The leadership of Cameron Loy
As GPs, we’re familiar with the mixture of anticipation and trepidation that comes with a juicy new challenge – a scary new rotation, starting out in business or excising your first skin cancer (it took me 45 minutes to cut out my first [pea-sized] skin cancer).
We’re also familiar with the gratitude you feel for the person who’s willing to mentor you and support you to step into the abyss of the new. Sometimes, when it’s time to go it alone, we stare down at our bare, little feet and wonder how they’re ever going to fill the gigantic shoes of the person we’re following.
I remember asking my GP supervisor how he knew so much, stayed so calm, and if that level of professional cool required daily beta-blockade. I had similar questions for Cameron Loy as I set about absorbing as much as I could as his Co-Deputy Chair.
Cam has particularly large shoes to step into; he’s been an understated, quiet achiever. So before I begin as Chair of RACGP Victoria, I’d like to thank Cam for four years of incredibly hard work and share with members some highlights of his time as Chair.
A collaborative relationship with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
State-based general practice politics has never been easy. The seemingly perpetual divide between state-funded hospitals and MBS-rebated general practice has long perpetuated a disconnect between our profession and Victoria’s health strategies. Under Cam’s leadership, two seismic shifts have occurred in the relationship between RACGP Victoria and DHHS: first, GP representation on health projects is now sought and remunerated by DHHS; second, DHHS now respectfully engages with Victorian GPs via fortnightly webinars and recognises the vital role general practice plays in state health initiatives. DHHS has committed to continue this open dialogue beyond the 2020 crises and further strengthen our relationship.
The value of general practice has been made clear
As Chair, Cam attended more meetings to advocate for GPs than some of us have had hot breakfasts. He explained our profession, commanded respect for GPs and shone a light on general practice to banish assumptions and misunderstandings. That approach not only got people listening, it got people actively seeking GPs out.
Divided we are nothing
Cam espoused the need for us to stand together to promote and protect our profession. He took engaging with members seriously – taking calls from GPs, responding to emails, communicating on social media, encouraging discourse and involvement, and explaining the history of the debate so as many GPs could be involved as possible.
The work must go on
Whatever the triumphs of today, tomorrow will bring new challenges. Knowing that, Cam created a purposeful succession plan for leadership in Victoria. Encouraging Victoria Council members to mobilise, up-skill and prepare to lead has transformed our faculty into an exciting place to be.
Anita Muñoz
RACGP Victoria Chair