Australia's leading general practice training college, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), proudly welcomed 74 new specialist GPs at a prestigious Fellowship ceremony held in Adelaide.
The Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) is the gold standard of general practice in Australia, recognising a doctor's qualification and expertise as a specialist GP.
Achieving Fellowship marks the culmination of approximately 11 years of education, clinical training, rigorous assessment, and hands-on experience in primary care.
Among the newly conferred Fellows were 17 Rural Generalists – GPs who undertake Additional Rural Skills Training in critical areas such as anaesthesia and obstetrics to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural communities.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright congratulated the New Fellows and emphasised the vital role of general practitioners in Australia's healthcare system.
"Australia has never needed specialist GPs more than it does right now – and the RACGP is training more GPs to meet that need.," Dr Wright said.
"We train 90% of the country's GPs, and today we're celebrating 74 New Fellows in South Australia who are at the start of what I know will be incredible careers.
"As new graduates you represent a new generation of GPs caring for patients across South Australia – something that fills me with pride as our profession grows and strengthen.
"General practice is one of the most rewarding paths in medicine. It's challenging, but it's also full of variety, flexibility, and the chance to build deep, lasting relationships with patients. No other specialty offers that kind of connection.
"And the research is clear – people who have a usual GP live longer, healthier, and happier lives. We're here for the long haul, helping people stay well and navigate life's changes, year after year."
RACGP South Australia Chair Dr Siân Goodson also addressed the ceremony, acknowledging the dedication and expertise required to achieve Fellowship.
"This ceremony marks the end of a long and demanding journey," Dr Goodson said.
"You've completed years of study, reflection, hands-on experience, and received guidance from incredible GP supervisors – not to mention some seriously tough exams. You've truly earned this moment.
"As GPs, we're specialists in the unknown. We interpret symptoms that aren't always obvious, draw on clinical examinations, test results, and insights from other specialists, and arrive at a diagnosis from a sea of possibilities. That's no small feat.
"You're now the first point of contact for patients facing complex health challenges. You're the doctor they confide in about their mental health, the one checking in after a hospital stay, the one they turn to when starting a family, and the one who helps them stay well through every stage of life.
"This is a proud moment, and the RACGP couldn't be more excited to see how you'll shape the health and wellbeing of communities across South Australia."
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