Hello GPRA members,
As we head into the end of 2024, I’d like to share a few key updates and reflections from a busy season of conferences and important developments in our profession.
RMA24 was a fantastic event, and I had the opportunity to connect with many passionate future GPs at our GPRA stand. I’m especially proud of our sponsorship of the ‘Let’s Croc and Roll’ event in partnership with the Future Rural Doctors Network and ACRRM where I got to talk with medical students and prevocational doctors – our future GPs! At RMA24, I also met with new Rural Health Commissioner Jenny May AM, as well as Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network (IGPTN) Chair Dr Josie Guyer and Lead Medical Director Dr Olivia O’Donoghue, as well as many registrars on their training journey. Congratulations also to Dr Marian Dover who won ACRRM’s 2024 Registrar of the Year Award.
Conference season is certainly in full swing and I’m excited for the GP24 conference in Perth in a few weeks. While in Perth, we’ll be hosting the inaugural GPRA Alumni Network function on 20 November at Print Hall, where GPs (new and existing Fellows) can reconnect for a quick drink and canape with a few special guests (you will have to come along to see who they are!) before the full Conference program starts from 21 November. Don’t miss out – tickets are available here.
This year, RACGP’s General Practice: Health of the Nation report has shed light on the shifting landscape of general practice in Australia. There are promising signs, like the growing interest among students in rural generalism and an increase in doctors entering the AGPT Program. However, the decline in medical students choosing general practice as their first choice specialty, now down to 10.5%, highlights a critical challenge for the future. GPRA has long advocated for a stronger support structure to encourage students to see general practice as both a viable and rewarding career. It’s time for meaningful investments that make GP training an attractive choice from the start.
Finally, as exam season approaches, I’d like to extend my best wishes to everyone taking the CGT StAMPS for ACRRM and the CCE for RACGP in November. Good luck, stay focused, and smash it!
Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to our profession. I look forward to seeing some of you in Perth!
Warm regards,
