New IMG role to help shape the college’s future

The RACGP is expanding its Future Governance Committee membership to include an international medical graduate (IMG) to help bring diverse opinions and experience to the committee.
 
In 2026, the committee will include one current Fellow of the RACGP who is also an IMG member and is not a current or past RACGP director.
 
Expressions of interest can be made on the RACGP website and are due to close on 12 January.
 
The Future Governance Committee was established in 2025 and has a critical role advising the RACGP Board.
 
It ensures the college has a governance model that is fit-for-purpose while maintaining strong GP representation, delivering value to members and supporting the future of general practice. 
 
The newly expanded committee will ensure there is a diversity of opinions and experience as it embarks on a co-design process with members.
 
RACGP Board and Committee Chair Dr Siân Goodson said the new IMG role will provide a valuable perspective to the group.
 
‘We know that 54% of GPs in Australia are IMGs, and a large proportion of our membership are IMGs,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘It’s really important that we include different perspectives, and we’re looking at the future governance of our college to make sure that it’s truly representational and applicable for all of our members.’
 
The ideal candidate will have experience and a strong interest in corporate governance, Dr Goodson said.
 
‘They may have been on a board previously. They may have worked with committees. They may have worked for a large organisation and have been involved in governance in that way – someone that really understands how governance works for organisations and can bring that expertise to our committee,’ she said.
 
‘Hopefully it will give the person a real insight into how we review our governance, and the structure and the governance that currently oversees our college.’
 
Dr Goodson said the role also brings with it an opportunity to give back as well as learn from others.
 
‘It’s an opportunity to meet other interested people on the committee and also play a really important role in futureproofing our college,’ she said.
 
The callout comes after the Future Governance Committee had a successful 2025, with all special resolutions voted in at the recent Annual General Meeting.
 
‘That was really down to the hard work of the committee, ensuring excellent consultation with members and working hard to make sure that what we actually put forward was what members wanted,’ Dr Goodson said.
 
‘The committee is now running well, and I think this person has an opportunity to bring something different and new, but also to get involved in that next round of consultation and shaping the future.’
 
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