Dr Michael Wright, an accomplished GP and health economist, has been announced as the new President of Australia’s peak general practice body, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).
Dr Wright will officially take on the role at the RACGP’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21 November 2024 when current President Dr Nicole Higgins’ two-year term ends.
Dr Wright has worked as a GP in Australia and England, been a practice owner, and completed a PhD in health economics in 2019. A respected leader and advocate for general practice, he has held multiple appointments with universities, health organisations, and the RACGP, including Chair of the College’s Expert Committee for Funding and Health System Reform and Deputy Chair of the NSW/ACT Faculty Council.
Following the member vote, Dr Higgins offered her congratulations, saying: “I’m pleased to be handing over the role of RACGP President to Dr Michael Wright, an accomplished GP, health economist, and well-respected leader in general practice.
“As Australia’s peak general practice and GP training body, the RACGP’s priority is supporting and giving voice to Australia’s GPs, and their patients. There has never been a more important time to advocate for general practice as a profession, and for Australians to have better access to affordable GP care.
“Australia’s population is ageing, and we face an epidemic of chronic illness and mental health issues, at the same time as we battle the cost-of-living crisis. The Federal Government must invest in general practice care to ensure all Australians can see a GP when they need to.”
Dr Wright said: “It’s an honour to have been elected by our members, and I feel privileged to be stepping into the role after Dr Higgins who has achieved so much in her time as President.
“Generations of Australians have benefited from having a GP who knows and cares for them. We need to ensure that access to GP care remains at the heart of our health system.
“I’m well aware that I’m taking on the role of RACGP President at a time when Australia’s health system faces significant challenges, and fair and equitable access to general practice care is under threat.
“I will fight to make sure high-quality GP care remains accessible and affordable for all Australians, and that the value of GPs and general practice is understood and acknowledged by our policymakers as much as it is by our patients – Investing in general practice is the best investment in the health of our nation.”
~ENDS
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