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RACGP - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation representing more than 40,000 urban and rural general practitioner members.

RACGP support their members at all stages of their general practice journey – from medical student to doctor in training, to Fellowship and continuing professional development throughout their career, and in all the varied geographic and social contexts in which GPs work.

With almost nine in 10 Australians visiting a GP each year, the breadth of practice for a GP is unequalled among medical professionals. This is why the RACGP is a vocal advocate on many issues relating to the health of Australians.

Vision and mission

RACGP's purpose is to ensure a strong GP profession that keeps Australia healthy. Their goal is to improve Australia’s health outcomes, because every person in Australia regardless of their postcode or their vulnerabilities, can – and does – regularly see a GP.

How your GP can help

Your GP can help with a huge array of health issues. These include everything from the routine to the complex and throughout your life.

Your GP wants you to get the most out of your visit to their practice so you leave with all your questions answered. Use the tips below to make your visit a success:

  • make a list of all the things you want to ask your GP about so you don’t forget anything
  • be open and honest - everything you tell your GP is kept confidential
  • don’t be afraid to ask embarrassing questions, your GP is trained to answer them
  • if you’ve done some of your own research on the internet before seeing your GP and you’re worried about what it says, print it off and show your GP
  • if you have lots of items you wish to discuss with your GP in one visit, book a longer appointment so neither of you feel rushed
  • if your GP isn’t familiar with your medical history, ensure you let them know about any prior illnesses or family history that may be relevant to your visit

Information / help lines

Email: racgp@racgp.org.au

Recommended links

Last reviewed: February 2024

Information from this partner

Found 51 results

RACGP - Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice

A series of guidelines to help reduce misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and associated harms.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Patient resources

Help GP and patients converse on overused tests, overdiagnosed and overtreated conditions, interventions with insufficient evidence avoiding low-value care

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Imaging in adults with acute low back pain

Most people will experience acute (short-term, lasting less than two months) low back pain at some point in their lives.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Managing your subclinical hypothyroidism

Subclinical hypothyroidism is when the level of only one of these hormones, the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), is abnormal.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - MTHFR gene testing

MTHFR genes are involved in how your body uses folate. There are variations in this gene that can be identified in a blood test.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Vitamin C infusions

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that normally only comes from food. It plays an important role in the nervous system and other functions, including the healing of wounds and energy metabolism.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Vitamin D testing

Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is important for your bone health and the function of your nerves and muscles

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine resources

The RACGP has developed a number of resources to support GPs and the general practice team during COVID-19.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Drugs of dependence: Responding to requests

This fact sheet is a brief guide to identifying and responding to requests for drugs of dependence that might be inappropriate.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Managing prescription opioids in patients with non cancer pain

Buprenorphine–naloxone is well tolerated by patients with chronic pain, and has the potential to improve pain scores and affective symptoms.

Read more on RACGP website

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