The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) applauds Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP Past President and practising general practitioner (GP), on being awarded the honour of Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day 2013 Honours List.
The prestigious Order of Australia celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians and whose service has made a significant difference to Australian life or to humanity at large.
Dr Christopher Mitchell was recognised for significant service to medicine as a general practitioner through leadership roles in clinical practice, education and professional organisations.
Dr Mitchell said, "General practice is the best job in medicine and this award recognises the central place of our profession in the health of the community. I've had the honour of being able to work with GPs from inner city practices to, regional and remote areas, and in those working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings, and I am so proud of what our profession is and does. This is an award that recognises all of our work commitment and achievements.
Dr Liz Marles, RACGP President, said the public appointment is testament to Dr Mitchell's ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of care and access to health services for all people living in Australia.
"In his role as RACGP President (2008 – 2010), Dr Mitchell demonstrated his dedication to the profession through the implementation of a number of significant changes within the College including making assessment processes more accessible to doctors in workforce shortage areas via regional exams and modular training programs, and supporting the profession in moving to government funded training," Dr Marles said.
"Dr Mitchell has worked hard to strengthen and unify the voice of general practice, building solid relationships with like-minded health organisations. This collaborative approach enabled improved negotiations with government, particularly in the area of health reform, resulting in new policy decisions supporting and promoting the role of primary healthcare across Australia.
Holding a passion for rural and remote healthcare, Dr Mitchell was fundamental in the establishment of the College's National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health – the first dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander College faculty in Australia. He also served as Chair of the College's National Rural Faculty as well as the Board of the Rural Doctors Network (RDN), New South Wales Rural Workforce Agency, and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).
"Dr Mitchell is a wonderful ambassador for Australian general practice. His influence over the profession was bolstered by being named one of the 25 most influential people in Australian general practice by Australian Doctor magazine in 2010," Dr Marles said.
"He has a passion, knowledge and vision for general practice that is second to none, and has spent countless hours and much energy focused on improving the health systems that support GPs deliver high quality outcomes for their patients and the Australian community."
Dr Mitchell currently works part-time at the Lennox Head Medical Centre with a strong focus in the prevention and management of skin cancers, diabetes, and lung and heart disease. He has been a champion of e-health and continues to work hard to drive the implementation of new technologies and innovations in this space.
More information on Dr Chris Mitchell and the Australia Day Honours is available on the Australian Government's 'It's an Honour' website.
The RACGP congratulates all general practitioners and primary healthcare professionals recognised in the Australia Day Honours.