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2008-2009

A strong voice for general practice

2008–2009 presented plenty of challenges, from the Australian Government’s health reform agenda to the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1). These challenges reinforced the central role of general practice in our health system.

It was also a year of change. Within the college, we said farewell to David Wright, immediate past RACGP CEO. Over more than 5 years, David made a great contribution to our college. During his time our college was rebuilt and its finances stabilised, with total membership growing by almost 42%. David made a valued contribution to our college and to Australian general practice. Zena Burgess, our new CEO, brings new skills to the position. She has begun a new chapter for our college, bringing in significant internal reform, refocusing on our members’ needs and resourcing the new directions set by council. The college’s stability, sound management, and record membership levels ensure our voice is heard in the health reform debate, and the next few years will be an exciting time for general practice and for the college.

The major focus of this council has been general practice unity. We have a strong, effective and united council with a great range of skills and experience and new members who bring with them fresh ideas and enthusiasm. The college has helped bring our profession together through United General Practice Australia. This new general practice group allows member organisations – The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association, Australian General Practice Network, Rural Doctors Association of Australia, General Practice Registrars Australia and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine – to speak with one voice on matters central to the future of general practice. Unity is critical to general practice achieving better recognition and reward. The college has also strengthened its direct relationship with individual medical groups, including our partnership with the AMA on national accreditation, with the AGPN to support the central role of general practice in managing human swine flu in our communities, and through the development of a strong collaborative relationship with ACRRM to build a new future for general practice vocational training.

General practice is now acknowledged by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Committee of Medical Presidents as a medical speciality. The standards of our Fellowships and QA&CPD programs were reaccredited this year by the AMC for a further 4 years – the maximum period possible.

We have increased the flexibility of our examination. The RACGP now delivers examinations around Australia. Exams are now offered in regional centres and remote locations, as well as in cities; some segments are even offered overseas. Candidates can now sit each segment of the examination individually, and at their own pace. Candidates now only need to repeat the segment they fail, and passes in each segment can be held for 3 years. Detailed review of the validity and reliability of each segment has allowed the college to increase the exam’s flexibility without threatening the high standard of our Fellowship.

Our FRACGP is now a truly international award, with Fellowship standards being recognised this year in Canada, in addition to New Zealand and Ireland, where they are already recognised. We also continue to deliver conjoint examinations in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Work is continuing on further developing our Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice; enrolments in that award are at record levels.

At this time of major health reform it is important to reflect that general practice is leading the reform charge. We are a stronger and prouder profession and we know the value of our work. The international evidence clearly shows both the benefits of general practice and the inefficiencies, costs and risks of further fragmentation in the delivery of care.

Peter Franks has shown us that with a GP rather than a specialist as the primary provider of care, patients are 19% less likely to die and can expect a 33% saving in the cost of their care. This is compelling evidence of the improved health outcomes delivered through general practice.

Publication Date: 4 September 2009
Authorised By: Council