About the Foundation

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation > About the Foundation

Last updated 14 November 2024

Our mission

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is committed to addressing the evolving health needs of patients and communities across Australia through innovative research. Our mission is to fund and support research that advances general practice and benefits all Australians by:

Improving patient care – Funding studies that lead to more effective and efficient treatments, interventions and diagnostic tools that directly impact care and improve patient outcomes.
Informing healthcare policy and guidelines – Investing in research that can shape national healthcare policies, clinical guidelines and best practices, ensuring they are informed by the latest evidence and meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Empowering our healthcare professionals – Supporting the translation of research findings into practical resources and professional development opportunities, helping GPs and healthcare teams stay at the forefront of their field.
Building healthier communities – Advancing general practice research to create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system that benefits every Australian, now and in the future.

Our history

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation traces its origins back to the early 1960s when it was established as the Family Medical Care Education and Research (FMCER) Foundation to support educational and research initiatives across the RACGP. In 2004, the RACGP Foundation replaced the FMCER, shifting its focus to funding research conducted by RACGP fellows and encouraging greater GP involvement in research.

In recent years, the Foundation has broadened its focus to support innovative research led by GPs and GP registrars, often involving multidisciplinary teams but always directly relevant to general practice. It has also placed increasing emphasis on translating research into practical applications within everyday general practice, ensuring that research findings have a meaningful impact on patient care.

The Foundation’s recent rebranding as the Australian General Practice Research Foundation aims to better reflect its dedication to fostering research and innovation that benefits not only the general practice community but all Australians, ensuring that the Foundation remains a vital contributor to the advancement of healthcare in Australia.

Our governance & structure

The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is structured as an internal fund of the RACGP. Day-to-day management of the Foundation is undertaken by RACGP staff, with strategic oversight from the Foundation Committee; a sub-committee of the RACGP Board. All administration and fundraising costs are covered by the RACGP, ensuring that 100% of the Foundation’s revenue is directed to its charitable purpose.

Our people

Sarah Lance – Foundation Committee Chair

Non-Executive Director – Your Side Australia Ltd, NORTEC. Former CEO – St Johns Australia

Sarah Lance, AICD, MBA Executive, B.Ed. is a respected Non-Executive Director, CEO, and Consultant with extensive experience in leadership, governance, and strategic change across the health services and private sectors. She focuses on fostering innovation and sustainable growth.

As Chair of the Foundation Committee, Sarah ensures that general practice research informs education, policy, and practice, strengthening the profession and Australia's health.

Julie Toma – Foundation Committee Member

Non-Executive Director – Western NSW Primary Health Network, Friendly Pharmacy, Barbara May Foundation. Former Executive Director – CatholicCare Sydney.

Julie Toma, MBA, AICD, BAppSc(BiomedSc) is an executive leader dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing across Australia.
With expertise in strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement within global corporations and the NFP sector, she drives innovation and ensures that general practice research delivers community impact. Julie also serves on several health-focused boards, contributing her strategic insight.

Alexandra Struthers – Foundation Committee Member

CEO – WWF Australia. Former Director – HomeMade Digital, GM Fundraising – Leukaemia Foundation, GM Individual Giving – Make-A-Wish Australia.

Alexandra Struthers, AICD, BSocSc(Psych) is an executive leader with extensive General Management experience, overseeing large teams and managing $50M+ in annual income.

Her expertise spans digital transformation, fundraising, and strategic planning, driving impactful growth for not-for-profits across Australia and the UK. She joins the Foundation Committee, passionate about ensuring evidence-based research shapes effective healthcare policy.

A/Prof Joel Rhee – Foundation Committee Member

Head of General Practice and Associate Professor – UNSW Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health. Member – RACGP Expert Committee – Research. Chair – RACGP Specific Interests Cancer and Palliative Care.

A/Prof Joel Rhee, BSc(Med), MBBS (Hons 1), GCULT, PhD, FRACGP, leads the Discipline of General Practice at UNSW Sydney's School of Clinical Medicine.

A dedicated teacher, researcher, and clinician, he focuses on advancing research that brings practical improvements to healthcare delivery. Joel represents the RACGP Expert Committee–Research on the Foundation Committee.

Dr Taryn Elliott – Research & Foundation Manager

Dr. Taryn Elliott, PhD (Psych), leads the Foundation and RACGP Research team, championing GP-led research to drive progress, innovation, and sustainability in general practice, with a strong focus on enhancing health outcomes for patients and communities across Australia.

As a strategic leader with extensive healthcare experience, Taryn is dedicated to creating impactful programs that foster positive change and collaboration.

Lisa Colquhoun – Program Manager, Foundation

Lisa Colquhoun, MPhil, BA (Hons 1) leads the development and execution of the Foundation’s growth and grantmaking strategies to ensure its ongoing support for research that enhances patient care across Australia.

With extensive experience in not-for-profit development across community services, health, education, and international development, Lisa is passionate about empowering purpose-driven organisations to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Anna Cornish – Program Coordinator, Foundation

Anna Cornish, MBA, Dip Eng is an innovative and driven coordinator with experience in quality, communications, and marketing within regional non-profit and health sectors.

Known for her collaborative approach, Anna excels in developing impactful campaigns and strategic initiatives. Excited to be part of this team, she is passionate about improving community outcomes and driving Foundation growth.

Sue Byrne – Research & Foundation Administrator

Sue Byrne has extensive experience in supporting general practice and primary healthcare. A passionate advocate for improving patient outcomes, she is dedicated to advancing evidence-based care and helping GPs deliver quality healthcare across Australia.

Sue’s commitment to supporting both members and staff, along with her collaborative approach and insight, make her a valued contributor to the Foundation.