AFPHM News - July 2026
I would like to congratulate our two Fellows who received honours in the King’s Birthday Honours last month.
- Professor Noel Hayman was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine, particularly to Indigenous health care and medical education. An article about Noel is included in this month’s newsletter.
- Dr Jan Fizzell received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to health in NSW. Jan has devoted more than 25 years to healthcare in New South Wales and is currently clinical lead in the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Population and Public Health and the Chief Health Officer, within the NSW Ministry of Health.
Over the last few months, I have been able to meet with a large number of Fellows and trainees, especially at the PHAA Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference (CDIC) and the Annual Training Days. The CDIC had many Fellows and trainees presenting their own work and the work of their teams. I got a chance to speak with Professor Zoe Wainer, Director General of the Australian CDC, and some of her staff about getting public health training positions in the ACDC and will be meeting formally with her staff in a few weeks.
One of the standout plenary presentations at CDIC, amongst many, was given by Professor Joe Doyle, a dual‐trained public health and infectious diseases physician, who spoke about lessons for public health revealed by COVID. He noted amongst other things the following:
- Public health capability was thinner than realised
- Public health capacity is built in peacetime
- There is a false divide between Public Health and Healthcare.
These messages resonated with me, and I could see significant comparisons with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). No-one complains that we don’t need to have a standing ADF able to respond to what might happen in the future, but we always need to fight to grow and maintain Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health capacity. This analogy demonstrates that we need to have a public health capacity available that can deal with new threats when they come up. This needs some reserve capacity when times are quieter, so capacity is there to deal with increased workloads. A current example is the unfortunate Diptheria outbreak across multiple Australian jurisdictions which has led to public health physicians being seconded to different organisations which don’t have the ’peacetime’ capacity to deal with the outbreak. Public health capacity is an ongoing issue in Victoria and South Australia.
The Annual Training Days held after CDIC in Melbourne were a great success with over 50 trainees there in person and others attending online. A big thank you to the organisers of the very successful training days: Dr Greg Stewart, Dr Annaliese van Diemen, Dr Aoife Hurley, Dr Jim Black, Dr Naveen Tenneti, Dr Felix Ho and Dr Ned Latham.
Also in Melbourne, the Gerry Murphy Prize Finals were held and I congratulate all finalists and especially the winner, Dr Ned Latham. We were privileged to have Anna Murphy, one of Gerry Murphy’s children, attend and help congratulate Ned.
I had the pleasure of taking part in the formal awarding of Fellowships to four trainees and two overseas trained physicians at the RACP Convocation in Sydney in May. The Convocation isa great opportunity for new Fellows to be able to formally celebrate the completion of training with their families who have supported them through their training.
As we approach the 1 January 2027 commencement date of the new curriculum for trainees, the final sections on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Māori people are close to finalisation. I encourage Fellows and current trainees to explore the new curriculum and join my webinar on Tuesday, 28 July. Sessions for supervisors looking at the assessment details of the new curriculum will also be offered soon.
I know from my discussions with a number of you that you have been concerned about the recent RACP Board issues and the effect on the reputation of the RACP and AFPHM. I believe that the RACP is moving forward following the intervention of the ACNC and the election of new Board members and has hopefully passed its nadir. I can assure you the work of AFPHM and support to our trainees has not been adversely affected by the issues and I thank the RACP staff for their on-going work.
Please contact me if you have any issues that I should be aware of affecting public health medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand via email afphm@racp.edu.au
Dr Tony Gill
AFPHM President
President’s Message: Congratulations to Professor Noel Hayman AM
As President of and on behalf of AFPHM, I am delighted to congratulate Professor Noel Hayman AM FAFPHM on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to medicine, particularly to Indigenous health care and medical education.
This national recognition acknowledges Noel’s extraordinary contribution to medicine, Indigenous health, medical education, and, most importantly, his unwavering pursuit of health justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Noel was one of Queensland’s first Indigenous doctors graduating from the University of Queensland in 1990. He is also a Fellow of the RACP (FRACP) and the Royal Australasian College of General Practice (FRACGP).
For more than three decades, Noel has been one of Australia’s most influential Aboriginal health leaders. Through his clinical care, advocacy, research, teaching and leadership, he has challenged inequity, transformed health systems and demonstrated what is possible when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered to lead the design and delivery of their own health care.
At the heart of Noel’s life’s work is a simple but powerful principle: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes improve when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are trusted, respected and supported to lead. As Clinical Director of the Inala Indigenous Health Service and Co-Founder of the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, he has championed models of care that place culture, community, partnership and self-determination at their centre.
