Australia’s next generation of GPs now have a powerful new clinical resource at their fingertips, with the official launch of the 4th edition of the GP Companion at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney last night.

The GP Companion – produced by General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) – is a compact, easy-to-use reference guide created specifically for medical students, pre-vocational doctors and GP registrars.

The newest edition, now available in print and eBook format, was officially launched by GPRA Patron, and incoming Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Michael Kidd AO, alongside GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie.

The event brought together students, GP registrars, medical educators, and senior stakeholders from across the general practice and medical education communities.

In his keynote address, Professor Kidd reflected on the origins of GPRA – an organisation he supported over two decades ago to strengthen general practice training and encourage more young doctors to choose general practice as a career.

“Many years ago, I was pleased to be able to support a group of GP registrars who sought to advocate for a national, independent organisation that would promote general practice and support future GPs,” said Professor Kidd.

“I’m proud to say that vision became GPRA, which today continues to be a vital voice for students, pre-vocational doctors, GP registrars and new Fellows.”

He also shared the story of how the GP Companion began – originally the idea of medical students who wanted a simple, pocket-sized reference to use during hospital placements and GP rotations.

“That first edition was a grassroots effort by students, with support from GP mentors,” he said. “Since then, the GP Companion has grown in both scope and reputation.

“It’s now authored, reviewed and edited by experienced GPs and medical educators, and continues to be used across the full spectrum of training – from students to new Fellows.

“The impact of this little pocket-sized book cannot be underestimated. It showcases the breadth and depth of general practice, and for some, it’s helped shape their medical careers – encouraging them to pursue general practice.”

GPRA President Dr Chris Dickie, who recently completed his Fellowship exams, said the new edition of the GP Companion is an essential tool for today’s trainees.

“As someone who sat the exams just last year, I know how important it is to have practical, reliable resources,” Dr Dickie said.

“The GP Companion is exactly that – a go-to guide that sits on your desk, in your pocket, or now, as a tab open on your laptop or phone.

“Thanks to the work of Dr Daniel Mogg – GPRA’s Medical Educator – we’ve added new content, expanded key sections and released the Companion in both print and eBook formats.

“We’ve also made sure it’s affordable and accessible to all – because support shouldn’t come with a price tag that adds to the pressure of training.”

Professor Kidd praised the GP Companion as a valuable tool in supporting quality patient care, especially for GPs working in rural and remote areas.

“We’ve heard from doctors who keep a copy of the GP Companion in their car while visiting rural communities – just in case there’s no internet access,” he said.

“There’s truly no other resource like it.”

The launch event was hosted by UNSW’s General Practice Students Network (GPSN) Club Chair Dineshe Mohanarajah and attended by GPSN National Chair Kei Hsieh, Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand CEO Kate Lynch, representatives from universities across Sydney, and GPRA members from all stages of the GP training journey.

Dr Dickie said the resource was part of GPRA’s broader commitment to supporting future GPs.

“This is just one of a series of new resources GPRA is rolling out this year,” he said.

“We know the road to Fellowship can be stressful, and we’re here to provide the tools and support our members need – every step of the way.”

The 4th Edition of the GP Companion is now available through Wiley Publishing and GPRA, with the digital version priced at just $18 and the printed edition at $30 (with bonus access to the e-book version with every printed version ordered).