16 June 2017


RACGP members receive Queen's Birthday Honours

The RACGP extends sincere congratulations to all GPs acknowledged in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. These members have shown tireless dedication and commitment to primary healthcare and community wellbeing in Australia. Congratulations to:

Members (AM) in the General Division

  • Dr Tim Mooney
  • Dr Catherine Regan

Order of Australia Medals (OAM) in the General Division

  • Dr Roger Davidson
  • Dr Geoff Harding
  • Dr John Kramer
  • Professor John Marley
  • Dr Robert Rogers
  • Dr Mehdi Sanati Pour
  • Dr Hugh Seward

The RACGP acknowledges all other GPs and healthcare professionals recognised in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

If you know an RACGP member on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List who is not included above, please contact media@racgp.org.au.


RACGP faculty elections – Nominations now open

Nominations for elected positions on the RACGP Faculty Boards are now open and close at 5.00 pm Thursday 13 July 2017 (AEST).

The RACGP Faculty Boards play an important role in shaping the way general practice is delivered across Australia. For early career GPs, Faculty Board membership offers the opportunity to advance your career and broaden your network. For experienced GPs, participation on a Faculty Board allows you to share your experience and help mentor the next generation.

Nomination forms must be completed in full and must comply with the RACGP Elections Policy.

Visit the RACGP website or contact your local faculty for more information.


Outcomes of the RACGP extraordinary general meeting

More than 2600 GPs around Australia and overseas participated in the RACGP’s first online extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Wednesday 14 June.

RACGP members voted against both Special Resolution 1 and Special Resolution 2.

Thank you to all members involved during and in the lead up to the EGM.

Log in to shareGP for more information, including a copy of the official letter of meeting outcomes and a recording of the meeting.


Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce reports released – Member feedback sought

The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce has released six reports for public consultation. Each report contains draft recommendations from a clinical committee or working group, and some recommendations will affect you, your practice and your patients. Following the public consultation period, the MBS Review Taskforce will provide recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration.

The RACGP is seeking member feedback on these recommendations in order to inform its response to the MBS Review Taskforce.

Visit the RACGP consultations page before Friday 23 June to access the report and provide your feedback to the RACGP.


Influenza vaccination during pregnancy

Vaccination remains the best protection that pregnant women and babies have against influenza during pregnancy, which can lead to premature delivery and even death in newborns and very young babies.

Although influenza vaccination is available free to pregnant women on the National Immunisation Program, vaccination rates remain low with only one in three pregnant women receiving the vaccine. Pregnant women can have the vaccine at any time during pregnancy and they benefit from it through the year.

Visit the Immunise Australia website for further information.


Clinical Pearl: Bowel cancer awareness

Many patients who are at high risk of bowel cancer are unaware of their risk. A strong family history is an important predictor of being at high risk of bowel cancer.

GPs can ask their patients to complete the family history screening questionnaire (FHSQ) to help identify who those who may require a more detailed assessment. It will also prompt patients to think and learn more about their family history.

A patient who has a positive response to any question of the FHSQ will require follow-up with a more detailed assessment of their family history. This includes determining the number of relatives affected by colorectal cancer (CRC), their age at diagnosis and the side of the family affected. You should also ask about the prevalence of other cancers within the family which may be associated with Lynch syndrome. One method GPs may find useful to remember cancers associated with Lynch syndrome is to use the acronym BOUGE:

B - brain

O - ovarian

U - urothelial

G - gastric

E - endometrial

Visit the RACGP Red Book for more information on identifying patients with increased risk of CRC or to download the FHSQ.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor