News
Conference spotlights future of general practice
The RACGP’s Clinical Update was an opportunity to highlight what is working well, and how this can be used to set up a robust future.
Main: (L–R) Dr Michael Wright, Dr Aaron Chambers, Uncle John Graham, a Kombumerri man from the Yugambeh Language Group, and Dr Cath Hester at the conference. (Image: Leoni Bolt)
The future of general practice was front and centre across the weekend of 22–23 February as more than 200 delegates gathered on the Gold Coast for the RACGP’s 64th Clinical Update.
With the theme of ‘Building a healthier future’, the sold-out two-day event focused on the future and diversity of general practice, and the opportunities and challenges facing GPs and practice teams.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright was at the conference to deliver the keynote address, where he spoke about the current state and future of general practice, in line with the conference theme.
‘It was great to have the opportunity to talk about the future of general practice – a very timely theme,’ Dr Wright told newsGP.
‘I wanted to reveal some of the data showing where general practice is performing well, while also recognising the challenges facing our health system and our profession.
‘But I really wanted to highlight some of the opportunities we have into the future, and how we can respond to meet the future needs of our patients as well as ensure the sustainability of our profession.’
Many of these discussions at the event included the way Medicare is structured and the impacts it has on how care is provided for patients, the RACGP President said, pointing to a growing and ageing population, with more people living with chronic disease and a rise in mental health conditions.
‘An increasing part of this care is being effectively provided in the community by GPs. But it is often complex and time consuming and the MBS doesn’t recognise or value the increasing need for longer consults to support these complex patients, and to support the GPs looking after them,’ he said.
‘When I think about the future of general practice, I look at it through three lenses: what we can do as individual GPs; what can we do in a practice level; and what can the college and other professional bodies do.’
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright gives his keynote address to open the 64th Clinical Update. (Image: Leoni Bolt)
Dr Wright outlined the RACGP’s ongoing work in supporting both current and future GPs, including making sure the workforce is strong for changes that ensure the financial viability of practices.
‘From a practice point of view, we need to make sure we have the right mix of people to meet the needs of our community, and look at ways to improve efficiencies and workflows and expand the range of services for our patients,’ he said.
‘We need to make it easier for patients to get the care they need from their local GP, and not face barriers which might make them choose another provider.’
From an individual GP level, Dr Wright highlighted potential models to improve experiences for patients, as well as ideas to help position the College at the centre of healthcare reform.
The RACGP’s key priorities ahead of the Federal Election are growing general practice training and supporting the GP workforce, and targeted investment in Medicare to ensure accessible and affordable general practice care for people who need it most.
Across the weekend’s Clinical Update, 210 delegates, 50 speakers and 18 exhibitors used the opportunity to network and learn from their peers. Developed by GPs for GPs and convened by the RACGP Queensland Education Committee, the conference program also focused on intergenerational care as well as areas becoming increasingly relevant to general practice such as ADHD and AI.
Dr Wright also revealed some details of the RACGP 2025–29 Strategy Plan, which is underpinned by four key focus areas:
- An outstanding Fellowship
- A flourishing GP workforce
- A future-ready profession
- General practice at the heart of the health system
‘What this means is removing the barriers for doctors choosing general practice as a career, providing support to GPs and advocacy so that we are valued and want to remain in the workforce, preparing us for the future health system through claiming our scope or adapting to changing technology, and finally making sure the rest of the health system is able to function with the growing focus on general practice,’ he said.
‘Our strategy outlines key steps in progressing reforms at this critical time for general practice.
‘The RACGP is committed to building a strong general practice workforce, and our strategy will help to position both the college and general practice for long-term success.’
Log in below to join the conversation.
Clinical Update future of general practice general practice reform GP workforce Medicare reform RACGP conference
newsGP weekly poll
Do you think changes are needed to make the PBS authority approval process more streamlined for GPs?