The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is proud to announce Dr Mark Miller of Goolwa Medical Centre, SA, as the recipient of the 2013 RACGP General Practitioner of the Year Award.
This prestigious College award is presented to a general practitioner (GP) who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the general practice profession, excellence in primary healthcare provision, and significant involvement in training and continuing professional development.
Presenting the award on the eve of the GP13 conference in Darwin, Dr Liz Marles, RACGP President, congratulated Dr Miller and said his commitment to and involvement in general practice for over 20 years is both exceptional and inspiring.
“Dr Miller is a highly respected and dedicated GP and a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.”
“Having worked fulltime in rural general practice as a partner in Goolwa Medical Centre for the past 21 years, Dr Miller is well known for being a staunch advocate for his patients, his community and Australian general practice.
Not only is he a very popular doctor in his community and a well-respected member of the general practice profession, he is also an excellent role model for the next generation of GPs.
“On behalf of the College, I congratulate Dr Miller on his achievement and am delighted to present him with the 2013 RACGP General Practitioner of the Year Award,” Dr Marles said.
In addition to a full time clinical role, Dr Miller teaches medical students from both the University of Adelaide and Flinders University and has supervised over 30 general practice registrars.
Dr Miller provides tuition and mentoring to international medical graduates (IMGs) and was among the first to engage in bridging IMGs to Australian medical practice and the RACGP. He has been instrumental in facilitating the assessment process for IMGs through the development of the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) and Fit for Intended Clinical Practice Interview (FICPI) assessment tools.
Dr Miller’s scope of practice is wide and includes emergency medical care, management of chronic medical conditions and mental health issues, nursing home and hospital visits and care for palliative patients in their homes. Having a strong commitment to his community, Dr Miller often addresses local groups on health issues, including speaking at men’s health seminars in the region.
Dr Miller has held a number of positions at the RACGP, including South Australian FRACGP Examination Panel Chair and currently as the South Australia and Northern Territory Censor.
Dr Miller said he was honoured to be the recipient of this award.
“I feel greatly privileged to be the recipient of this award. When Dr Marles rang to congratulate me I laughed because I was running late for work – hardly an example of GP of the Year!
“It is possible to spend one’s time in general practice, one patient and one consult at a time but I have been fortunate to have the flexibility to undertake a broader role in supporting the specialty of general practice.
“No GP works in a vacuum and I am always aware that without the support and tolerance of my family, colleagues, staff and the most excellent community of Goolwa, it would be impossible to fulfill these wider roles,” Dr Miller 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.