Academic post explores ‘unique position’ of general practice and AI

With use of artificial intelligence (AI) in general practice rapidly growing, its safety and value as a time-saving tool are also being extensively assessed.
 
Dr Neysan Sedaghat, who obtained his Fellowship of the RACGP this year, has always had an interest in topics related to ‘how we advance as humanity’. This is what led him to pursue a research project in the area for his 2024 term on the Academic Post Program.
 
‘Science and technology play a role in [advances in humanity], and since AI has become quite topical with these generative AI models gaining notoriety, I believed it was worth exploring the perceptions and experiences of GPs, given their unique position at the grassroots of our health system,’ he told newsGP.
 
His research project, ‘Australian general practitioners’ knowledge and perspectives on the capabilities, opportunities, and challenges of artificial intelligence in primary care’ was one of the ‘rapid fire’ presentations on digital health and data at the RACGP’s GP24 conference in November.
 
Dr Sedaghat is now working to finish the data analysis and writing of his project in the next few months.
 
‘My hope is that its insights can be used to inform policies that are emerging to address the impact these tools will be having on the care we provide to our patients,’ he said.

Dr Sedaghat grew up in Chile where he gained his medical degree, before moving to Australia and initially working in Ballarat, Victoria, before relocating to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, where he now teaches at the UNSW Rural Clinical School.
 
He developed an interest in joining the Academic Post Program before he had a particular research topic in mind.
 
‘My experience teaching has definitely inspired me to pursue a career in education,’ he said.
 
‘Whether it’s medical students or becoming a supervisor, I’m keen to learn more and improve the multiple knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be a good educator.’
 
The Academic Post Program is a 12-month, 0.5 full-time equivalent training term offered to Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) registrars, supporting them to develop research, medical education and critical thinking skills. 
 
General practice registrars partner with a university to complete a research project in an area of general practice and teach medical students, while receiving mentoring and support from medical educators, university supervisors and the RACGP.
 
Dr Sedaghat describes his overall experience on the Academic Post Program as ‘fantastic’.
 
‘One of the things that attracted me to a career as a GP was the possibility of providing longitudinal care for my patients while at the same time developing a portfolio career,’ he said.
 
‘The thought that I could start developing that so early into my training had not occurred to me, so when I saw this opportunity I was very excited.
 
‘I definitely recommend others apply.’
 
Applications for the 2026 Academic Post Program will open from 5 May – 21 July. Full details on how to apply, as well as an on-demand recording of past registrars’ project showcase, are available on the RACGP website.
 
A pre-application webinar for 2026 prospective applicants will be held at 7.00 pm (AEST) 29 April, with a recording available to access on demand. Projects of past program participants are also available.
 
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Academic Post Program AI artificial intelligence general practice registrars general practice research