SIX local doctors have received recognition this week for their contribution to the community as dedicated GP Supervisors. They are among 93 GP Supervisors being recognised nationally.
GP Supervisors are highly trained specialist GPs who oversee the training of Australia’s future family practitioners in an apprentice-based model, shaping, guiding and mentoring the professional behaviours expected of General Practitioners before they can be vocationally registered.
The local doctors include: David Iser, Trevor Andrews, Mike Fitzgerald, Phil Worboys, David Polmear and Owen Casson.
Dr Iser began servicing the Foster area many years ago as a GP before becoming a GP Supervisor over 30 years ago. Dr Andrews has clocked up more than 25 years as a GP Supervisor, Dr Fitzgerald more than 20 years, Dr Polmear and Dr Worboys more than 15 years each and Dr Casson more than 10 years.
“Teaching is an essential part of being a senior doctor. I feel a responsibility to pass on my experience and knowledge which I in turn have had passed onto me by my predecessors and mentors. This way our collective ability to look after the population effectively and efficiently continues to improve,” said Dr Worboys.
“Being a supervisor is an important aspect of the many hats worn by the General Practitioner,” said Dr Polmear. “It is a rewarding opportunity to help nurture, educate and enthuse the younger GP cohort to embrace the challenging and stimulating life in General Practice, especially in the rural setting where we have chosen to spend our professional time.”
General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA) chair Dr Bruce Willett said many GPs were attracted to supervision because having a hand in the growth of the competence and confidence of GP registrars added another layer of complexity and interest to the role of a community GP.
He said the GP Supervisors were being recognised for their commitment to providing the very best care to patients whilst mentoring the future GP workforce.
“Supervising registrars is a rewarding educational experience that keeps us up to date. It also takes time to do well and we are fortunate at Foster to have a group of supervisors with different interests and skills so the load is shared,” said Dr Andrews.
GP training practices and supervisors must be accredited by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and/or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) to train registrars engaged within the Australian General Practice Training Program.
Dr Frank Jones, RACGP President congratulated the GP supervisors on their many years of dedicated service.
“General practice supervisors are at the coalface of GP training. Our communities receive high quality care from trainees and GPs. It is the apprenticeship model that supports best health outcomes for patients, and we are proud to recognise our colleagues for their many years of service,” he said.
“The RACGP is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards of general practice in Australia, including the standards for vocational training of GP registrars. It is a quality assurance measure our patients can have confidence in – training practices are high quality practices.”
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