Two South Australian doctors at the top of their field have been recognised with the Australian Medical Association’s top gongs.

The country’s best medical professionals were named at a gala dinner in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Happy Valley general practitioner Dr David Byrne was awarded the Excellence in Healthcare Award for his contributions to general practice for more than 30 years.

During his tenure Dr Byrne has not only served his local community but also established the “GP in the Hospital program” which helps relay patient information to their doctor after a hospital stay.

Dr Byrne also played a role in getting iron infusions rolled out in general practices.

He said he was “surprised but greatly honoured” to receive the award.

Urologist Dr Samantha Pillay was honoured with the Women’s Health Award for her work becoming the nation’s first to sub-specialise in female and functional urology.

Dr Pillay has worked in the industry for more than two decades and has become a leading voice of women’s health after advocating for gender equity and patient care.

She is a leader in health education, creating training courses, websites and even a best-selling picture book series to advocate for women in STEM.