Dr Cronin combines her busy patient load at Ramsay Street General Practice in Cloncurry with supervision of GP registrars, a training role she has been dedicated to for over 20 years.

GP supervisors are highly trained specialist GPs who oversee the training of Australia's future family practitioners in an apprentice-based model; shaping, guiding and mentoring the professional behaviours expected of general practitioners before they can be vocationally registered.

General Practice Supervisors Australia chair Dr Nicole Higgins said many GPs like Dr Cronin were attracted to supervision because having a hand in the growth of competence and confidence of GP registrars added another layer of complexity and interest to the role of a community GP.

"Dr Cronin is one of twenty three GP supervisors recognised nationally so far in 2020, having provided more than 20 years' service to the local community," Dr Higgins said.

"Dr Cronin is being recognised for her commitment to providing the very best care to patients while mentoring the future GP workforce."

Dr Cronin is a past president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and has been named in the Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards.

GP training practices and supervisors must be accredited by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and/or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine to train registrars engaged within the Australian General Practice Training Program.

"General practice supervisors are at the coal-face of GP training," Dr Higgins said.

"Our communities receive high quality care from trainees and GPs. It is the apprenticeship model that supports best health outcomes for patients, and we are proud to recognise our colleagues for their many years of service."

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