The Royal Australian College of GPs will welcome 88 new fellows as specialist GPs in South Australia at a ceremony on Saturday 19 October, which will also celebrate the state's annual RACGP Award winners.
The new GPs attending the event in Adelaide Town Hall will include eight rural generalists – GPs who've completed Additional Rural Skills Training in fields such as anaesthesia and obstetrics.
Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) reflects a doctor's qualification and expertise as a specialist GP and is the culmination of around 11 years of education, training, rigorous assessment, and experience in primary care.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins congratulated the new fellows, saying: "This is a fantastic milestone for our 88 new fellows in South Australia and I wish them all the best in their careers caring for patients.
"Being a GP is one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in medicine, and all of our new fellows are already playing a central role in their communities and having the privilege of getting to know their patients over the years.
"Australia needs specialist GPs more than ever. As the peak GP body responsible for training 90% of Australia's general practitioners, the RACGP is delivering."
RACGP SA Chair Dr Siân Goodson said: "It's a huge day for our new fellows, and it's wonderful to honour them.
"They will join hard-working GPs across the state – they are an essential part of the health and wellbeing of every community, from the heart of Adelaide to the most remote parts of our country.
"The RACGP represents four-in-five rural doctors, and we're working hard to grow South Australia's rural GP workforce through our training placements."
The RACGP delivers the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program with the help of Federal Government funding.
The ceremony also celebrates South Australia's RACGP Award Winners, who've been recognised for going above and beyond for their patients. This year's winners include:
South Australia GP of the Year is Dr Jennifer Goold, who practises in North Adelaide
South Australia GP Supervisor of the Year is Dr Andrew Killcross, who is based in McLaren Vale,
South Australian General Practice of the Year is Hindmarsh Bowden Health, in West Torrens, Adelaide.
Describing herself as "thrilled and overwhelmed" about her award, Dr Goold paid tribute to fellow GPs, including the team she led during the emergency response to COVID-19 to care for patients in quarantine and isolation.
She also expressed pride about her involvement in the SA General Practice Obstetric Shared Care Program, which provides antenatal care to pregnant women.
"General practice is the unsung hero and invaluable cornerstone of our healthcare system," Dr Goold said.
"The RACGP should be extremely proud of the GPs it trains and supports."
Dr Killcross described his award as "a real privilege" and thanked those who nominated him.
"Every year I feel honoured to support our GPs in training, who never fail to impress me with their passion and dedication for primary care," he said.
"The broad range of life experiences, skills and knowledge that they bring deeply enriches our clinical environments, for staff and patients alike.
"I learn much from them all and love nothing more than to watch our GPs in training blossom over the course of their training into the future generations of Australia's family medicine specialists."
As well as being a teaching general practice, Hindmarsh Bowden Health successfully opened a seven-day Priority Care Centre in 2019.
"We are honoured to receive this prestigious award," said Dr Habiba Jahan, a practice partner.
"It is a recognition of the hard work of our doctors, nurses and admins. It humbled us and inspired us to continue to work towards a healthy Australia."
Notable attendees at the event will include Shadow Minister for Cost of Living Heidi Girolamo, AMA SA President Dr John Williams, the Chair of Adelaide PHN Tom Symonds, and the President of the Pakistani Medical Association of South Australia Dr Rehan Hassan.
RACGP CEO Georgina van der Water, National Deputy Director of Training Dr Paul Dilena, and Regional Director of Training SA Dr Simon Hay will represent the RACGP alongside Drs Higgins and Goodson.
A total of 134 GPs have achieved fellowship in South Australia within the past 12 months, with a further 20 having completed Additional Rural Skills Training.
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