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Dr Karen Price named RACGP President-elect
Dr Price plans to reassert the role of general practice and adopt a ‘GPs first’ approach.
Dr Price will officially take on the role of RACGP President at the close of the college’s Annual General Meeting on 30 November.
The President-elect is determined to hit the ground running.
‘Because there is not a moment to lose,’ she said.
‘I will work closely with the executive, the CEO Dr Matthew Miles and Board members to ensure the RACGP is not left behind.
‘I look forward to working closely with Acting President Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda in the important handover period. I would like to personally commend Associate Professor Shenouda’s outstanding contributions during a very difficult year – he has my deepest respect.
‘We must be ambitious, speak up for our members and clearly articulate what we want.
‘Heading into 2021, I plan to reassert the role of general practice and adopt a “GPs first” approach when meeting with the nation’s health leaders. I also believe we need to collaborate with other doctor groups to provide a united force in our dealings with Government.
‘We will not agree on everything but, where possible, we can and should work together.’
Dr Price will officially take on the role of RACGP President at the close of the college’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 30 November. The Victorian GP will succeed Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda, who assumed the role of Acting President following the death of the late Dr Harry Nespolon, who died in July following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
RACGP Board Chair Christine Nixon is eager to work with Dr Price.
‘The RACGP has many talented and determined GP members delivering the highest quality of patient care, and our new President comes with a strong track record of representing their interests and fighting for them,’ Ms Nixon said.
‘The Board looks forward to working alongside Dr Price from November.’
Dr Price is clear that member engagement will play a major role in decision-making as RACGP President.
‘The leadership roles I have undertaken mean that I have my finger on the pulse of what issues matter to GPs in communities across Australia,’ Dr Price said. ‘I want to extend that knowledge even further and as President my priority will be to improve engagement with members.
‘It doesn’t matter if you work in a major city or if you are the sole doctor in a small town – I want to hear what you have to say and what I can do to help you.
‘I plan to meet regularly with groups of GPs in all corners of the country. In the months ahead, these will have to be video meetings rather than face-to-face interactions, but the most important thing will be explaining my agenda as President and listening to the insights of GPs.’
Of the 30,261 eligible voters, more than 4000 voted in the RACGP’s 2020 Presidential election. Dr Price secured almost 60% of the vote following preference distribution.
‘We are living in uncertain times, but there is reason for hope,’ she said.
‘The bushfires and the pandemic have demonstrated once again how vital primary care is when health crises strike, and as President I will seize all opportunities for meaningful advocacy.’
Associate Professor Shenouda will remain in the role of RACGP Acting President until the close of the AGM on 30 November 2020.
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