Hello everyone,
My first week of commencing my role as CEO has felt a bit like being the new kid in the class – however, I have been made to feel very welcome by the dedicated GPRA team members.
As I settle into my role, I will continue to advocate GPRAs work across essential areas such as employment conditions, registrar assistance and promoting general practice as a viable career choice.
For over 20 years, GPRA has promoted general practice to medical students, junior doctors, and registrars. I made an active decision to come and join GPRA – an organisation which has a sound record of attracting and supporting Australia’s future GP Workforce.
Regardless of where you are in your journey – whether that be studying at university, hospital placements or a GP training pathway – education, learning and independent advisory support being available to you is of paramount importance. Such support helps you make the informed choice to pursue a career and train as a GP across different communities in Australia.
While GP speciality education and training arrangements are transitioning from 2023, I am excited to work with all partners across the GP Speciality portfolio going forward. GPRA will continue to work at the critical part of the medical training pipeline and represent our members to both GP Speciality Colleges, key policy and investment decision makers and other sector stakeholders.
GPRAs members are critical to Australia’s future primary health care system. You can rest assured knowing that GPRA will continue to advocate for our members, so your voices are heard AND acted on.
I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout 2022, either online or in person (where and when possible!), to hear firsthand the work of our registrars, GPSN Clubs, GP ambassadors, and the Advisory Council.
Finally, if there is one thing we have all learnt from the pandemic over the past two years, it is that you can’t have healthy communities without a local GP workforce.
Investment in attracting, developing, and supporting GPs and their practices across Australia is central to keeping communities healthy, safe and socially vibrant.
Do not be shy if you want to reach out and connect with me – my contact details can be found below. I can’t wait to hear from many of you over the coming weeks.
Keep safe and well.
Jo-anne Chapman
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss anything.