MY STORY: Dr James Manley

Guiding the future of General Practice from clinic to policy

As both a practising GP at YourGP@Denman and the GP Policy Advisor at ACT Health and Community Services Directorate, Dr James Manley works at the intersection of clinical care, policy design, and the fast-growing world of digital health.

It’s a dual role he believes only works because he remains anchored in day-to-day general practice.

“My clinical experience is crucial in providing advice,” says James.

“It allows me to offer first-hand insight into how policy changes might affect GPs and patient care.”

By continuing to practise each week, James helps the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate develop policies that genuinely reflect the realities of primary care, workforce pressures, and patient needs.

A career shaped by connection and continuity

James originally envisioned a future in acute medicine, inspired by his mum’s decades in ICU nursing.

However, a formative GP placement during medical school – followed by hands-on experience in a remote NT clinic – changed everything.

“I realised the depth, breadth and relational aspects of GP were the perfect fit. I never looked back,” he says.

Continuity of care still guides his work today.

“Building trust is central to diagnosis, long-term management and difficult conversations,” he explains. 

This philosophy also drives how James advocates for more patient-centred policy across the system.

Leading the way in safe, thoughtful use of AI in general practice

James is one of a growing number of GPs integrating AI safely into everyday consultations.

For more than a year, he has used Heidi Health as an AI scribe – with strong patient acceptance.

“The main benefit is giving my full attention to patients during history taking,” he says.

The AI captures details and shared goals that might otherwise be lost, helping James produce clearer care plans and timely, accurate notes.

He also uses AI to generate differential diagnoses for complex or vague presentations.

But he emphasises balance: “AI should be a decision checker, not a decision maker. Healthy scepticism keeps you alert to errors and prevents deskilling.”

What the future holds

James sees the GP role evolving as technology accelerates, with potential for GPs to take on a more consultant-style position – though this will require funding reform and different practice structures.

From a systems perspective, he believes successful adoption of AI relies on unbiased information, clear privacy guidance, and recognition of AI’s limitations.

“If the balance is off, we risk repeating the same biases we’ve seen in traditional evidence bases,” he says.

Empowering GPs to make informed choices

What excites James most is helping other clinicians understand these tools and use them safely.

“Used correctly, AI could reduce time to diagnosis, avoid unnecessary tests, and empower patients with better tailored care plans,” he explains.

Through his clinical work, policy leadership, and advocacy for thoughtful digital innovation, Dr James Manley is helping shape a future where general practice remains relational, patient-centred, and well-supported by the technology designed to enhance it.

Categories: GPRA, News