Dr Oliver Frank
Dr Frank is a GP Advocate for the State Electorate of Torrens, South Australia. He has been a GP for nearly 50 years, and is now turning his wisdom and experience towards educating members of parliament on the role GPs play in primary care; building relationships through sharing information and advice.
How long have you been a GP, where do you work, and what made you choose a career in general practice?
I have been a GP since 1979, which is before GPs were recognised as such under Medicare (there were only ‘medical specialists’ and ‘others’). I work in an inner suburb of Adelaide, co-located with a large number of colleagues providing mainstream care. I chose a career in general practice in my days at medical school, because I wanted to provide long term comprehensive care to a group of my own usual patients.
What made you want to become an Advocate? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you to pursue advocacy?
I became an Advocate because I had felt guilty for too many years that I had not responded to the RACGP’s advice to members that most members of our Parliaments know little about the health care system and its problems, and even less about general practice. This makes it important for us to meet with them to answer their questions and provide information that they need so that they can best represent their constituents.
You’re a champion for connection amongst GP Advocates: What makes connection such a valuable asset to GPs?
It’s the same as connection between any group of individuals who are working towards a common goal: It enables people to learn from each other about how to be more effective, to know more about what is happening outside their own activities, to coordinate to convey the same message, to see where there are gaps in their joint campaign and to inspire and encourage each other.
What’s your biggest tip for successful advocacy?
Measuring the outcomes or success of our advocacy is difficult, because there are many other forces that influence events. One measure of success might be if our local MPs or candidates start calling us for information or advice. Another might be if they start mentioning that their policy, or what they are taking to their party room (if they are in a party) or the parliament, is a result of discussions that they have had with us.