‘Fierce advocate’ announced as RACGP President-elect

For Dr Nicole Higgins, the phone call confirming that she had won the election and would be the next RACGP President was a ‘surreal’ moment.
 
The Mackay-based practice owner told newsGP she is ‘humbled’ to have been chosen from the seven-strong field of candidates, while she also pledged to continue the legacy of current President Adjunct Professor Karen Price, as well as those who have served before. 
 
‘For too long, the role of general practice has been undervalued, oversimplified and defunded. There is no substitute for general practice care and going down that path leads to second-tier care and puts patients at risk,’ she said.
 
‘I am honoured to be taking on the RACGP President role and look forward to working with members, other GPs and stakeholders on healthcare, including the government, in the months and years ahead.
 
‘I would also like to acknowledge Professor Price, who has worked tirelessly during her term to support members and patients alike amid the most trying of circumstances.
 
‘There is a growing appetite for change. I will ensure the college keeps pushing to represent member interests and be a fierce advocate for our profession.’
 
As well as being a practice owner and member of the RACGP’s Queensland Faculty Council, Dr Higgins is the current Chair of GP Supervisors Australia and said she is looking forward to next year’s transition back to profession-led training.
 
However, she is also keen to spearhead other changes to Australia’s healthcare system as well.
 
‘I am proud to be a female clinician practice owner who lives outside the capital cities. I straddle the breadth and depth of general practice – urban, regional and rural – and I will inform policy from a different perspective,’ Dr Higgins said. 
 
‘My own experiences reflect the lived experience of the issues faced by RACGP members, such as the underfunding of Medicare, payroll tax, practice viability, workforce, GP training and burnout, and the impact of climate change on our profession. 
 
‘Australia’s leaders need to recognise that health is a worthy investment, and that general practice saves lives and money. And I intend to fight hard for the future of world class care in our country – care that is accessible to everyone, no matter their postcode or income.’
 
Aside from her current role as GPSA Chair, Dr Higgins is a former director of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network and recipient of the Supervisor of the Year, Tropical Medical Training 2014 award.
 
She has also received backing from Professor Price, who has ‘full confidence’ in Dr Higgins’ ability to advocate strongly for members and continue the ‘critical work’ already being undertaken by the college.
 
‘We have come a long way in a short space of time, but there is still much to be done,’ Professor Price said.
 
‘The pandemic is not over, and at the same time, years of underfunding and neglect have put general practice in crisis.
 
‘I am confident Dr Higgins will take the challenges head on, and prosecute the many opportunities to advocate for GPs and the future of high-quality general practice care in our country.’
 
Dr Higgins will officially assume the role at the conclusion of the RACGP’s 2022 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 24 November, when Professor Price’s two-year term comes to an end.
 
She said her initial priorities will be establishing relationships and lines of communication with members, the college’s staff and executive team, and the Federal Government, particularly Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.
 
‘I am proud to be a GP,’ Dr Higgins said.
 
‘I ask the RACGP members to stand with me and fight for our profession. We have the opportunity to be the change. 
 
‘I look forward to serving members with humility, strength and accountability.’
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Nicole Higgins Presidential election RACGP President