Dr Christopher David Mitchell – My Story with the RACGP
A life in rural general practice, a presidency led by service, and a college shaped by community.
Introduction
‘I came to general practice by necessity – and stayed out of love.’
Dr Christopher David Mitchell AM has dedicated more than 35 years to rural general practice and leadership. From his first GP rotation in Murwillumbah to serving as President of the RACGP, Chris’s story is one of advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
Early career: finding a calling
In 1990, a phone call changed everything. Until then, Chris had been focused on emergency medicine. Then June Raine from the Family Medicine Program called: He needed to do a GP rotation – or leave the program. His placement in Murwillumbah, Northern NSW, was transformative.
‘It was everything I wanted in medicine – continuity, community, and care that mattered every day.’
Supported by the RACGP, mentored by Peter Kirker, and trained by educators like Guan Yeo, Chris completed his training in his own practice, using College standards and resources to build a thriving business.
‘Our College didn’t just teach me; it trusted me.’
Stepping into leadership
After achieving Fellowship in 1993, Chris began supervising and examining for Fellowship clinical exams. His first co-examiner was John Crimmins.
‘Examining wasn’t about gatekeeping – it was about honouring competence and nurturing confidence.’
By 2004, Chris was Chair of the Rural Board, later serving as Membership Committee Chair, Audit Committee Chair, Vice-President, and ultimately President of the RACGP (2008–10).
‘Leadership wasn’t a destination; it was a responsibility – and a team sport.’
Career overview and governance
Chris has worked as a rural GP and Rural Generalist for more than 35 years in Northern NSW and holds a Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
‘Good governance is patient care at scale.’
He is a past President of the RACGP and has extensive experience as a company director, serving on boards including:
- The RACGP and RACGP Oxygen
- NPS MedicineWise
- Therapeutic Guidelines Limited
- North Coast GP Training
- Remote Vocational Training Scheme
- Rural Doctors Network
- Northern Rivers GP Network
The presidency: achievements and challenges
Chris describes his presidency as the most rewarding role of his career. He quotes ‘Presidency, like general practice, is a team sport.’
Working with a strong board, with Prof. Mudge as chair, and CEO Dr Zena Burgess, he led significant reforms:
- Regional online exams for accessible assessment
- Practice-eligible route to Fellowship, recognising experienced doctors through rigorous professional development
- Establishing United General Practice Australia to unify the profession’s voice
- Creating the National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health – the first of its kind in Australia – and initiating the ceremonial gown with Brad Murphy
- Launching the Specific Interests faculty
- Securing recognition of general practice as a medical specialty
- Expanding GP training numbers
- Delivering swine flu vaccinations through general practice
- Advocating for collaborative models with midwives
‘If you say you value rural GPs, you have to design systems that reach them.’
Chris also worked to slow ill-conceived initiatives, such as parts of the Diabetes Project and non-medical prescribing.
‘A united front can block poor policy – or at least buy time for better thinking.’
Policy meets reality
One memorable moment was hosting Health Minister Nicola Roxon in his practice. She sat in on a full day of consultations, witnessing firsthand the breadth of general practice.
‘Sometimes the best advocacy is letting policy meet humanity.’
Plans for expanded funding were derailed by the Global Financial Crisis, but the College secured meaningful infrastructure investments.
‘Timing is everything. Good ideas can stall when the economy does.’
Committees and faculties
Dr Chris quotes – ‘Faculties are the lifeblood of the College; expert committees are its powerhouse.’
Chris served on the NSW and Rural faculties and contributed to the Standards and eHealth committees, delivering resources to support high-quality care.
‘Distribution isn’t logistics – it’s strategy.’
Teaching, training, and honours
Chris held a Clinical Professor title at the University of Wollongong, supervised registrars, and chaired the Education Sub-committee of the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges. He holds honorary Fellowships in Malaysia and New Zealand.
‘Teaching reminds you: tomorrow’s patients are counting on today’s mentors.’
In 2013, Chris was awarded Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to general practice.
Digital health leadership
Post-presidency, Chris joined the National E-Health Transition Authority as Head of Adoption, Benefits and Change (2011–13), leading the rollout of eScripts, secure messaging, and MyHealth Record. He later worked with Telstra Health (2014–17).
‘Digital health is ultimately human work – the tech succeeds when the workflow respects the clinician and the patient.’
Fellowship ceremonies: the best days
For Chris, these celebrations were the most meaningful moments: families proud, GPs recognised.
‘My greatest joy was always Fellowship Ceremonies – especially the regional ones.
‘You could see the sacrifice, resilience, and hope standing together on stage.’
What endures
Through all his roles, Chris never left his clinical practice in Lennox Head.
‘Clinic days keep you honest. Policy should never drift too far from the consulting room.’
He continues to take delight in watching the RACGP remain a strong voice for advocacy and fairness.
‘We are at our best when we are patient-first, community-rooted, and evidence-led.’