The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recognised the outstanding commitment to Australian general practice made by Associate Professor Morton Rawlin, a general practitioner from Surrey Hills, Victoria, awarding him with the RACGP’s most prestigious honour, the Rose-Hunt Award.
Awarded to an individual who has rendered outstanding service in the promotion of the aims and objectives of the RACGP, the Rose-Hunt Award commemorates the founding members of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr Fraser Rose and Lord Hunt of Fawley.
Presenting the award on the eve of the GP13 conference in Darwin, Dr Liz Marles, RACGP President, congratulated A/Prof Rawlin and acknowledged his commitment and outstanding service to the College, the profession, and to the communities he has served for the past 20 years.
“A/Prof Rawlin has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the improvement and extension of Australian general practice for many years.
“He has advocated soundly on behalf of the RACGP and the general practice profession. He continually drives forward his specialty areas to instigate positive change for patients and GPs alike, demonstrating great understanding of the College’s objectives and the profession’s needs.
“This award aptly recognises A/Prof Rawlin’s extensive experience and commitment in guiding the RACGP and members,” Dr Marles said.
Having a long standing interest in competency assessment and training and specialising in standards and teaching in general practice, dermatology and mental health, A/Prof Rawlin has held a number of influential roles within the College.
Dr Marles said that it is through his current roles as Chair of the RACGP Victoria Faculty and the RACGP National Faculty of Specific Interests (NFSI) and Council member, A/Prof Rawlin has been the driving force behind some of the College’s greatest successes.
“A/Prof Rawlin was one of the driving forces behind the development of the RACGP’s NFSI and continues to highlight the value of recognising GPs with specific skills and expertise, enabling the RACGP to develop networks of GPs who can share their expertise and provide guidance in specific interest areas within general practice.
“It is A/Prof Rawlin’s extensive experience in general practice medical education at all levels and his commitment to specialty areas that has made him a popular general practice supervisor, medical educator and mentor,” Dr Marles said.
A/Prof Rawlin has held a number of mental health related roles over the past years and is representing the College on a number of committees, including the General Practice Education and Training Board. The role of RACGP Director of Education involved oversight of education across the RACGP, including prevocational, vocational and international medical graduate education, fellowship assessment, resource development and the RACGP’s continuing professional development program. His extensive consultation and oversight of the development of the 2005 vocational training standards was invaluable.
A/Prof Rawlin said he was humbled to be the recipient of this prestigious award and proud to be an advocate for the RACGP and general practice matters.
“The education, training and standards for GPs and their practice teams are always worth fighting for. Without GPs and general practice teams, patients and the community are placed at risk.
“Our expertise, supported by the profession’s curriculum and standards, ensures we remain the cornerstone of the Australian healthcare system and achieve the best results for all our patients,” A/Prof Rawlin said.
For more information on GP13 – The Conference for General Practice, taking place from 17-19 October in Darwin, visit www.gp13.com.au.
Further information on the 2013 RACGP Award categories can be found at www.racgp.org.au/awards.