Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist – Nicolas Ceravolo

He may have been born and raised in the city, but Dr Nicolas Ceravolo is passionate about helping build a sustainable medical workforce in country WA.

The Bunbury-based resident medical officer is widely regarded among his peers and supervisors for his diagnostic reasoning, clear communication and thorough approach to clinical documentation.

It’s this enthusiasm for rural medicine that has seen him nominated in the WA Country Health Service Intern of the Year category at the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Awards.

“One of the things I appreciate most about working regionally is the variety in clinical medicine and the opportunity to work closely with smaller teams, which really allows me to grow as a clinician,” he said.

“More broadly though, I’m passionate about ensuring patients can access care close to home, experience continuity, and receive safe, high-quality treatment from clinicians who genuinely care about their community.”

Dr Ceravolo graduated with a medical degree from the University of Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus, before completing his internship in 2025, after two years as a Rural Clinical School student in Bunbury and Albany.

He said he was surprised and humbled to be named as an award finalist.

“It reflects the amazing teams I get to work with every day,” he said.

“The work we do is so collaborative – no one achieves outcomes alone.

“Being a finalist feels like recognition not just of my efforts, but of the support, guidance, and expertise of the whole team around me.”

Dr Ceravolo now plans to continue his professional and personal development within the WA Country Health Service team, by completing the Rural Adult Physician Training, Opportunities and Rotation, or RAPTOR program in Bunbury this year.

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.