Meet our members
The RACGP WA Council member profiles are here for you to put a face to a name and learn a little more about the Council member who represents you in your community.
The questions we asked included:
- What is one thing no one knows about you?
- What attracted you to general practice?
- What has been your best moment as a general practitioner?
- What objectives do you have as a Council member?
- What is one thing you have learnt that you think other GPs could benefit from?
Following are their stories.
Dr Ramya Raman, Chair, RACGP WA
What attracted you to general practice?
The diversity of patients makes my day very interesting. It can vary from simple upper respiratory tract infections to the initial diagnosis of cancer or management of chronic illnesses.
It is rewarding to be able to make the diagnosis and follow up with the patient on a regular basis. It is equally rewarding to be learning on the job every day and having the flexibility to shape my career and improve my skill set.
What has been your best moment as a general practitioner?
I enjoy seeing patients of all age groups, which provides variety and the opportunity to be a ‘jack-of-all-trades’! I love talking to my patients and being part of their ongoing care, which could span over many years and generations.
What objectives do you have as a Council member?
As an RACGP Council member, I aim to:
- offer support and voice concerns regarding issues surrounding general practice registrars and new Fellows training and education
- improve collegiality among general practice registrars and New Fellows, and;
- represent RACGP WA in ongoing professional development activities and help develop resources that would help deliver high-quality primary healthcare to Western Australians.
What is one thing you have learnt that you think other GPs could benefit from?
Family medicine is a rewarding profession; nevertheless, it can also be an isolating specialty.
As GPs, we need to maintain a working and cordial relationship with colleagues within and outside the practice. That, to me, will enable opportunities to engage regularly in clinical and social gatherings, ensuring a good balance and reduce the impact of isolation.
What is one thing no-one knows about you?
I enjoy dancing and I’m a trained classical Indian dancer.
A/Prof Frank Jones, Provost
What attracted you to general practice?
In general practice, I am attracted to the undifferentiated presentations. I like the challenge! General practice is a wonderful mix of science and the social sciences.
What has been your best moment as a general practitioner?
I have enjoyed many special moments as a GP, but being a true generalist with procedural skills, and having the ability to care for my patients within the community and in our local hospital...true continuity of care! It’s also special to be part of the community in which you practice.
What objectives do you have as a Council member?
Raising the profile of General Practice and the RACGP should be an objective of the faculty board. Countries with a strong primary care system have improved health outcomes and are cost efficient. The WA Board and Faculty must promote this message and ensure access and quality for all.
What’s one thing you have learnt that you think other GPs could benefit from?
My colleagues may benefit from the special gifts of General Practice: context and continuity.
What’s one thing no-one knows about you?
The one thing that many may not know about me…I play the Banjo (badly).
Dr Sean Stevens, Immediate past Chair, RACGP WA
What attracted you to general practice?
A love of variety, intellectual challenge and an enjoyment of long-term relationships with people of all different walks of life.
What has been your best moment as a general practitioner?
The many special moments of teaching and seeing your registrars mature and grow clinically. It is such a privilege to be involved in their development at such a critical stage of their career.
What objectives do you have as a council member?
To improve the educational offerings to WA GPs. To improve the social interaction of WA GPs and to improve the standing of the RACGP in WA.
What is one thing you have learnt that you think other GPs could benefit from?
Whether it is doing the exams or sitting on council, get involved. You get far more out of being involved than it costs you and you meet some fantastic people.
What is one thing no one knows about you?
My wife and I first met when I was six weeks old and she was a newborn. Our parents were doctors and lived in the same block of flats over the road from Royal Perth Hospital and the old ‘Resident's quarters’. We then spent the next two years of our lives growing up together before parting ways for twenty years and eventually coming back together and getting married.