The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) National Rural Faculty (NRF) has exceeded 10,000 members, cementing its role as the largest rural general practice representative body of any Australian specialist medical college.
The RACGP currently represents over 80% of Australian general practitioners and is the peak body for general practice in Australia, encompassing urban, regional, rural and remote areas. The NRF works together with its members to:
- ensure rural communities across Australia have equitable access to the best possible primary care
- support and advocate on behalf of GPs living and working in rural and remote areas, recognising their unique skills, challenges and requirements
- provide relief to rural and remote GPs by increasing locum services via the Rural Locum Education Program (LEAP)
- facilitate the Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP), enabling GPs to build on their clinical skills and confidence to practice in rural and remote Australia
- provide access to Commonwealth Department of Health training grants through its Rural Procedural Grants Program (RPGP) with more than 2,000 GPs accessing over $61 million in funding to date
- provide opportunities for training, mentoring and networking to our future rural general practice workforce
- provide policy advice to government and key stakeholders on a range of issues impacting rural general practice, including future rural training and workforce reform.
Chair of the RACGP’s NRF, Dr Kathy Kirkpatrick said the strength of the NRF lies in its membership base, and reaching 10,000 members is a milestone achievement for the RACGP.
“The NRF is actively involved in policy, advocacy and education, and is proud to represent such a significant number of dedicated, passionate rural members,” said Dr Kirkpatrick.
David Townsend, the NRF Board’s student representative, said ensuring a strong rural health workforce is one of the greatest challenges facing our healthcare system.
“With over 10,000 members the NRF is well positioned to shape the future generation of RACGP members into the sustainable future workforce our rural and remote communities vitally need," said Townsend.
The RACGP’s NRF is committed to the continuous support of its members providing vital healthcare services to rural and remote Australian communities.