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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 7 results

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

RACGP - Managing high risk opioid prescribing

Patients prescribed high doses of opioids need to be managed appropriately to reduce risks of morbidity and mortality.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Post COVID 19 syndrome condition or long COVID

As the understanding of post-acute COVID-19 is evolving, regularly updated or ‘living guidelines’ will be crucial for those affected to be provided with best care within the health system.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - RACGP 12-point opioid challenge

With the issue of pain management becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian healthcare, GPs are often at the forefront of dealing with patients experiencing chronic non-cancer pain. However…

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Listen, assess, encourage, support: Requests for drugs of dependence

The RACGP has released a new guide designed to help GPs identify and respond to requests that might be inappropriate.

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Management of mammalian bites

Australia has one of the highest incidences of pet ownership in the world1 with the rate of dog ownership by household between 35–42%.2,3 Mammalian bites, in particular dog bites, are common. In Australia, it has been estimated that approximately 2% of the population is bitten by a dog annually, of which 100 000 will require treatment and 13 000 will seek treatment in a hospital.4

Read more on RACGP website

RACGP - Eosinophilic oesophagitis – A guide for primary care

Eosinophilic oesophagitis – A guide for primary care

Read more on RACGP website

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