His legacy extends far beyond the patients and communities he has directly served. Noel has been a tireless advocate for increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, physicians and health professionals across Australia. He understood early that achieving health equity would require more than improving access to services, it would require transforming the medical profession itself.
As a co-founder of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association and through his decades of mentorship, Noel has inspired and supported generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students, trainees and specialists. Many of today’s Indigenous doctors trace their aspirations, opportunities and achievements to the pathways he helped create.
For the RACP, this contribution carries particular significance. Noel has consistently challenged our profession to be more inclusive, more culturally safe and more accountable in addressing the health inequities experienced by First Nations peoples. He has reminded us that excellence in medicine must include a commitment to social justice and that the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health must be shaped by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. Noel is a long-term member of the RACP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee since 2018.
As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Noel has embodied the highest ideals of our profession. His leadership has influenced national policy, informed Closing the Gap initiatives, strengthened Indigenous health research and advanced medical education across Australia. Yet perhaps his greatest achievement is the generation of Indigenous health leaders, physicians and advocates who are following in his footsteps and continuing the work he began.
His appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia recognises not only a remarkable career, but also a profound and enduring legacy. That legacy is visible in stronger Aboriginal community-controlled and culturally responsive health services, in a growing Indigenous medical workforce, and in a health system increasingly recognising the importance of self-determination as a foundation for better health outcomes.
Noel’s work reminds us that true health equity will only be achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered to lead decisions about their own health and wellbeing. His vision has always been one of Indigenous leadership, Indigenous excellence and Indigenous self-determination ensuring that the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is increasingly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hands.
On behalf of the Faculty and College, I offer our heartfelt congratulations to Noel on this richly deserved honour. We thank him for his courage, his leadership, his advocacy and his enduring commitment to a future where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person has the opportunity to achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
His contribution has changed lives, shaped a generation of leaders and left an indelible mark on Australian medicine.
Written by Lee Bradfield, Head of Indigenous Affairs Australia RACP and Dr Tony Gill, AFPHM President.
The AFPHM Council met on 30 June 2026 and welcomed a new Council member, Dr Matthew McConnell, from South Australia. The Council discussed a range of topics including priorities for the Faculty, recent Faculty awards and scholarships including the Gerry Murphy Prize and John McLeod Scholarship, as well as the AFPHM Annual Training Day event. The Council welcomed an update from RACP CEO Steffen Faurby and the opportunity to hear about the College’s future direction.
The Council is also pleased to announce that the Faculty has joined the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA), the peak body for public health education, research and workforce development. All trainees and Fellows automatically receive member benefits including exclusive access to free events and networks, eligibility to apply for awards and grants, and member rates for paid events.
Visit CAPHIA for more information including details on the Teaching and Learning Forum, taking place in Perth from Thursday, 12 to Friday, 13 November.
AFPHM Insights
AFPHM Training Curriculum from 1 January 2027
The new training curriculum for public health medicine will be rolled out for incoming first-year trainees on Friday, 1 January 2027. The new competency-based program with refreshed learning goals, assessment tools and criteria for progression through phases of training can be viewed here.
Visit our New Curricula Support Hub for more information.
Webinar: Key changes to the public health medicine curriculum
Join AFPHM President, Dr Tony Gill, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 for a webinar outlining the key changes to the public health medicine curriculum taking effect from 1 January 2027. This session will provide information to help Fellows and trainees inform prospective trainees about the new curriculum and changes to eligibility requirements for entry into training. It will also support current and future supervisors by outlining key updates and helping ensure they are well prepared ahead of implementation.
Webinar details:
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Time: 5pm to 6pm AEST | 4.30pm to 5.30pm ACST | 3pm to 4pm AWST | 7pm to 8pm NZST
Register: here
Stay up to date with the latest news from the trainee community and discover ways to enhance your training. From new resources to upcoming events, there's always something to support your growth and development.
Key Reminders
2026 AFPHM Oral Exams
Applications for the 2026 AFPHM Oral Exam have now closed.
View exam information and key dates.
Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP)
Trainees approaching the completion of their training are reminded of the importance of submitting their Advanced Training Research Project (ATRP) on time. To avoid any delays to Fellowship, trainees must submit their ATRP by Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Submissions received after this deadline will not be distributed for marking until February or March 2027 due to the December-January blackout period, during which reviewers are not contacted. For any questions, please contact the
Member Support Centre.
