The hunt is on for Australia's general practitioner of the year.
Members of the public have been asked to vote for their favourite GP by providing a 25-word description of why they think their doctor is worthy of the title "GP of the Year".
Is your doctor a great listener? Does your doctor take the time to explain your treatment? Is their diagnosis usually spot-on? Does your doctor truly care?
Now into its fourth year, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) "GP of the Year" competition - which starts this week - recognises the important contribution made by GPs.
The competition runs from Tuesday, 17 July, to Friday, 10 August.
As a major sponsor of the competition, Australia's largest health fund, Medibank Private, has donated a year's premium health cover.
The prize goes to the person who sends in the winning entry.
The "GP of the Year" will be announced at the RACGP annual general meeting in late September with the winning GP securing an education grant from the college.
Last year's winner Dr Barry Tan - who is GP in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra - typifies the bedside manner at its best.
According to his admiring patients, he's not only a friend and brilliant doctor but he is passionate about what he does. He also has the philosophy that his patients' welfare comes first and his communication with his patients is a mixture of humility and empathy.
For those wishing to nominate their favourite doctor for the 2001 "GP of the Year" award, entry forms are available at all Medibank Private retail centres or participants can vote on the Medibank website. The address is www.medibank.com.au.
Those accessing the RACGP website will also be provided with an immediate link to the Medibank website.
It is important to point out that the competition is not restricted to Medibank Private members only but is open to all Australians.