Over 1,400 GPs gathered in Adelaide last week to discuss the future of primary healthcare in Australia at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) annual conference, GP14.
The conference, which broke attendance records, took over Adelaide with functions held in numerous iconic venues across the city, including the Town Hall, Adelaide Zoo and Adelaide Oval.
Newly instated RACGP President, Dr Frank R Jones said the conference provided a platform for the profession to come together and celebrate the role of GPs as leaders within communities.
“Across the course of the event we have celebrated the RACGP’s numerous individual and collective achievements over the past year,” said Dr Jones.
“I feel extremely honoured to represent such an incredible collegiate community of doctors who are so deeply committed to improving the lives of their patients.
“GP14 has been the RACGP’s biggest, most successful conference and Adelaide could not have provided a more idyllic setting.”
A major conference highlight was keynote presentation Primary care: what it is and what it can be for the future of health in Australia by Dr Andrew Bazemore, Director of the Robert Graham Centre for Policy Studies in Primary Care in Washington DC.
“Dr Andrew Bazemore’s keynote address was particularly timely in light of GPs’ concerns surrounding the co-payment proposal,” said Dr Jones.
“His in-depth explanation of the challenges faced in the US with a two tiered health system was exceptionally insightful and resonated strongly with everyone in attendance.
“Australia has one of the greatest healthcare infrastructures in the world and it is general practice that underpins its efficacy.
“I am absolutely committed to protecting and advocating on behalf of the general practice profession because any threat to general practice is a direct threat to the health of the Australian public.
“I am sure all delegates have come away from GP14 with a renewed energy and sense of hope for the future of primary healthcare in Australia.”
The RACGP is the peak representative body for general practice, representing 28,000 Australian GPs working in or towards a career in general practice.