As GPRA celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, we are reflecting on the voices and visions of those who have led the way.

In this installment, we speak with Dr Karyn Matterson, GPRA President from 2022 to 2024, and currently working as a Senior Career Medical Officer (Rural Generalist) at Royal Hobart Hospital.

From her early days as a GPRA trainee member to leading national GP advocacy efforts, Karyn shares her insights on the persistence required to shape the future of general practice.

 

How and when were you involved with GPRA?

I was a member for many years throughout my training, maintaining a connection to the organisation as I progressed through my career. However, for a long time, that involvement was relatively superficial — what I’d call “passive membership.”

That changed significantly over the last four years when I stepped into a Board role and eventually the Presidency. Moving into leadership provided a much deeper, hands-on perspective on the vital work GPRA does, which is a world away from the experience of a general member.

What did you learn through GPRA that has stayed with you and shaped your career or leadership journey?

The most profound lesson I learned through GPRA is that meaningful change requires a level of persistence that must be constantly maintained, driven, and focused from a strategic level. I realised that everything we do — even the smaller decisions regarding sponsors or how we are viewed externally — has a direct flow-on effect on our reputation and our ability to achieve our goals.

This experience fuelled my passion for advocacy, particularly around the medical workforce and the protection of our hard-earned qualifications. In an era where the community is often confused about the complexities of primary health care, it is essential that we set clear standards. We must ensure the public understands what specialist general practitioners and rural generalists do, and as a professional group, we must ensure that care remains continuous, high-quality, and unfragmented.

Looking back, how would you describe GPRA’s evolution as an organisation over the past 25 years?

Reflecting as a former member, President, and now alumna, I am most struck by the organisation’s growth in influence and “gravitas.” I am incredibly grateful for the foundational involvement of figures like Professor John Murtagh and Professor Michael Kidd.

As Patrons, they set the highest possible benchmarks in education and the development of the future GP workforce. Their involvement helped shape GPRA into an organisation that is held in the highest esteem across the industry, providing a strong platform for the leaders who followed.

In 25 words or less, what should the next 25 years look like for GPRA?

GPRA needs continued strategic drive and persistence to shape a bright and beautiful future for general practice and our specialist generalist workforce.

If you could give one piece of advice to today’s future GPs, what would it be?

“Just do it!”. I want to acknowledge that it is a difficult decision to make when you are moving out of pre-vocational training, but it is a journey that is as rewarding as it is challenging. It is a worthwhile path that we have worked hard to support over many years. Ultimately, it’s the best job in the world.

Finish this sentence: “GPRA’s impact on general practice in Australia has been…”

“…the development of the leaders of the future.”

 

About GPRA
General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is the national independent voice for future GPs in Australia (www.gpra.org.au) 

Note: The views shared in GPRA’s 25th anniversary interviews reflect the personal experiences and perspectives of each contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of General Practice Registrars Australia.