Dr Sonu Haikerwal: Celebrated as 2024’s Wellness Warrior
We are proud to celebrate Dr Sonu Haikerwal, one of the Gold Coast’s most respected general practitioners, who has been honoured with the Wellness Warrior award as part of the Gold Coast Bulletin’s inaugural Women of the Year Awards, presented by Harvey Norman.
This prestigious recognition celebrates women who have made a significant impact on health and wellbeing in the community. As a passionate advocate for holistic care, Dr Haikerwal embodies the very essence of this award dedicated to improving the lives of her patients and uplifting the broader Gold Coast community through her work in general practice.
Dr Haikerwal’s journey in medicine began in India, where she was one of only 35 students selected annually to enter the country’s premier medical school. From there, her career has spanned Melbourne, the UK, and finally the Gold Coast, where she settled in the early 2000s. Alongside her husband, she established two thriving clinics in Broadbeach and Coomera, which continue to serve the diverse healthcare needs of the community.
“I think work is not work when you feel passionate about it and I love being a GP. Just yesterday, a four-year-old spotted me in the street; I’ve known her since her conception. That’s when I realised that being present as a human being is core to medicine.”
Her commitment to patient care, leadership within the local medical community including her recent role as President of the Gold Coast Medical Association and her ability to connect deeply with those around her, truly set her apart.
The Wellness Warrior award is more than just a title; it is a recognition of the quiet, powerful influence that practitioners like Dr Haikerwal have in shaping healthier, more connected communities. It highlights the importance of empathy, longevity in care, and the tireless work of those who stand at the frontline of wellness every day.
We congratulate Dr Sonu Haikerwal on this well-deserved honour and thank her for continuing to inspire through her dedication to wellness, care, and community.