions, initiatives and services that we know will make the most difference and improve health outcomes. Health is not a one-size-fits-all approach and these recipients have highlighted the innovative and successful ways they are working towards achieving health equity.”

 

The nominations for Dr Sara and Dr Rachel indicate they’re respected for their advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community-led care. The two are quick to point out that the success of Manu Ora is not theirs alone – and express their gratitude to our “amazing team” at Manu Ora, as well as the “vast network of people and organisations generously supporting our mahi [work]”.

 

The twelve 2025 Community Service Medal recipients are: Dr Monica Liva, Dr Sam Mayhew, Dr Maia Melbourne-Wilcox, and Dr Juliet Tay (from Auckland); Dr Christine Coulter and Dr Jonathan Kennedy (Wellington); Dr Sarah Callaghan (Tairāwhiti); Dr Raewyn Paku (Hawke’s Bay); Dr Brendon Eade (Te Aroha); Dr Shelley Louw (Christchurch); and Dr Rachel Inder and Dr Sara Simmons (Marlborough).