Associate Professor Bernard Shiu (Author, The General Practice Playbook: The Australian Guide to Starting Up for Success)
As the Clinical Director of Banksia Medical Centre across the Geelong region, Associate Professor Bernard Shiu works at the intersection of clinical leadership and workforce mentorship.
Here, the author of new book The General Practice Playbook: The Australian Guide to Starting Up for Success shares his framework for navigating contemporary workforce shortages and claiming clinical autonomy.
“Paradoxically, the very complexity that makes people hesitate is exactly why we need more GP-owned practices right now,” says Bernard.
“Corporate consolidation is accelerating, and if GPs don’t step up to own and lead practices, someone else will – and the values that define great general practice will be diluted.”
Bernard was named Victoria GP of the Year in 2020, and his practice was awarded Victoria and National General Practice of the Year 2023 – proof that GP ownership is not just viable, but deeply rewarding.
New book helps bridge the professional preparation gap
Bernard’s extensive career includes over a decade as an RACGP Examiner and supervisor. Through these roles, he identified a significant gap in training: medicine invests heavily in clinical skills, but often leaves future leaders unprepared for the business, governance, and leadership realities of running a clinic.
To bridge this gap, Bernard recently authored The General Practice Playbook. For him, the book is a strategic tool to protect the long-term clinical autonomy of the profession.
“The projected shortfall of over 6,000 GPs by 2048 isn’t just a workforce numbers problem; it’s a leadership vacuum,” he explains.
“A GP who owns their practice can design the model of care they believe in, attract like-minded colleagues, and serve their community for decades.”
Finding “Blue Oceans” and building green models
Bernard advises new owners to steer clear of head-to-head corporate competition by discovering “Blue Oceans” – completely underserved pockets of community need.
“Chronic fatigue and post-infection conditions – what we now understand as Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, and ME/CFS – are dramatically underserved,” Bernard says.
After establishing the Geelong Long COVID Clinic, the demand was immediate. “A New Fellow who builds expertise here will have a full book within months.”
Innovation at Banksia Medical Centre also extends to environmental sustainability through a formal Greening Operational Plan.
Bernard has found that solar panels and reducing clinical consumables pay back financially within a few years, while acting as a major recruitment asset.
“Staff increasingly want to work somewhere whose values align with theirs. A practice that takes sustainability seriously attracts and retains better people – it’s an investment in your employer brand.”
Harnessing technology to protect the human touch
Bernard is a strong advocate for integrating technology into everyday workflows to automate high-frequency, low-complexity tasks like appointment recalls and digital intake forms. However, his philosophy balances operational efficiency with absolute clinical integrity.
“AI will not replace general practice, but it will replace practices that do not embrace it,” Bernard emphasises.
“The goal isn’t to remove the human element – it’s to protect it. AI handles the repetitive; your people handle the patient-facing irreplaceable.”
Empowering future owners with financial reality
What excites Bernard most is giving registrars the practical skills and confidence to make the leap into ownership safely. His most vital piece of advice for surviving the first 12 to 18 months centres on rigid financial liquidity.
“Most new practice owners underestimate how long it takes for billings to translate into reliable cash flow,” he warns.
“Your most important buffer is cash – not profit, not revenue, cash. I recommend having a minimum of six months of fixed operating costs in reserve before you open the doors. That buffer allows you to make good decisions rather than desperate ones.”
Exclusive GPRA Member Offer
As part of GPRA’s commitment to supporting business education in training, we are thrilled to partner with Associate Professor Bernard Shiu to offer our members an exclusive discount.
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, GPRA members receive a 25% discount on The General Practice Playbook. Use the code GPRA25 at checkout.
