The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is a medical college, an education provider, a standard-setter and an advocate for the health of all Australians. It’s a professional collective with patient-centred care at its heart; just like its more than 40,000 members, which includes nine in every 10 Australian general practitioners (GPs).
We support our 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.
We carry out stringent assessments of doctors’ skills and knowledge, develop resources and guidelines, and help GPs with issues that affect their practice to ensure high-quality healthcare for all Australians.
With more than two million Australians visiting a GP each week, 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. We have 30 specific interest networks focusing on topics that include aged care, obesity management and psychological medicine.
We also have a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The more than 9,000 members, who either work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare sector or have a passion and interest in this area, are supported by a dedicated faculty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
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
