COVID-19 online member meet-up: Tuesday 28 April
Join RACGP Rural’s fortnightly online meet-ups to connect with your rural and remote colleagues and share your experiences in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During these one-hour sessions, we’ll share real rural GP stories from around Australia and create a forum for discussion.
Our next meet-up on Tuesday 28 April at 7.00 pm AEST will be hosted by rural GP Dr Ashlea Broomfield. Hear from Dr Margaret Swenson in Moranbah, Queensland, and Chair of RACGP Rural Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, on the community collaboration strategies they’ve implemented to deliver local solutions in combatting COVID-19.
Visit Zoom to register.
EOIs for COVID-19 and general practice research close 24 April
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to GPs in Australia and internationally. GPs are playing a central role on the frontline of care while also managing the everyday needs of their patients and adapting to new ways of consulting. The evidence base around COVID-19 is evolving, and it is important to understand the pandemic’s impact on general practice.
In response to this situation, the RACGP Foundation and HCF Research Foundation are coming together to fund research projects relating to COVID-19 and general practice.
Expressions of interest are now open for high-quality research projects relating to COVID-19 and general practice.
Find out more about the grant via the RACGP website.
Calling all non-vocationally registered doctors
Start your journey to RACGP Fellowship with the Practice Experience Program (PEP). The PEP helps you expand your role in general practice and access A1 Medicare rebates with a PEP provider number.
With a tailored online learning package and GP mentor support, the PEP helps you build valuable knowledge on your path to Fellowship.
So unlock your practice potential and be a step ahead of exam eligibility changes in 2022. Apply now and advance your career in regional, remote or rural Australia. Visit the RACGP website for details. Applications are now open until Monday 4 May.
Call for feedback: Senate inquiry into COVID-19
A Senate Select Committee is reviewing the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RACGP will provide submissions to the Committee and we are keen to receive your feedback on a number of issues.
Visit the RACGP website for more information on providing feedback.
Distance learning and mental health training
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is committed to working with our member organisations to ensure the impact on training and educational opportunities for GPs are minimised during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes encouraging accredited training providers to develop accredited education via distance learning.
We appreciate your patience during this time as we work hard to streamline processes that will help us continue to accredit high-quality mental health training and education.
Visit the GPMHSC website to access a list of accredited training and educational activities.
National Medical Workforce Strategy submission
The RACGP has submitted a response to the National Medical Workforce Steering Committee on proposed solutions to issues that affect the current and future medical workforce.
The RACGP aims to ensure that general practice is considered at the forefront of future workforce planning.
It recommends we prioritise solutions that support general practice and incentivise general practice careers.
This includes plans to:
- raise the profile and prestige of general practice
- increase trainee numbers
- modernise and improve the Medicare Benefits Schedule
- support the rollout of the rural generalist program.
Read the submission on the RACGP website.