The body that represents and educates over 90% of Australia’s GPs says the BBC’s decision to give the lead role in Dr Who to a woman has finally caught up with the reality of seeing a GP in Australia.
Female members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have outnumbered their male colleagues for the first time in the RACGP’s history this year, making it even easier for Australian women to choose to be seen by a female doctor.
Chief Executive Officer of the RACGP Dr Zena Burgess said she was thrilled an increasing number of women were studying medicine, specialising in GP and electing to join the RACGP.
“The number of female RACGP members has almost doubled since 2008,” Dr Burgess said.
“I am delighted the RACGP has played a pivotal role in creating and sustaining an environment that allows female doctors to excel in general practice, enjoy their work and have time for passions outside the clinic.”
Dr Burgess said the rise of women in general practice also meant patients had more choice when it came to selecting their GP.
“Long gone are the days where a visit to the GP meant a consultation with a middle-aged man,” Dr Burgess said.
“Australian patients are male, female, young and old and, in 2017, so are their GPs.
“Patients should have the option to choose a male or female GP and feel as comfortable as possible during consultation.”
Chair of RACGP Tasmania and local GP practicing near Hobart Dr Clare Ballingall said general practice had become the ideal specialty for female doctors.
“Whilst obviously providing the flexibility to have a family and work part time, I think general practice is also the only specialty that plays to our strengths,” Dr Ballingall said.
“Women are, by nature, great listeners, we know how to juggle tasks well, we collaborate well, we pay attention to details and, perhaps our greatest skill, we connect with people at a personal level.
“The future is bright for women in general practice.”
Dr Ashlea Broomfield, who is in her second year of Fellowship with the RACGP, said she believes general practice is a great career choice for all doctors of any gender.
“I chose general practice because I wanted to contribute to somebody’s life, not just in passing, but over a long period of time,” Dr Broomfield said.
“I was also swayed by the fact that the GPs I met during my prevocational and student doctor careers seemed to be really normal and had a passion for life outside of medicine, as well as for quality, evidence-based care.
“GP is more fulfilling than I ever hoped or intended it to be.”
Dr Burgess said she believes women are drawn to specialise in general practice because it complements their strengths and provides the opportunity to follow other interests and ambitions outside of their clinic.
“General practice offers flexibility, enabling doctors of all genders to balance medicine with other commitments,” Dr Burgess said.
“This is not to say any doctor who chooses to specialise in general practice is looking for the easiest career in medicine.
“In order to be a wonderful GP, doctors must be able to manage a vast array of complex conditions, with expert management and communication skills. I’m not at all surprised to see women do so well in this specialty.”
Dr Burgess said the growing number of women in general practice was also reflected in the RACGP’s leadership positions, with women making up 48 per cent of RACGP expert committees and 41 per cent of its Council membership.
“The RACGP has been striving for equal representation in its leadership,” Dr Burgess said.
“Our leadership groups have come a long way and I am pleased we are very close to gender balance in our expert committees and on our Council.”