General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) and the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) have announced a new national partnership aimed at strengthening the quality use of medicines in general practice and medical education.

Launched as part of GPRA’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2026, the collaboration will establish the 2026 AMH/GPRA National Awards, recognising excellence in the quality use of medicines across the medical training pipeline, from medical students through to early-career GPs and rural generalists (RGs).

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to improving patient care through safe, evidence-based prescribing and clinical decision-making.

“Quality use of medicines is fundamental to delivering safe, effective patient care in community-based general practice,” Dr Dickie said.

“This partnership with the Australian Medicines Handbook recognises the importance of building strong clinical decision-making skills throughout the medical training pathway – from medical students through to registrars and newly qualified GPs and RGs.

“By recognising excellence and encouraging engagement with trusted and leading clinical resources such as the Australian Medicines Handbook, these awards will help support the next generation of GPs and rural generalists to deliver the highest standards of patient care.”

The partnership will see the introduction of two new national awards in 2026, each valued at $5,000.

• The AMH/GPRA Quality Use of Medicines in General Practice Award will recognise a GP/RG registrar or new Fellow (within five years of Fellowship) who demonstrates exceptional application of quality use of medicines principles to improve patient care. The award includes a cash prize, publication of a clinical case through GPRA’s clinical education resources, and access to the Australian Medicines Handbook for 12 months.
• The AMH/GPRA Quality Use of Medicines in Student Education (Medical) Award will recognise a medical student who demonstrates outstanding understanding of quality use of medicines in their learning or clinical placement environment. The award includes a $2,500 conference stipend and $2,500 cash prize.

Dr Dickie said the awards would highlight the critical role of education and mentorship in developing the prescribing skills needed for safe, high-quality patient care.

“These awards recognise the dedication of future GPs and rural generalists who are committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care and making a real difference for their patients and communities,” he said.

The partnership will also provide exclusive discounted access to Australian Medicines Handbook resources for GPRA members, improving access to trusted clinical decision-support tools during training and early Fellowship.

AMH CEO David Dart said the partnership reflects a strong alignment in purpose between the two organisations. AMH was founded on the premise of providing concise, practical, reliable comparative drug information to promote the quality use of medicine in Australia.

“We are proud to partner with GPRA to support excellence in the quality use of medicines. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to high-quality clinical education and better patient outcomes across Australia,” Dart said.

Applications for the inaugural 2026 AMH/GPRA National Awards are now open via GPRA’s website, with a closing date for applications of 30 June.

The award winners will be announced in late August.

ENDS