Hello GPRA members,
What a month it has been travelling between Hobart, Canberra and Sydney on the conference circuit.
In Hobart, we joined Australia’s rural doctors at RMA23 and listened to international speakers Malin Fors on her entertaining depiction of geographic narcissism and Dr Anika Moleworth on the important subjects of climate and health issues for rural communities. We also welcomed new ACRRM Fellows at the conclusion of the conference, including Dr Dan Wilson (RDAV President) and Dr Ben Dodds (RDAT President). Congratulations!
Canberra saw an impressive gathering of doctors, including medical students, prevocational doctors, registrars, consultants, lawyers and policy makers, at the first Australasian Summit on Sexual Harassment in Medicine. The summit, convened by Professor Louise Stone, sought to address how we, as a profession, can protect those harmed by sexual harassment and sexual assault, assist them should they wish assistance, and nurture them appropriately. Professor Stone’s research and policy development is historical, aiming to develop pathways to help and nuture. It is early days but there is hope ahead to address the harms and stigma caused by this crime, whilst raising awareness to call out aggressors and knowledge to seek protection. Please do reach out to GPRA or to me personally should you wish to confidentially seek further information for yourself.
GP23 and WONCA convened over 4,000 doctors from across the world. It was so good to catch up with many of you and thank you for dropping by our stand to see me, the GPRA team, or our special guest at the stand, GPRA patron Professor Michael Kidd. We keenly sought your opinions on the Single Employer Model pilots and what alternatives there may be. I was thrilled to hear of innovative GPs in training placements at various private practices, which included education on the business side of general practice in readiness for embarking on one’s own business after fellowship.
The Single Employer Model pilots have kicked off in Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales, with a handful of registrars taking part in the pilots. We understand that other States are rolling out the pilots in the near future. GPRA remains committed to uncovering the best solution for GPs in training, in conjunction with stakeholders, to ensure your independence is sustained, your industrial rights are protected, and your quality of training is maintained. I would love to speak with any one of you on the trials to gain insight into what works and what could be done better. This is, of course, what a trial is all about – ensuring accurate and timely feedback from those working at grassroots level testing it. We shouldn’t be afraid to be frank and fearless in our feedback.
I am increasingly responding to tags and comments in medical social media to assist with workplace queries or grievances. I thought I would take the opportunity to mention our dedicated and professional GPRA Registrar Advisors who are contracted to GPRA to provide you with assistance and direction about workplace issues including pay disputes, NTCER queries, and education or training queries. You can contact them via our webform or phone (03) 9629 8878. Our GPRA staff will essentially ‘triage’ your enquiry and request one of our RLAs to contact you.
The year is drawing to a close and it’s time for exams again. I hope all who sat the AST EM StAMPs went well!! Good luck for the CGT StAMPS for ACRRM Registrars and the CCE for RACGP Registrars occurring in November! Smash it!
