A new campaign from RACGP aims to inspire medical students and junior doctors to become general practitioners.
As Australia’s population grows older and the rates of chronic disease continue to rise, Australians are needing GPs more than ever. However, according to a 2019 report by Deloitte, Australia may face a shortage of 9,298 full-time GPs, about 25% of the national GP workforce. This deficit is even more pronounced in urban areas, where the report predicts a shortfall of 7,535 GPs, nearly 32% of the workforce.
According to the report, in Western Australia we might be short of nearly 350 GPs by 2030.
To deal with this worrisome trend, the RACGP has launched a new campaign, called ‘Become a GP’, which aims to convince medical students and junior doctors to become a general practitioner.
According to RACGP President Dr Karen Price many medical students are unaware of the rewards of pursuing a career in general practice.
“Research shows people get into medicine to “help people”, and general practice is unique among specialities in allowing a person to do just that – GPs provide holistic care to patients throughout their lives, not just when they’re sick, but to keep them well,” Dr Price said in a press release.
GPs represent the frontline in health care for the wider community and provide a much-needed service to Australia. For many GPs, their experience in this career path is very rewarding, and looking back, they would do it all over again.
According to the RACGP, an important challenge to boost Australia’s medical force is the need of exposing medical student to general practice. For Dr Nathan Lam, a part-time GP in rural South Australia, exploring general practice electives during medical school is a worthwhile experience.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t spent a year in rural general practice in Kapunda as a fifth-year medical student,” Dr Lam told RACGP.
“My GP mentors were very enthusiastic to have me involved and be hands-on with practical on-the-job training. I went from an apprehensive medical student to someone with far more confidence assessing and managing patients – and importantly, engaging with patients in my own style,” he added.