RACP Trainee Research Awards
The
Trainee Research Awards (TRAs) provide a valuable opportunity for trainees to present their research at an Australian regional or Aotearoa New Zealand event. The best presenters from each local event are invited to present their work alongside recognised researchers at the RACP Trainee Research Awards Symposium in 2027. Applications close 16 August 2026.
Trainee Committee Update
The AFPHM Trainee Committee has continued its work advocating for high quality, equitable public health medicine training for all current trainees across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. With the planned introduction of the updated AFPHM Advanced Training Curriculum in Public Health Medicine in 2027, the Committee remains committed to ensuring future trainees experience a fair, supportive and accessible training program.
We would like to welcome Dr Aloechka Delamaine to the Committee as the Aotearoa New Zealand Representative. Committee members would also like to thank Dr Ned Latham who has been the NSW Trainee Representative since 2024 and has recently received his admission to Fellowship. We look forward to welcoming the new NSW Trainee Representative, Dr Anne O’Connor, at the next meeting.
Connect with the
jurisdictional representatives to share ideas or raise any concerns. Trainee input ensures the Committee can effectively represent and advocate for the trainee community.
Trainees are reminded to keep their MyRACP account details up to date, including current email and postal addresses, to ensure they receive communications and invitations to state-based events and other program updates.
Update record in MyRACP
Trainees are reminded to keep their MyRACP account details up to date, including current email and postal addresses, to ensure they receive communications and invitations to state-based events and other program updates.
AFPHM trainee events
Explore our updated events list for a chance to gain valuable insights, grow your expertise, and connect with your colleagues. Each event is designed to inspire, inform, and elevate your professional journey.
Upcoming Events
Bi-National Education Program (Bi-NEP) 2026
Continuing every second Thursday until 3 September, the 1.5-hour sessions will provide valuable education and training opportunities, and the skills required to support your professional development. Register here to attend the webinars and view the current program speakers. Sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on Medflix.
Register now to watch the RACP Trainee Research Award Symposium 2026
The 2025 award recipients will present their research on Friday, 31 July 2026. This is a free hybrid event with members able to attend in person or online. More details are available on the RACP website or via the registration link.
CAPHIA Event
The Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA) will host a virtual Designathon on Tuesday, 22 July 2026 from 10am to 4pm AEST. This event brings together students from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific to tackle a real-world public health challenge. Working in teams with support from mentors and design thinking experts, participants will develop creative solutions to improve public understanding of public health and its importance. CAPHIA has partnered with the Australian CDC who will be the "client" and their staff will mentor the teams. Register here.
Recent Events
AFPHM Gerry Murphy Prize Finals 2026
The 2026 AFPHM Gerry Murphy Finals were held on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 as an in-person event at the RACP Melbourne office and online. The five finalists from across Australia presented on a range of topics with great support from AFPHM members both in the room and online. Visit the RACP website for details on the winner, Dr Ned Latham, and this year’s finalists.
AFPHM Annual Training Days
The AFPHM Annual Training Days (ATD) were held in a hybrid format at the University of Melbourne and online on Thursday, 18 June and Friday, 19 June. The event attracted a large number of trainees both in person and online. The program covered topics including Public Health Advocacy, Dealing with the Media, Lessons from recent Victorian Communicable Disease Outbreaks, Vaccine Safety and First Nations Health.
Trainees’ feedback praised the excellent variety of speakers and topics, and inspiring discussions that followed: “The event was fantastic with very engaging expert presenters. I was inspired and very, very thankful to the organising team and the experts who generously gave their time.”
Call for EOI: OTP Assessment Committee, Paediatrics & Faculties
The OTP Assessment Committee, Paediatrics & Faculties is seeking expressions of interest from Paediatric or Faculty Fellows to join the Committee. Members of the Faculty who are interested in contributing are encouraged to apply. There are currently no Faculty members on the Committee. Expressions of interest close on 31 July.
More Opportunities
Join NSW Health
The Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) is seeking a Post Graduate Fellow to join its Public Health Unit. The primary purpose of the role is to provide a program of additional training to develop subspecialty interests in Public Health and to further develop the core clinical skills required in this area. The position commences next Clinical Year. Closing date: 23 July. View position details and apply.
Now Open
The
John Snow Scholarship provides opportunities for medical students to increase their appreciation of public health medicine as a medical specialty and potential career path. Medical students currently enrolled in Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand medical schools are encouraged to apply. The winner receives $500 cash and up to $1000 reimbursement to attend a public health event or conference (conditions apply). Applications for 2027 are now open and close on 12 October 2026.
