May 2020


Chair report


Message from the Chair – Dr Cameron Loy

In the reimagined newsletter, I wanted to talk about the remarkable and unsettling year we’ve had and the way the RACGP Victoria has risen to that challenge. The bushfires and a pandemic have pushed all of us.

This year, and especially the last few months, has been witness to one of the most significant transformations in how we function and deliver high-quality general practice in our communities. We’ve seen changes to our clinics and the spaces where we work – social distancing, barriers, separate treatment areas (even if the state and federal governments have been slow to act on personal protective equipment). We saw the toll it took on ourselves and our colleagues as we waited and hoped that the damage COVID-19 inflicted on communities and primary care doctors overseas wouldn’t be repeated here. We also saw our businesses and, sometimes, our salaries take a hit along with so many in our communities. This has been an extraordinary pressure on us all.

The RACGP acted early and set up information sources on the website; faculties found ways to communicate with the profession. In Victoria, after some unfortunate and unwarranted comments from our government, we’ve deepened our relationship with the Chief Health Officer's unit, and the Monday webinars have been successful (these are posted online). We’ve also been part of decision-making and advisory groups within DHHS. I'd like to thank the GPs who have participated, as they’ve taken on additional load and responsibility to help all of us.

Most importantly, the faculty staff have transitioned to working from home with a high degree of satisfaction. From the outside calling in, I forget that I’m talking to people at home. They transformed and got on with the job. The faculty staff – whom some of us know well and talk to often – are so much to do with why we’re members. They continue to do the fundamental work on ongoing education and exams, training and assessment. The faculty also has plans to reimagine its calendar of events as we emerge into a different world.

I especially want to thank Dr Maged Ghattas, the Assessment Panel Chair until last week. In that role, I've got to know him better and respect him even more. Whatever the clinical exam becomes, knowing Maged and all the other examiners in the faculty, I know the future of our profession is safe.

More change and disruption are still to come this year, but I believe we’ll be able to look back and see that general practice has met the challenge.

Dr Cameron Loy
Chair, RACGP Victoria


Events in the spotlight


RACGP Victoria New Fellows virtual catch-ups

The RACGP Victoria New Fellows Committee is continuing its small group catch-ups for GPs in their first five years of Fellowship. Join the committee in a casual virtual setting to talk and share tips and experiences on clinical and other matters.

Upcoming dates:

  • Wednesday 3 June
  • Sunday 14 June
  • Wednesday 1 July, and
  • Sunday 12 July 2020

Archive news


Message from the State Manager

Hello,

This is my first newsletter report since joining RACGP Victoria as the new State Manager in late January. I’d like to wholeheartedly thank all of the exceptional faculty team members who have seamlessly transitioned to working remotely and providing outstanding member support activities. Thanks also to all of our extraordinary council and committee members for their ongoing service to RACGP Victoria members.

The faculty has helped to support members during the pandemic by:

We’re working closely with our committees and stakeholders to provide numerous virtual activities, including New Fellows Small Group Catch-ups, online Education Activity Representative (EAR) training and the migration of the Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) Module 2 Part B training to online. We’ve also processed 270 fellowship applications, managed continuing professional development activities to achieve 95.7% compliance, and assisted with 2021 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) candidate applications, which have surpassed 2020 application levels.

Kon Kakris,
State Manager RACGP Victoria

Webinar series – COVID-19 updates

RACGP Victoria, together with DHHS, will be hosting another webinar series providing COVID-19 updates and with the opportunity to ask questions over the following dates:
  • Monday 25 May 2020, 6.00–7.00‌ pm
  • Monday 8 June 2020, 6.00–7.00‌ pm
  • Monday 22 June 2020, 6.00–7.00‌ pm
  • Monday 6 July 2020, 6.00–7.00‌ pm
     Register now     

RACGP Victoria Facebook group

We invite you to join the RACGP Victoria Facebook group, where you can find useful updates and have your say on important issues.

Request to join the group by clicking the [ + Join Group ] button on the RACGP Victoria Facebook group page and answer a couple of security questions.


National news


Foundation grants and awards program – Applications closing soon

With continued support from our funding partners and members, the RACGP Foundation grants enable GPs to pursue their general practice research projects. If you need support for your research project and want to improve general practice and patient outcomes, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for an RACGP research grant.

Online applications are open now and close Monday 1 June 2020.

Visit RACGP Foundation Grants and Awards 2020 for more information.

Telehealth bulk-billing requirement – Statement to assist with member advocacy

The RACGP has prepared a response to the legislative requirement for GPs to bulk-bill COVID-19 telehealth services for Commonwealth concession cardholders, children under 16 years and patients vulnerable to COVID-19. This requirement has a significant impact on practice viability across Australia and may force the closure of practices that usually bill patients privately.

The RACGP is advocating for the urgent removal of the bulk-billing requirement, and we’ve produced a statement to help you raise the issue with your local MP. We encourage you to use this statement to strengthen our collective advocacy efforts by contacting your local MP.

To update us on your advocacy discussions, contact the Funding and Health System Reform team.

RACGP Awards now open – Celebrating excellence in general practice

Do you know an extraordinary GP, GP in training, GP supervisor or general practice going above and beyond to improve the health of the community?

GPs receive all kinds of acknowledgements from their patients, but it’s important to formally recognise this work and dedication to holistic patient care. The RACGP Awards celebrate exceptional individuals in Australian general practice for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the health of their community.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 RACGP Awards. Nominate an extraordinary GP, GP in training, GP supervisor, or general practice today.

Visit the RACGP website to nominate


Visit recruitGP – the RACGP’s trusted, single source for general practice employment opportunities across urban, remote and rural Australia.

It’s free for RACGP members.

The RACGP does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from reliance on, or the use of, any information contained in this newsletter.

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