2019 Federal Election
We are in the middle of a federal election campaign, which provides all of us an opportunity to make our story known. Recognising that we are all busy and our time is limited and precious, if there is a candidate down at your local shops, or if you can find the time to meet them, this is the time to make sure they know our concerns. Australian general practice is efficient and effective – it is time to invest in it.
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon suggests, ‘Talk to [the candidates] about the importance of general practice to your patients’. The RACGP has developed a range of resources to help you do this and questions you can ask – you will need to log in.
Education
RACGP Victoria continues to present events for members. In May, we will hold a face-to-face workshop on anxiety disorders, as well as a webinar on palliative care, the first in a series of webinars hosted by the New Fellows Committee. Visit the events page for a full list.
Fellowship exams
At the end of May, we will once again hold one of the largest medical college exams. In Victoria, we will have three Melbourne centres and one in Geelong. I wish all candidates (and examiners) well.
RACGP Awards
I encourage you to consider nominating one of your peers in the annual RACGP Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate the important achievements of RACGP members each year. More details are in this newsletter below. You can also visit the RACGP website for more information.
Emergency response in general practice
The RACGP Emergency Response Planning Tool is an excellent resource for planning emergency response in your practice. The Department of Health and Human Services is opening up subsidised access to this high-quality resource with access managed through your PHNs. Victoria is also at the start of a Royal Commission into mental health. We will be talking to members about their issues to inform our responses.
SafeScript
SafeScript has launched across the State. It is the best public health initiative I have seen in a long time. Please register and use it. The more information we have about the medications that are being prescribed, the better our prescriptions will be.
I hope you are having a great month.