In the battle to deliver effective health services to Queensland's farthest reaches, Associate Professor Bernie Whitfield is a recognised leader.
For several years, the Logan-based surgeon has been a pivotal part of a program designed to build a foundation for ENT services in remote communities around Cape York.
His efforts, along with those of his colleagues, are gaining recognition.
A/Prof Whitfield was on hand in Brisbane in May when the Torres and Cape York Integrated Ear, Nose and Throat Service was featured at the Clinical Excellence Showcase.
The group's Sustainable Specialist Care on Country secured the People's Choice Award at the showcase.
When speaking on the program's success last week, A/Prof Whitfield spoke about the challenges faced in remote communities and how ENT services were essential.
"The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has the highest prevalence of middle ear disease in the world," he said.
"Poor hearing leads on to poor educational achievement, poor employability, recidivism in the justice system and then it becomes self-perpetuating."
A/Prof Whitfield is involved in the training of generalist staff with ENT specialisation as part of the program.
He also travels as part of an associated surgical team and provides oversight on treatment plans.
Overall, the program delivers around 10 surgical procedures a year across two teams.