Introduction

As a doctor practising in Australia, each year you must allocate CPD time to consider and develop your Professionalism and Ethical practice according to your scope of practice and role(s).

Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia (the code) states that:

Doctors have a duty to make the care of patients their first concern and to practise medicine safely and effectively. They must be ethical and trustworthy. Doctors have a responsibility to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community. 

Professionalism includes self-awareness and self-reflection as well as a duty to keep their skills and knowledge up to date, refine and develop their clinical judgment as they gain experience, and contribute to their profession.

Getting started

When planning your annual CPD we suggest that you start with the Good Medical Practice: A code of conduct for doctors in Australia (the code). The code describes what is expected of all doctors registered to practise medicine in Australia.¹

Becoming familiar, and maintaining your understanding of the code is important, valuable, and helps you meet the annual requirement of one (1) activity for professionalism and one (1) activity for ethical practice.

You determine your priorities and CPD hours, however, you must do at least one activity each year relating to both professionalism and ethical practice. Completing the reflection as outlined in your annual Professional Development Plan (PDP) will help you meet this requirement. To complete your PDP, login to myCPD home and open the PDP tool.

Consider the range of resources and activities offered by your medical defence organisation. Some might be RACGP CPD approved activities, whereas others (including reading and reflection) you can log for your program-level requirements.

How do I get more information about these two program-level requirements?

• Contact your local CPD team.
• Connect with the Business of Being a GP specific interest group.
• The RACGP’s evidence-based resources, guidelines and standards are developed by members. To get involved, use the nomination process to participate on one of the RACGP’s advisory committees.