Regional Western Australian GP, Dr Frank R Jones, has taken over the role of President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) at GP14, the annual conference for general practice currently taking place in Adelaide.
The RACGP represents over 27,500 GPs working in or towards a career in general practice.
Dr Jones takes over the prestigious role from Dr Liz Marles who has served as President of the RACGP for the past two years.
Dr Frank Jones said he is committed to raising the profile of general practice in the Australian community and ensuring the profession remains viable and adequately supported for current and future GPs.
“General practice forms the foundation of a healthy community with over 2.4 million Australians visiting their GP every week,” said Dr Jones.
“GPs are the only healthcare professionals that practice whole person, continuous care. We are physicians, counsellors, advocates and agents of change for individuals, families and their communities.
“General practice is experiencing a time of immense uncertainty, but it is also very exciting time as the profession joins together to advocate for recognition and change.
“GPs are the most effective pillar of the Australian healthcare system, from both a financial and clinical perspective.
“Preventative healthcare is crucial to maintaining a healthy society and if access to general practice services is challenged, patients will suffer more serious health issues in the tertiary sector where treatment is significantly more expensive.”
Dr Jones has over 30 years clinical experience in rural and regional general practice and has vowed to place general practice at the heart of public dialogue.
“The RACGP is so much more than a membership body, it is a collegial community, and I am committed to ensuring GPs can turn to the RACGP at any stage of their career for effective, informed support and leadership,” said Dr Jones.
“I am honored to be elected as President and will ensure that the RACGP continues to be the foundation for quality General Practice to maintain and enhance our patients’ health needs.”
For more information about GP14, visit the conference website.
Learn more about our President Dr Frank Jones.
Join the conversation and follow live GP14 updates using the hashtag #GP14conference on the RACGP’s Facebook and Twitter sites.