Dr Matthew Miles has been appointed as the new CEO of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Dr Miles comes to RACGP following a seven year stint as CEO of MS Research Australia where under his leadership it became the first ever charity to win the New South Wales Telstra Business of the Year in 2017. The organisation also won Telstra Australia Charity of the Year Award that same year as well as the ABA "Outstanding Achievement Award" four years running.
The appointment follows the resignation of Dr Zena Burgess as RACGP CEO in October 2019. Nick Williamson, who has been acting as interim CEO since then, will continue in that role until Monday 3rd August this year when Dr Miles commences at RACGP.
Dr Miles, a veterinarian by training, said that the application process had given him an early insight into the organisation and that he was looking forward to starting the new role.
"It's been a long and thorough process, through which I've gained the beginning of an understanding of the RACGP and its long and valued history.
"While I won't profess to be a first day expert on general practice, I do have a deep appreciation for the work of GPs in supporting the health of the Australian community.
"I'm excited to join the RACGP and confident that working together with members, the Board and our key stakeholders will be the key to moving general practice forward in Australia."
RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon welcomed the announcement.
"First of all, I would like to thank Nick Williamson for his great work as acting CEO. He performed this role during a challenging time as the RACGP sought to support members and patients affected by the devastating summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Matthew was appointed following an extensive selection process featuring over 150 applicants, which just shows how highly the RACGP is held in the healthcare industry and broader community.
"I am confident that he has the right skill set to lead the organisation in 2020 and beyond. Matthew possesses a mix of health, research and clinical knowledge whilst having extensive executive leadership, marketing, communications, fundraising and financial experience.
"So on behalf of all members, the Board and RACGP staff I welcome Matthew to the organisation and wish him all the best."
Dr Nespolon said that he was looking forward to working with Dr Miles in the months ahead.
"This is an important time for the RACGP and there are major challenges and opportunities ahead over the next five years.
"That includes the return of the training program for members, changes to continuing professional development and achieving cultural change within the organisation.
"Matthew comes to this new position with the expertise necessary to take on these tasks and affect real change.
"I look forward to working hand in glove with Matthew, talking openly about what we can achieve together in the narrow window of time I have left as RACGP President and preparing him for the challenges ahead."
Dr Miles is a former Board Trustee of the MS International Federation (MSIF) based in London, and was the Chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Board and a member of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee of the Board.
He also is the former Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the International Progressive MS Alliance (based New York and globally) - a unique research collaboration involving over 14 countries throughout the world.
In 2015, Dr Miles was the recipient of the coveted Harvard Club of Australia NFP fellowship and attended Harvard University.
He was also shortlisted for NFP CEO of the Year 2016 by the CEO Magazine.
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