19 February 2010 Launch of RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
It is with great pleasure that the RACGP announces the addition of a new faculty, the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The college recognises that improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is one of Australia’s highest health priorities. General practice and Aboriginal health services are vital to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities throughout Australia.
The RACGP is committed to raising GP awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health needs and their cultural context, and to advocating for culturally appropriate health delivery systems, which improve health outcomes.
The college also strongly supports the vital role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and people in partnership with general practice to deliver comprehensive health care.
We have already undertaken a number of steps to help ‘close the gap’, including working with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to develop training programs and continuous education modules in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and providing registrars with training in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators. We have also developed a number of initiatives such as the RACGP Fellowship exam and curriculum, and the RACGP Aboriginal Health Unit and college standards, as well as provided appropriate RACGP representation on key national policy and program advisory groups.
The faculty will be headed by Dr Brad Murphy as its inaugural Chair, an Aboriginal man from the Kamilaroi people of northwest New South Wales. We would like to thank Brad and the members of the National Standing Committee – Aboriginal Health (NSC–AH) for their hard work and dedication in setting up this faculty.
The NSC–AH will oversee the establishment of the faculty and will be undertaking an extensive consultation process in the coming months. To express interest in the new faculty or to register to take part in future consultations, email aboriginalhealthunit@racgp.org.au.
M5 Project - RACGP men's health initiative helping men to help themselves
M5 encourages men and those who care about them to recognise the importance of men forming an ongoing relationship with a GP.
