Why Vote For Me: My Background and Motivation

About Me

I am a second-generation GP. I trained in Queensland and now live and work in Sydney. I’ve been a GP registrar, supervised medical students and registrars, and have been a GP practice owner with my father on the Gold Coast for nearly a decade. I have also lived in the UK for 4 years, including time working in the NHS.

While continuing my clinical work, I have completed a Masters of Public Health (MSc- Public Health- LSHTM) and a PhD in Health Economics studying the value of continuity of care. My ongoing health economics research at Centre for Future Health Systems at the University of New South Wales focuses on health policy and funding, where I’ve been inspired by my clinical experience. My research topics have included: health budget allocation to general practice, incidence of multiple practice attendance, the impact of the pandemic on GPs and our health system, and most recently the financial viability of general practice.

I’ve been actively involved within the RACGP nationally, currently chairing the RACGP’s Funding and Health System Reform Reference Expert Committee, and in NSW where I serve as Vice-Chair of the NSW/ACT Faculty Council. For the last two and a half years I have been the Chief Medical Officer at Avant Mutual, Australia’s largest medical indemnity provider, leading the advocacy education, research and sustainability functions, and representing more than 80,000 doctors to support a better doctor-led health system focused on quality, safety and professionalism. I’ve also gained extensive governance experience as Board Chair of Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network.

My Motivations

I am driven by a genuine desire to improve our healthcare system through stronger general practice. Since my formal GP training, I have sought to equip myself with additional skills, knowledge and experiences needed to solve  the challenges that I see facing our profession, our broader healthcare system and our patients. From further education- MSc- Public Health – Health Economics and PhD in health economics, experiences through ownership and management of practices, experiencing general practice in the NHS, advocating for doctors and  asafe health system in my leadership roles with Avant and primary health networks, to my research into the impact of health policy on general practice and viability, my roles have allowed me to expand my sphere of influence for positive change. This role, RACGP President over the next two years, is a unique opportunity to bring together the varied experiences from my professional career, and to channel this in creating a positive future for General Practice, our patients and our health system.

Why Vote For Me 

I believe my combination of skills and experiences is what the RACGP and general practice as a profession need right now. We need a president who understands clinical practice, who has expertise in health economics, and who can effectively communicate with funders and policymakers in terms that they understand. My experience as a clinician, health economist and health advocacy leader will be fundamental to successfully achieving the outcomes we need, raising understanding of the critical role of general practice and ensuring a well-funded, strong general practice now and into the future.