Core GP research platform rebranded

The RACGP’s research platform has undergone a rebrand, to reinforce the ‘critical role’ of research in advancing general practice.
 
Evolving from the RACGP Foundation to drive innovative research that directly enhances healthcare, the Australian General Practice Research Foundation was launched at GP24 at a Research Breakfast.
 
It was RACGP President Dr Michael Wright’s first gig in the top job.
 
‘The Foundation will continue to drive innovation that directly impacts the heart of healthcare, with the new brand reflecting a commitment to supporting research benefitting not only our members, but all Australians,’ he said at the launch.
 
‘This rebranding represents more than just a name change; it’s a thoughtful and strategic shift to enhance the Foundation’s reach, relevance, and capacity to make a lasting impact across Australia’s healthcare landscape.
 
‘The name also presents a fresh opportunity to engage our members by making the Foundation’s purpose more visible and relevant, reinforcing the critical role research has in advancing the profession.
 
‘Under the banner of the Australian General Practice Research Foundation, we now have the potential to engage a broader network of supporters beyond our membership and to secure increased funding that will not only sustain but grow our investment in GP research.’
 
To oversee its affairs and drive growth and impact, the RACGP Board has established a new Foundation sub-Committee with an independently appointed Chair, comprising of experts in fundraising, philanthropy, research, and clinical practice.
 
Inaugural Foundation Committee Chair Sarah Lance said the focus of the Foundation is on driving innovation through research to ‘make a real impact’ in general practice and healthcare.
 
‘Our goal is to substantially increase investment into GP-led research to support the development of evidence-based solutions that address critical gaps and challenges, improve patient outcomes, and ensure the future of general practice remains strong and responsive to the needs of all Australians,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘At the same time, we aim to build greater awareness of the value of general practice research across the RACGP and the broader healthcare landscape, while working closely with healthcare providers, academics, and policymakers to ensure that Foundation-funded research translates into tangible benefits for patients and communities nationwide.’
 
With a 10-year background in Chair and non-executive director roles on healthcare and education boards, Ms Lance is the former CEO of St John Ambulance NSW, where her experiences have helped to shape her goals.
 
‘[During this time] we saw fires, floods and, like everyone, COVID,’ she said.
 
‘It was a time when you saw the best of people, where we worked alongside the community, local GPs, emergency services, local health districts and state and federal governments, working together every step of the way.
 
‘This sense of commitment and community is what I would like to see as the future of our Foundation, all of us working together for better outcomes for Australians.’


(L–R) New Foundation Chair Sarah Lance and RACGP CEO Georgina van de Water at the GP24 Research Breakfast launch.
 
The relaunch also reaffirms the RACGP’s commitment to supporting Australian research that advances general practice while also improving the wellbeing of communities.
 
Ms Lance points out that with less than 2% of national medical research funding directed to primary care, and ‘even less specifically to general practice’, the Foundation has established itself as Australia’s leading source of funding and support for research that addresses ‘the unique needs of general practice’.
 
But, she says, this pivotal role is not something to take for granted.
 
‘It requires ongoing dedication to grow and sustain our impact,’ she said.
 
As Chair, Ms Lance is dedicated to ensuring the new Foundation continues to drive important research to benefit both GPs and patients.
 
‘I will guide the Foundation Committee in shaping a strategy to attract greater funding for general practice research, ensuring we back initiatives that tackle the most pressing challenges in general practice, enhance the care GPs deliver every day, and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the 22 million Australians who rely on that care,’ she said.
 
‘It was a privilege to introduce the Australian General Practice Research Foundation to RACGP members at GP24.
 
‘I’m eagerly looking forward to its formal public launch next March, where we’ll celebrate this milestone with our valued partners and supporters whose dedication makes the Foundation’s important work a reality.’
 
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