GPs as ‘advocates in an increasingly complex medical system’

As a GP, Dr Helen Caulton knows that some days can be ‘very hard’. For this reason, it means a lot to her knowing how much patients appreciate her and the work she does.
 
This appreciation has been recognised by Dr Caulton receiving the Most Outstanding GP Award at the Australian Patients Association awards on 20 July, presented by RACGP Board Chair Dr Lara Roeske.
 
A GP at Canberra’s City Family Practice and Fellow of the RACGP, Dr Caulton told newsGP she was surprised to receive the award, which she sees as a group honour.
 
‘It was very unexpected,’ she said.
 
‘I could not have received this award without the support of the other doctors, nurses and receptionists at City Family Practice. They are a great team of people and fun to work with.’
 
At her practice, Dr Caulton sees a wide demographic of patients, from newborns through to a few patients who are over 100 years old. 
 
‘We are seeing increasing numbers of mental health issues and we do a lot of chronic disease management,’ she said.
 
‘What I love most about being a GP is the teamwork, and the fact that, having been in general practice for many years, nearly every patient that I see, I know them, and often their family as well.
 
‘I get to diagnose illnesses right from the beginning, and work is never boring.’
 
The Australian Patients Association regularly conducts surveys to gain insight into patients’ experience with GPs, with communication and respect ranking high among what patients believe makes a good GP.
 
‘When the patient really feels the doctor cares it does make a big difference,’ CEO Stephen Mason previously told newsGP.
 
‘Listening to that patient, not talking down to them, not feeling superior, as well as having empathy.’
 
For Dr Caulton, these traits are also high on her priority list.
 
‘There is an incredible amount of trust and responsibility [being a GP] and this makes the job very worthwhile,’ she said.
 
‘Patients look to you as an advocate in an increasingly complex medical system.’

RACGP Board Chair Dr Lara Roeske congratulates Dr Helen Caulton at the Australian Patients Association awards. (Image: Australian Patients Association)

With the future of general practice largely sitting with training the next generation of GPs, does the GP voted as ‘most outstanding’ have any advice for GPs in training?
 
‘Having a good mentor right from the beginning of your career and finding a supportive team to work in are really important,’ Dr Caulton said.
 
‘General practice can seem daunting when you first start and you can feel out of your depth. Try to deal with stress early to prevent burnout.
 
‘Have your own GP to look after your health, and don’t underestimate how important your family is to your wellbeing.’
 
Winners of the 2023 RACGP Awards will be announced at WONCA on 29 October.
 
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Australian Patients Association Awards Canberra GP Most Outstanding GP