Three bursaries awarded to support Queensland general practice
The AMA Queensland Foundation has awarded three bursaries to support research and training initiatives designed to improve health outcomes in Queensland general practice.
The AMA Queensland Foundation has awarded three bursaries to support research and training initiatives designed to improve health outcomes in Queensland general practice.
Drs Ka-Kiu Cheung (GP), Kate Johnston (GP) and Ruwandi Dewasinghe (GP Registrar) have successfully applied for AMA Queensland Foundation GPTQ Training and Research Bursaries in 2025.
Each bursary is valued at $20,000 and is open for submission every year to Queensland GPs and GP Registrars.
They are designed to help GPs and GP Registrars undertake upskilling activities or vital research that will eventually assist general practice and the communities that they serve.
AMA Queensland Foundation Chair Dr Dilip Dhupelia said that he was delighted to acknowledge the exceptional quality of bursary applications submitted by practitioners seeking to undertake research and professional development.
“The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the successful applicants highlights a strong dedication to advancing both clinical practice and patient care through ongoing learning and innovation,” he said.
“These Queensland doctors are all at varying stages of their career but share a long-term view of better healthcare for Queenslanders, a view that is also shared by the AMA Queensland Foundation Board in awarding these bursaries.”
NOTE TO MEDIA: Drs Ka-Kiu Cheung and and Kate Johnston are available for comment. Please contact the AMA Queensland Media Team on 0419 735 641.
Dr Ka-Kiu Cheung
A GP with over 20 years’ experience in family care, Dr Ka-Kiu Cheung was awarded a Bursary to support a study evaluating the GP maternity shared care model.
The study will assess women’s pregnancy and postpartum self-reported health outcomes and experiences, infant health outcomes, and GP experiences in West Moreton and Gold Coast regions.
“My passion lies in improving patients’ health journey by supporting smoother transitions within the healthcare system and promoting a 'one system' approach that enhances efficiency, sustainability and patient outcomes,” Dr Cheung said.
“This focus includes ensuring a responsive, vibrant, well-resourced and innovative primary care sector.”
In addition to her general practice work, Dr Cheung works as a GP with special interest in obstetrics at the Gold Coast University Hospital, and as a GP supervisor for medical students and registrars.
Dr Kate Johnston
Dr Johnston has been awarded a GPTQ Bursary to support a mixed-methods study evaluating timely access to collaborative care through a GP advice service.
The study will involve analysis of existing quantitative data from the service, and collection and analysis of qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with participating GPs and consultants.
"General Practice is critical to the effective and efficient functioning of our healthcare system. GPs face daily challenges working within this increasingly complex system. This research will evaluate a service that assists GPs to navigate the system and optimise the management of patients in the community," Dr Johnston said.
Dr Johnston has spent most of her career on the Gold Coast working as a clinician across primary care and the public health sector, in addition to educational, academic and management roles. She is currently Medical Director of GP Partnerships and Engagement at Gold Coast Health and Deputy Chair of the Queensland Clinical Senate.
Dr Ruwandi Dewasinghe
Dr Ruwandi Vimukthini Dewasinghe was awarded a GPTQ Bursary to support additional skills training in order to meet the needs of her community.
An international medical graduate from Sri Lanka with over 7 years of experience in a wide range of specialties, she began her general practice career in Australia in January 2024 and is currently a GP registrar working on Bribie Island.
Dr Dewasinghe is committed to further education through diplomas and certificate courses in areas including geriatric care, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, women’s health, and chronic disease management.
“I am deeply passionate about contributing to the enhancement of healthcare services in my community, and my background has shaped my dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to quality care, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status,” Dr Dewasinghe said.
Background:
- AMA Queensland Foundation was established in 2,000 as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland, with a mission to improve medical conditions in areas of need.
- The GPTQ Bursary seeks to honour the legacy of General Practice Training Queensland (GPTQ) and its outstanding contribution to training and building a robust GP workforce. The legacy is recognised through the awarding of these bursaries and the support it provides.
- In addition to the annual GPTQ Bursaries, the AMA Queensland Foundation also offers Medical Student Scholarships to financially support disadvantaged medical students to complete their medical training.
