RACGP President candidates revealed

Five candidates are vying to take over the RACGP presidency, with the nominees announced on Thursday.
 
The winner will take on a two-year term in the role, taking over from current RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins when her term comes to an end later this year.
 
In alphabetical order, the candidates are:
 
Dr Palmyra De Banks
Dr De Banks is a clinical director and GP based in Preston, Victoria. She is currently a member of several panels and boards, including RACGP Victoria, the MIGA Medical Advisory Panel, Eating Disorders Family Australia, and Medical Panels. Dr De Banks holds a Masters in both health and law.
 
Candidate position statement.
 
Dr Alan Bradley
Dr Bradley is a GP and medical educator based in Berwick, Victoria, as well as a professional practice tutor and former Associate Lecturer at Melbourne University. He has also been a clinical supervisor for general practice registrars and Managing Director of the Ledman Institute, an organisation which prepares students for medical school entry.
 
Candidate position statement.
 
Dr Michael Clements
Dr Clements is RACGP Vice President as well as the Chair of RACGP Rural. A GP and practice owner in Townsville, Queensland, he has also been a Rural Generalist training advisor, a medical director at Townsville Hospital, and a Senior Aviation Medical Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force.
 
Candidate position statement.
 
Dr Monirul Haque
Having worked across rural and regional Australia, as well as in Asia, Europe, and Africa, Dr Haque is currently a GP in Point Cook, Victoria. He has also worked as a GP supervisor and examiner, is the former director of Geelong GP Division (PHN), an RACGP Victoria Councillor, and Affiliate Senior Lecturer at Deakin University.
 
Candidate position statement.
 
Dr Michael Wright
Currently Chief Medical Officer at Avant Mutual, Dr Wright is also a GP in Woollahra, Sydney. He has worked across several regions in Australia, as well as in England, and has a PhD in economics. Dr Wright is the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform Chair, and Associate Professor at UNSW.
 
Candidate position statement.
 
Nominations for candidates have now closed and the campaigning period has begun.
 
The voting period will then open on Monday 12 August, 12.00 pm (AEST), until Thursday 22 August, 12.00 pm (AEST). The new President-elect will be announced on Friday, 23 August.
 
RACGP Fellows, members and registrar associates are all eligible to vote.
 
Chair of the RACGP Board Dr Lara Roeske congratulated the candidates and encouraged members to cast their votes.
 
‘Taking on the role of RACGP President comes with a number of significant and important responsibilities, including acting as the key public figure for the college and being the voice of our profession,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘The new President will be the spokesperson for RACGP policy as set by the Board, they will also represent the college in its advocacy with politicians, stakeholders, staff, and international medical colleges.
 
‘The RACGP now has around 50,000 members and the next President will continue our crucial work in championing the profession, its value, and our plans for the future of general practice.’
 
A candidate Q&A member webinar will be held on Wednesday 14 August, 7.30 pm (AEST) for voters to meet the candidates and ask questions.
 
Questions can be submitted during the registration process or emailed to elections@racgp.org.au.
 
Current RACGP representatives, including Board, faculty and committee members are required to step down from these positions during the Presidential campaign period.
 
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