Your new RACGP faculty councillors
We’re delighted to announce the new RACGP faculty council representatives elected in the recently contested electorates.
We also welcome new faculty council representatives who secured positions in the uncontested electorates.
Visit the RACGP website to see the full list of
successful candidates.
Meet the 2020 RACGP Award state winners
Congratulations to all of the exceptional GPs, supervisors, GPs in training and general practices across Australia who have been awarded an RACGP Award for their state.
We were very happy to receive a record number of nominations for this year’s awards.
Visit the RACGP website to find out who the finalists are in the 2020 RACGP Awards.
National winners will be announced at GP20 on Friday 20 November 2020.
Register now for the Rural Member Forum
Join rural and remote colleagues at the RACGP Rural Member Forum on Saturday 10 October 2020. This free online event combines the annual member meeting, rural education and networking.
Special guest Assoc Prof Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner, will provide an update on the Federal Government’s current and upcoming rural and remote health priorities.
We’ll review RACGP Rural’s key achievements over the last 12 months and recognise our award winners for their contribution to rural general practice.
You can then select from one of four rural education sessions covering various rural- and remote-specific topics, followed by digital networking with your colleagues from around Australia.
Register on the RACGP website.
Generally Speaking: Changes to Fellowship exams
Listen to this week’s episode to get the inside track on recent changes to the Fellowship exams with Dr Tess van Duuren, Acting RACGP Censor-in-Chief, and Dr Krystyna de Lange, Chair of the RACGP National Faculty for GPs in Training.
Much like everything else in 2020, the Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been affected by COVID-19 – but the pandemic wasn’t the only driver of change.
Find out more as hosts Dr Billy Stoupas and Dr Gillian Singleton discuss the new Remote Clinical Exam and why it was time for a renewal.
Listen to the latest episode.
Recent updates to the Australian Immunisation Handbook
Immunisation is an essential health service during the COVID-19 and health professionals must maintain routine services.
Recording Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
This can be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIR). It’s not be recorded on any other government database and doesn’t not need to be the same as Medicare.
Catch-up schedule to display on immunisation history statement
To be eligible for family payments, children’s immunisation must meet government requirements. One of the following must apply:
- Be immunised according to National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood schedule
- Be on an approved catch-up vaccination schedule (schedule and expiry will now display on top of history statement)
- Have a valid exemption
Amended pneumococcal rules and the introduction of reminder letters for older Australians
On 1 July 2020, the recommended age for older Australians to receive pneumococcal vaccine changed from 65 to 70. The recommended age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is 50.
Vaccination against shingles is still recommended for people from the age of 70 and can be administered at same time as pneumococcal vaccine.
A reminder letter is now sent to everyone who is eligible for a pneumococcal and/or shingles vaccination.
Find out more on the Australian Government website.
Webinar: Financing the dream
Do you dream of owning your own practice?
Purchasing your own medical practice is a significant commitment and there are a number of factors to consider before choosing the right path for you. In this webinar, BOQ Specialist will take you through the options and equip you with the necessary financial knowledge during this webinar.
Thursday 22 October 2020, 7.00–8.00pm (AEDT)
Find out more and register on the RACGP website.
Veteran health
The Veteran Health Check is an opportunity for veterans to gain access to a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment, and establish a relationship with a GP.
It’s also an opportunity for GPs to build an understanding of a veteran patient’s health and wellbeing, and identify and address any physical and mental health conditions common in the years following transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and any new conditions that may arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find out more on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.