2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist: Dr Connor Earnshaw

From the golden paddocks of the Wheatbelt, to the crisp white sand of Cable Beach in Broome – Dr Connor Earnshaw has always had a passion for rural and remote Western Australia.

But it’s his enthusiasm for helping others in country communities that led him pursue a career in medicine, which has seen him named as a finalist in the 2026 Western Australian Rural Health Excellence Awards.

Born and bred in Williams in the heart of the Wheatbelt, Dr Earnshaw graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2024 with a postgraduate degree in medicine, having already completed studies in engineering.

The 27-year-old saw out his final two years of study through the Rural Clinical School of WA at Broome Hospital, where he has enthusiastically continued his internship.

Dr Earnshaw completed his internship at the end of 2025 and has started his residence this year through the Prevocational Surgical Pathway at Royal Darwin Hospital.

“Working in the Kimberley, I’ve learnt how important community spirit is, especially regarding First Nations health and when caring for people spread over such a vast geographical area,” Dr Earnshaw said.

“My priority is to provide the best possible, culturally-safe care for all my patients, and to be a workmate that my colleagues enjoy working with.

“I’m also passionate about encouraging those in years below me to grow and enjoy their experiences in healthcare and to advance my own learning and skills, while having fun caring for people.”

His passion for rural and remote healthcare has seen him nominated at WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year at the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards.

“I am deeply humbled and very proud to be nominated for this award,” he said.

“I was born, raised and educated as a rural kid until moving to Perth at 18 for university, and whilst I certainly enjoy the city, I love my country roots.

“It is very important for me to ensure I continue giving back and sharing all the skills I have learnt.

“Being nominated for an award as prestigious as this is encouragement that I’m on the right career pathway and I hope to continue to serve my community.”

Dr Earnshaw has also been awarded the Postgraduate Medical Council of Western Australia Prevocational Doctor of the Year award.

He was also a finalist in the Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Councils Pre-vocational Doctor of the Year category.

The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony during the WA Rural Health Conference on Saturday, 14 March 2026.