This award recognises a medical specialist who provides exceptional care and leadership in rural WA either as a resident or visiting specialist.
Dr Allison Morton – Finalist
Dr Allison Morton became the South West’s first fulltime resident cardiologist in 2015, transforming access to cardiac care across the region. As Head of Cardiology at St John of God Bunbury Hospital, she leads the coronary care unit and the region’s only angiography service, enabling urgent and elective cardiac investigations and interventions to be delivered closer to home.
Widely respected for her clinical excellence and strategic leadership, Dr Morton is committed to improving outcomes for regional communities and women with heart disease. She provides outreach clinics, telehealth support and supervision for junior doctors, strengthening the local workforce.
Previously a consultant cardiologist in Sheffield, UK, with subspecialty training in interventional cardiology, she has contributed extensively to research, publications and hospital strategy, significantly advancing cardiac services in the South West.
Dr Tom Bowles – Finalist
Dr Tom Bowles has served the Albany community as a general surgeon for more than 15 years. Helping establish the Great Southern as a leading centre for rural surgical training, many surgeons now practising in Albany trained under his guidance, reflecting his commitment to building a stable, high-quality regional workforce. He is dedicated to delivering safe, comprehensive surgical care close to home for rural patients.
He has held key roles with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, advocating strongly for rural surgery and generalism, and in 2019, co-founded the Great Southern Specialist Centre, co-located with Albany Day Hospital, where he serves as Medical Director.
As Clinical Director for Surgery for WACHS, Dr Bowles provides statewide leadership in governance, credentialing, recruitment, complex case review and surgical service development across country WA.
Dr Jacinta Cover – Winner
Dr Jacinta Cover is an accomplished general surgeon whose leadership and commitment to equitable surgical access have reshaped healthcare delivery in the South West.
She joined Bunbury Regional Hospital in 2016, and has since driven major service improvements including implementing a 24/7 surgical registrar roster and leading the development of a new Acute Surgical Unit model to strengthen emergency surgical care for regional patients.
As Co-Director and Head of Surgical Specialties for WACHS South West, Jacinta is recognised for her strategic, collaborative approach to governance, safety and workforce sustainability.
Jacinta is a national leader in rural surgery, and has contributed extensively to RACS through audit, research, college committees and conference leadership. She is also a respected educator, receiving the 2022 WA Excellence in Surgical Teaching Award from General Surgery Australia.
Specialist of the Year was sponsored by St John of God Hospital Bunbury.