GPs from around Australia will gather in Sydney today for three days of intensive education, discussion and networking at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) annual conference – GP17.
Over 2000 GPs, internationally renowned keynote speakers and leaders from Australia’s major political parties will attend GP17, to discuss an extraordinary range of topics and issues that sit at the heart of general practice.
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said GP17 would prompt discussion that will ultimately improve the quality of care delivered to patients whenever they visit their GP.
“The RACGP’s annual conference is the highlight event of the year for general practitioners, offering a platform to discuss and debate the serious issues facing general practice and the health of all Australian patients,” Dr Seidel said.
“There will be some great discussion on issues such as mental health, opioid prescribing, obesity, immunisations, and how technology is evolving in general practice.”
Dr Seidel said this year’s conference would be the biggest yet, given the rapid rise of the profile of general practice over the past 12 months.
“General practice experienced an unprecedented level of visibility in mainstream media and on social media throughout the past year,” Dr Seidel said.
“More people than ever are aware that the RACGP is the largest medical organisation in the country and the voice of Australian general practice.”
GP17 highlights include:
- Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale, and Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare, Catherine King MP – political presentations
- Dr Jay Parkinson – Opening keynote address, Primary care 3.0: Reimaging the role of the front lines of healthcare
- Sir Harry Burns – Keynote address, What causes poor health, too much illness and not enough wellness
- Professor Julie Bernhardt – Keynote address, Breakthroughs and innovations in stroke prevention and management: The future of stroke in Australian communities.
- Professor Jane Gunn – Keynote address, Evidence in general practice: Are we kitchen hand, cook or Master Chef?
- Body language expert, Steve van Aperen – How to detect patient deception
- Dr Evan Ackermann and Professor Milton Cohen – Pain management in general practice – The role of opioids: A discussion forum
- Dr Tim Koh – Medicinal cannabis: Let’s hash out the facts
GP17 runs from October 26 – 28 October at the International Conference Centre Sydney. Visit the GP17 website for more information.