Last opportunity to nominate for an RACGP Expert Committee

RACGP Fellows who are financial members are being urged to nominate for one of the college’s five expert committees before nominations close at 5.00 pm AEST on Wednesday 25 August.
 
For Professor Mark Morgan, current Chair of RACGP Expert Committee–Quality Care (REC–QC), the reason he first nominated was simple.
 
‘In the end it’s about patient care,’ he said. ‘Not just for my patients, but for all patients.’
 
Professor Morgan told newsGP that REC membership has allowed him to not only play a part in the development and endorsement of clinical guidance, but also help shape the way primary care is delivered across Australia.
 
‘Guidelines sit at the intersection between scientific knowledge and coalface delivery of care,’ he said.
 
‘It’s been rewarding to have a voice in national-level committees and clinical policy, while at the same time it’s been fascinating to get a better understanding of other perspectives from health bureaucrats, non-GP specialists and the wider healthcare industry.’
 
It has also helped inform his own clinical practice.
 
‘One of the joys of working in REC–QC is the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of new medical knowledge and opinions,’ he said.
 
‘I have constantly reviewed my own practice and medical beliefs as I’ve worked through the varied agenda of REC–QC.
 
‘It has often been challenging and humbling to realise that established medical dogma is often based on dodgy foundations. Not a day goes by without learning something new.’
 
Chair Dr Michael Wright, RACGP Expert Committee–Funding and Health System Reform (REC–FHSR), is equally enthusiastic about the personal and professional benefits afforded by membership.
 
‘As an RACGP member, I often wondered, “How can I make a difference?”,’ he told newsGP.
 
‘My involvement with the REC has allowed me to support the college and given me a chance to use my insights from clinical practice to inform and shape general practice of the future.
 
In addition to nominating for a position, eligible members are also invited to put their name forward as a REC Chair.
 
Dr Wright, who has been an REC–FHSR member since 2015 and Chair for the past three years, said the role has given him the chance to experience the breadth of issues facing the college, and contribute to potential solutions.
 
‘Our REC has focused on funding and health system reform – these are long-standing issues of work for the RACGP and major priorities for the future,’ he said
  
‘It is a great opportunity for GPs to work together, and to use their day-to-day clinical experiences to inform and influence the work of the RACGP.’
 
Outside of QC and FHSR, the other RECs focus on Practice Technology and Management, Research, and Standards for General Practices.
 
Nominations can be made through the RACGP website, while assistance is also available via recapplication@racgp.org.au
 
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