Dr Chi Wing Lai OAM

As a general practitioner in Canberra, Dr Chi Wing Lai OAM has gotten to know patients and their families – some across four generations. 

Dr Lai worked as a GP from 1967 to 2022. He was also a visiting medial officer at both Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital, a member of the Australian Medical Association and former member of the Medication Advisory Committee at Fred Ward Gardens Residential Aged Care during this time.

His more than five decades of tireless service has led Dr Lai to be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to medicine as a general practitioner, and to the community. 

“Over a career spanning 55-plus years, I have aimed to contribute to medicine in the ACT as an original member of the Locum service in Canberra, which later became CALMS, and in service to my patients, having supported some of them from birth to end of life,” he says. 

Dr Lai was a lecturer at the Australian National University Medical School and tutor for medical students during their General Practice term. He also worked at the University of New South Wales. 

His contribution to general practice has led to a life membership at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 

He is also co-founder of the Sophan Kith Education Fund, and a previous volunteer at the Indo-China Refugee Association.

“With the help of my wife Marie, I’m grateful to have supported rural education programs in Cambodia and many refugees who have become friends. These relationships I treasure and enjoy to this day,” Dr Lai said. 

“I was surprised, honoured and greatly touched to be considered worthy of recognition in the Order of Australia. I would like to thank my wife, Marie, and my family for their support and sacrifice, for which I am eternally grateful.”