Opening Soon
AFPHM Advanced Trainees are encouraged to submit an abstract for the
2027 Gerry Murphy Prize. Trainees across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have the opportunity to present on public health issues at regional competitions hosted by the AFPHM Regional Committees. The best presenter from each regional event will go on to compete for the Gerry Murphy Prize at an event nominated by the AFPHM Council in 2027. Applications open 1 August to 15 September 2026.
Closing Soon
Research Development Grants: for smaller short-term or part-time research projects. Closing date: Friday, 24 July 2026.
Travel Grants: for short periods of research overseas. Closing date: Friday, 31 July 2026.
RACP MAIC Research Awards:
funded by the Queensland Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) to support research into medical conditions and rehabilitation related to motor vehicle accidents.
Eric Susman Prize: awards the best contribution to the knowledge of any branch of internal medicine and is presented at the RACP College Ceremony. Nominations close 31 August 2026.
College and Fellowship Awards: acknowledging outstanding contributions and achievements made by Fellows and trainees in their respective fields. Nominations close 31 August 2026.
Please refer to the
RACP Foundation webpage for information on specific eligibility requirements for each award.
CAPHIA Awards
CAPHIA Awards: recognise outstanding contributions to public health education, research, leadership and sector impact across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the region. Submissions close 31 August.
News from Aotearoa New Zealand and across Australia’s Regions
Aotearoa New Zealand
The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting will take place from 16 to 17 September 2026. This year’s conference theme, Mai te tihi mārakerake o Aoraki: Whakaoranga, reflects a call under the clear and enduring presence of Aoraki maunga for public health that is visible, courageous, and intellectually grounded to confront inequity, restore wellbeing, and shape our collective futures. Registrations will open soon. For any queries, please contact the College office at admin@nzcphm.org.nz
Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia
There are Faculty vacancies on the Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australian Committees to help provide local insights, context and advocacy, both to state and territory governments and the College. Applications close 11 July 2026.
Queensland
Jameson Investigator Award for Research Related to Indigenous Health Issues: presented to the best oral research presentation made at the Queensland Committee research presentation evening. Abstracts can be submitted until 16 August 2026.
Australian Capital Territory
Save the Date: on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, the ACT Regional Committee is hosting a social event for the ACT and region. The guest speaker will be Professor Zoe Wainer, Director-General of the Australian Centre for Disease Control. The event will be held at the Commonwealth Club of Australia. ACT and NSW members will receive an invitation later this month.
Policy and Advocacy
AFPHM Policy and Advocacy Committee Work Plan Update
The AFPHM Policy and Advocacy Committee is progressing several projects to increase awareness of public health medicine and the diverse role of public health physicians across the health system. New resources are being developed to support members, stakeholders and potential trainees in better understanding the specialty.
The Committee is also working on a series of short advocacy resources on important public health topics. These are intended to provide clear, practical messages to support public health advocacy and engagement.
To get involved in Policy and Advocacy work, visit the RACP Member Consultations webpage to view consultations that may be relevant to you.
Congratulations to the RACP Fellows recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours list for their outstanding work
RACP trainees: Have you signed up to the Sustainability in Quality Improvement in Healthcare short course yet? More information here.
RACP LIFT: Respiratory, infectious disease and critical illness – Saturday, 1 August 2026
RACP LIFT: Acute, population and complex care – Thursday, 20 August 2026
New resource highlights General and Acute Care Medicine training opportunities in regional, rural and remote Australia
Did you know that you can update your address details online? Simply log in to MyRACP and go to ‘Edit my details'
AFPHM contact details
Member enquiries:
Phone: (AUS) 1300 69 7227
Phone: (NZ) 0508 69 7227
Email: memberservices@racp.edu.au
AFPHM Faculty enquiries (including Council and committees):
Julie Adams, Executive Officer
Email: afphm@racp.edu.au
AFPHM Education and Training enquiries:
Education Officer
Phone: +61 2 8247 6286
Email: publichealth@racp.edu.au
AFPHM Oral Examination enquiries:
Examination Coordinator, Assessment Services Unit
Phone: +61 2 9256 9681
Email: faculty.examinations@racp.edu.au
AFPHM training site accreditation inquiries:
Site Accreditation Unit
Phone: +61 2 9256 9674
Email: accreditation@racp.edu.au
AFPHM CPD enquiries:
Professional Practice
Phone: +61 2 8247 6285
Email: mycpd@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa New Zealand AFPHM Committee:
Aotearoa New Zealand Office
Phone: +64 4 472 6713
Email: nz_afphm@racp.org.nz