The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Marles as President-elect.
Dr Marles is set to take over the reigns as the RACGP’s 26th President-elect from Professor Claire Jackson who has led the College since 2010.
A practising GP in Hornsby NSW, Dr Marles has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to advocate for and on behalf of her profession across all areas of general practice.
“It is a great honour to be elected RACGP President for the period 2012–2014 at a time when primary care is seen as the future for managing the health needs of Australia, and the RACGP is thriving with record membership,” Dr Marles said.
“As president, my vision is for a united general practice community celebrating our profession and leading the way through the challenging changes within the primary care sector. I have the skills, I have the enthusiasm and I am proud to be the incoming president.”
Professor Jackson expressed her support for the College’s new leader, noting Dr Marles’ extensive involvement with the College to-date.
“Dr Marles has served the College since 2010 as Vice President and NSW&ACT Faculty Chair since 2008, displaying an unerring commitment to the College and a passion to advance the standing of general practice in Australia.
“In addition to holding these key College positions, Dr Marles has actively participated as a member of College Council, demonstrated her passion for general practice training through her involvement as a General Practice Education and training (GPET) Board member, and shown her commitment to indigenous health and the Close the Gap initiative through her ongoing clinical service to Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service.”
Professor Claire Jackson’s term as President officially comes to a close at the conclusion of the 2012 Annual General Meeting taking place from 8.30am–9.30am on Thursday 25 October; at this time the appointment of Dr Marles as President takes effect.
RACGP elections are governed by the requirements of the College’s Constitution (www.racgp.org.au/constitution) and Elections policy (www.racgp.org.au/policy/council). This year the RACGP appointed external Returning Officer, Mr. Richard Kidd from the Australian Election Company (AEC) to manage the electronic voting facility. A secure online ballot was conducted and managed independently by Mr Kidd.