RACGP history essays

The year 2008 marked the golden jubilee of the foundation of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). To celebrate this event the college created an online history to record its story, and an online museum of general practice artefacts.

The history of the RACGP is presented here:

Valuing the General Practitioner in Australian Society

By Dr Fay Woodhouse, Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Historical Studies, The University of Melbourne
The successes of the first fifty years of the College – in developing education, research and preventative medicine programs – reflect the dedicated work of talented and enthusiastic general practitioners. The founding fathers (and they were all men) were committed to the practical pursuit of their specialisation as well as their commitment to the wellbeing of the Australian public.

Australian General Practice - A celebration

By Dr Eric Fisher RACGP President 1986-1988
Fifty years ago a group of dedicated general practitioners in Australia determined to follow the lead of the British college and to establish a kindred academic body. This college would define the discipline of general practice as it is practised in Australia.

Cum scientia caritas 'with skill, tender loving care'

By Dr Fay Woodhouse, Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Historical Studies, The University of Melbourne
In 2007, the family of the late Robyn Cronnolly bequeathed to the RACGP a sum of money to be used for a history project. Robyn was a member of staff from 1994 until her untimely death in 2006. At the request of her family, this essay has been commissioned to celebrate the positive contributions made to the College by its staff and Members since its inception in 1958. The scope of this project has enabled only a small number of staff who have made their own significant contribution to the College to be highlighted. It is hoped that a much larger and updated history of the College would allow the time and space to more fully explore the contributions of a wider range of people who have influenced the College by their presence, their dedication and their individual initiatives.