The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

How useful are AI scribes for busy general practices? One Primary Health Network is trying to get more useful data on the impact.

A/Prof Michael Clements is an experienced GP, practice owner and our Rural Faculty Chair. He’s also a huge advocate for our annual Health of the Nation (HOTN) survey.  Based in Townsville, Clements says the best part of being a GP is the relationships formed with patients and the communities he gets to serve. He believes the HOTN survey is crucial to the future and improvement of the profession he loves. “The survey results provide the most comprehensive snapshot of what our GP communities are seeing, thinking and doing.  “HOTN is so important for the advocacy and advancement of the profession. We use stories, quotes and data from the survey in countless media stories and position statements, and it’s common to see lines of advocacy come straight out of the HOTN report and into the Hansard at Parliament House in Canberra as the issues are discussed.”  Don’t miss the chance to shape the future of general practice. Complete the survey now: https://bit.ly/2TErmNp You could also win a 12-month RACGP membership for 2025-2026 and access a new reflective CPD activity after completing the survey. Michael Clements

Are you thinking about a succession plan for your practice? Learn helpful tools and tips by attending our half-day Succession Planning masterclass - and gain CPD hours. Our insightful masterclass will provide you with an overview of the sales process and associated legal requirements, wealth and investment options, due diligence preparations, and your obligations post-sale. Our masterclass is part of the Practice Owners Conference 2025. Find out more and secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3YAYNmP Paul Copeland William Buck

The new addition to the RACGP’s ‘First do no harm’ practical guide for GPs covers antibiotic use for childhood acute otitis media, saying most children with the infection will not need antibiotic therapy. https://bit.ly/4curg3u

Draft clinical guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer are now out, outlining updated testing recommendations that target high-risk groups.

Our President Dr Michael Wright was honoured to preside over our first Fellowship ceremony for 2025 and our first ever in Toowoomba. A huge congrats to all our New Fellows! Dr Wright and the team really enjoyed meeting you and your families and hearing your inspiring stories about becoming an RACGP Fellow.

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 Education Research Grant program! Register here for our information webinar on Tuesday 15 April to find out more. The ERG is a grant scheme dedicated to advancing medical education and training in general practice. It serves as a catalyst for innovation, providing funding and a collaborative platform for researchers committed to the future of GP training. Associate Professor Samia Toukhsati is the Principal Investigator on an ERG project entitled 'Strengthening the recruitment, support, and retention of women GP supervisors: a framework and implementation model'. The project aims to produce new knowledge around specific, practical, and effective programs/initiatives that will support women GPs to become and continue as GP supervisors, across a broad range of characteristics and contexts. Visit our website for 2026 Education Research Grant research priorities and further details on the EOI process: https://bit.ly/42DspS2

In the April issue of #AJGP, Terri-Lynne South provides a commentary on four popular #diets, highlighting potential considerations, advantages and disadvantages. https://bit.ly/3XH0Ntz

Vic Faculty is excited to announce that Kat Baulch, an expert in paediatrics, trauma-informed care and leadership, will lead a workshop on Child Wellbeing. This is part of the Victorian Rural Conference, made possible by funding from the Victoria Department of Education. With over 20 years of experience, including working at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Kat will guide you through best practices in early intervention, child health and collaborative care to safeguard the wellbeing of young patients. The work shop will be held on 16 May, 10.00 am-4.00 pm in Wodonga, VIC Register now and share with fellow GPs: https://lnkd.in/gfWg67Tp Kat Baulch

With a looming start date of 1 July for chronic disease management changes, the RACGP has doubled down on calls for GPs to have time to prepare, in a letter to the Department of Health and Aged Care.