The profession-led community-based training project was again reviewed in depth, with a focus on the key stakeholder relationships, funding arrangements and resourcing.
The Board also discussed the upcoming AGM (scheduled for 7.30 pm AEST on 17 November via zoom across Australia) and the important voting issues being presented to members. The profession-led community-based training resolution is of particular significance, as it represents an opportunity for members to support the Federal Government policy to bring general practice training back home to the college.
Another key decision we made was to commence the process of establishing a standalone Northern Territory Faculty, which will assist in delivering improved healthcare throughout the NT and aligns with RACGP’s strategic vision. The Board also approved plans for office arrangements in Sydney and North Queensland.
The new RACGP Specific Interests Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Neurodiversity group was established as part of the RACGP SI Faculty under the leadership of Dr Lara Roeske. The Board also approved a number of new RACGP Expert Committee (REC) members.
The Board evaluated the upcoming arrangements for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam, which will continue in paper format while a new fit-for-purpose and customised exam platform is being built for the RACGP.
Upon review, we also determined to freeze CPD fees for the next six months.
Although we will briefly come together prior to the AGM next month, this was the final substantive Board meeting for WA Chair Dr Sean Stevens and SA&NT Chair Dr Zak Baig. We recognise their efforts and thank them for their contributions to the RACGP and, ultimately, to our members and patients throughout Australia.
Finally, the Board officially welcomed the RACGP’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Wappett. Paul will formally assume the role on Monday 8 November and will be based in our East Melbourne office.
Paul was most recently CEO of the Australian Institute of Business, and prior to that he was CEO of Open Universities Australia. He joins the RACGP at a critical time, and I’ll be assisting him over the next week or two so he can ‘hit the ground running’ before I step away from the Executive Chair role and revert to my previous position as Chair of the Board.
It’s been an enjoyable challenge leading the Executive for the past couple of months and I’m excited to support Paul in continuing to move the RACGP forward.