The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has today announced that RACGP Vice President and head of RACGP Rural A/Professor Ayman Shenouda will act as RACGP President following the death of Dr Harry Nespolon on Sunday.
President Dr Harry Nespolon passed away peacefully in his sleep following a nine month battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.
RACGP Board Chair Christine Nixon said that the current RACGP Vice President and head of RACGP Rural would carry on Dr Nespolon's fine work.
"The entire RACGP community is in mourning following the passing of our esteemed President Dr Harry Nespolon on Sunday night.
"Ayman Shenouda has worked closely with Harry for years so he is perfectly positioned to help realise Harry's dreams and ambitions for general practice as acting President. I wish Ayman all the best in this role in coming weeks and I'm sure he will do a fantastic job in these trying circumstances."
A/Professor Shenouda said that RACGP staff and members were in mourning for Dr Nespolon.
"This is of course an extremely sad time for all those people who knew Harry Nespolon. I share the sorrow of many GPs across Australia for the loss of our courageous President who worked so hard right until the end.
"Harry led the RACGP with integrity until his very last day. He always fought to best represent the interests of general practice including GPs and nurses, receptionists and administrative staff.
"His commitment to the profession was nothing short of legendary. This was particularly the case during the last nine months when, despite a terminal diagnosis, he provided outstanding leadership and continued to advocate on behalf of primary care until he could no longer hold on.
"The summer's bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic tested general practice like never before. Dr Nespolon stood up for GPs and made sure that government was aware of the crucial role we play when health crises strike Australian communities.
"We could not have asked for anything more from him, Harry gave everything he had and achieved so much."
A/Professor Shenouda said that continuing Harry's legacy was his highest priority.
"He will always be remembered as an extraordinary GP and a great leader. It is a huge loss for all but particularly for his lovely family Lindy, Ella and Hannah. My thoughts and the thoughts of the entire RACGP team are with them at this time.
"I feel privileged to be in a position where I can continue on Harry's legacy. What he achieved during his time as President was nothing short of extraordinary and I will draw inspiration from his seemingly never-ending drive, energy and resilience.
"I worked very closely Harry throughout his tenure and will work hard every day to ensure that his objectives for improving general practice and supporting GPs are realised.
"I was at the GP conference in Adelaide last year when Harry spoke so movingly about the life of a GP and why he hoped more medical students will opt for this profession.
"He said that he could not envisage another profession where you can so clearly see the impact your work is having on people in your community. As a rural GP in Wagga Wagga I could not agree more.
"It is this vision of general practice that Harry believed in and as acting President I will continue spreading this vital message far and wide."
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