118 new specialist GPs will be welcomed at a fellowship ceremony at the close of the final day of the Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) annual conference in Perth.
This year's conference, GP24, explores the future of general practice care, new technologies and research that can shape the way GPs care for their communities, as well as enhancing GP training.
For the first time medical students and junior doctors were invited to GP24 to explore the breadth and diversity of general practice, and seven competition winners received a two-day pass including a curated conference program with a GP mentor.
GP24 also saw the launch of new RACGP online courses for medical students and junior doctors to help them get the most of training placements in general practice.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: "I hope that by attending our conference, both current and aspiring future GPs will come away with a taste of the opportunities and flexibility of a career in general practice – it is a medical specialty that provides so much diverse care around Australia, and it is critical to holding our health system together.
"Australia needs specialist GPs more than ever. As the peak body responsible for training 90% of GPs across Australia's big cities, rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the RACGP is delivering.
"I welcome the 118 new fellows who are caring for patients across Western Australia, including Broome, Geraldton, Albany, Kalgoorlie, and the South West, as well as those from Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales who are joining us for our GP24 fellowship ceremony."
RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman also welcomed the new fellows, saying: "GPs are essential for the health and wellbeing of every community – they keep people healthy, and reduce pressure on our hospitals and ambulances.
"We know Australians value the relationship they have with their GP highly. There's simply no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP you know and trust.
"I congratulate our new fellows in Perth and wish them all the best in their careers caring for our communities."
Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) reflects a doctor's qualification and expertise as a specialist GP, following around 11 years of education, training, rigorous assessment, and experience in primary care.
GP24 also saw RACGP President Dr Michael Wright take over the reins from immediate-past President Dr Nicole Higgins at the College's annual general meeting.
Another highlight came on day two when GPs heard from Australia's Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler and Western Australia's Minister for Health and Mental Health, the Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson.
