Australia's 'most satisfied' GPs are working in health services designed and governed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs Health of the Nation 2024 report.
The RACGP's Health of the Nation report is the only annual report providing insights into general practice care based on a nationwide survey of GPs and GPs in training.
The 2024 report revealed a marked improvement in job satisfaction, with the 'most satisfied' GPs working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health services, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
These GPs have the highest job satisfaction (88% compared to 73% overall) and more would recommend general practice as a career (68% compared to 44%).
They also have the best work-life balance and lowest rate of burnout.
Dr Karen Nicholls, Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, said: "These findings may be surprising to some, but they won't be to those working in ACCHOs – they are one of the most rewarding places to work as a GP.
"ACCHOs provide high-quality clinical and cultural healthcare designed by the community, for the community. We can learn a lot from their approach to designing health services that deliver what a community really needs, which is what all GPs want to be able to do. We just want to be able to provide the high-quality care our patients deserve.
"The RACGP has an MOU with The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), and together we advocate for better funding for ACCHOs, and equity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health."
Pat Turner AM, CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation said: "At NACCHO, we are immensely proud of the positive impact our ACCHOs have on both the communities they serve and the healthcare professionals who work within them.
"The consistently high levels of job satisfaction among GPs working in ACCHOs reflect the strong, culturally grounded care models that are vital to the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This sense of purpose and connection drives the exceptional care delivered by these GPs, underscoring the importance of building and supporting a dedicated workforce for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which remains central to our advocacy efforts."
President Dr Nicole Higgins said: "I'm thrilled we can reveal Australia's most satisfied GPs are working in health services run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – the sector has so much expertise and does incredible work.
"The RACGP is working to grow this workforce in urban, regional and remote Australia. We're on track to train a record number of GPs in 2025. And with our new incentives program helping cover relocation costs for registrars, we've got 177 GPs training in rural communities that haven't had a registrar for years, including for Aboriginal health services.
"As President of Australia's peak GP training body, this is an achievement I'm especially proud of. It benefits these communities today, and in the future, because we know GPs who get a taste of rural life are more likely to stay.
"More needs to be done to accelerate the growth in Australia's GP workforce and ensure there are enough GPs in every community. The need for general practice care is skyrocketing due to Australia's ageing and growing population and epidemic of chronic illness. The health department predicts a shortage of 5560 GPs by 2033 – work to avoid this shortfall must start now.
"We know funding gets results – we're calling for government funding to train a further 100 GPs annually for five years to boost the workforce, and to implement a range of GP attraction and retention initiatives.
"There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history. A strong general practice workforce is essential for a healthy Australia."
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