The President's Message – 6 June 2025
Dear members,
My message this month is a written one rather than the normal video, because there’s more detail than usual. But the message is no less important because of that.
In fact, I want to thank some very important outgoing people in our College Community without whom, the RACP simply wouldn’t function effectively.
Our Division Faculty and Chapter Presidents have moved on from their College roles from 30 May, after having all served three-year terms. They are:
- Professor Nitin Kapur – Outgoing President, Paediatrics & Child Health Division (PCHD)
- Professor Graeme Maguire – Outgoing President, Adult Medicine Division (AMD)
- Professor Jeanette Ward – Outgoing President, Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM)
- Dr Warren Harrex – Outgoing President, Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM)
- Dr Jennifer Mann – Outgoing President, Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM)
- Professor Adrian Dunlop – Outgoing President, Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM)
- Dr Massimo Giola – Outgoing President, Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine (AChSHM)
- Associate Professor Peter Poon - Outgoing President, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (AChPM)
Professor Nitin Kapur
Professor Kapur concludes his PCHD term after being a passionate advocate for children’s health, from addressing critical medication shortages to championing the Act for Children campaign. His leadership has strengthened international partnerships and upheld the voice of paediatricians across the College.
Professor Graeme Maguire
Professor Maguire’s tenure heading AMD has been defined by thoughtful leadership and strategic advocacy. His work includes supporting physician wellbeing, advancing First Nations representation, and strengthening ties with specialty societies. His role in establishing the Physician Leadership Workshop and championing better workforce data leaves a lasting impact.
Professor Jeanette Ward
Professor Ward completes AFPHM leadership having refreshed the Advanced Training curriculum. With a strong commitment to Indigenous partnership, to advancing Indigenous data sovereignty and strengthening trans-Tasman ties, Jeanette has championed transparency, engagement and reform – ensuring the Faculty’s voice is heard and valued.
Dr Warren Harrex
Leading AFOEM, Dr Harrex has delivered significant achievements. His work includes advancing advocacy on dust diseases, shaping policy on training pathways, enhancing visibility of occupational health, and revising the curriculum to reflect emerging priorities. His commitment to collaboration, education, and the health of workers has been exemplary.
Dr Jennifer Mann
Dr Mann has been a thoughtful and engaged leader through a period of significant change, particularly in guiding the Faculty’s transition to a new curriculum and assessment framework. Her advocacy for clear communication and support for AFRM supervisors and trainees has been invaluable. We are grateful for her role in strengthening the Faculty’s partnerships in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Adrian Dunlop
Dr Dunlop’s clear-sighted leadership has advanced addiction medicine across policy, education, and advocacy – culminating in landmark contributions such as the joint gambling harm statement and the RACP position on health-focused drug policy. His vision and energy have also guided the College’s role as Lead Convener of the 2025 IMiA Conference. We are grateful for his service and lasting impact.
Dr Massimo Giola
Dr Giola has been dedicated and forward-looking in leading AChSHM, from progressing vital work on HIV policy to championing rural health equity and legislative awareness. His passion for improving access to sexual health services and strengthening clinical guidance has greatly advanced the Chapter’s profile and impact.
Associate Professor Peter Poon
Associate Professor Poon’s thoughtful and compassionate leadership has ensured the Chapter’s ongoing advocacy for rural services, education reform, and meaningful initiatives such as spirituality training in this most challenging of specialties. Peter has led with integrity and care, always focused on supporting members and advancing palliative care.
On behalf of our College, please join me in thanking all the outgoing Presidents for their generous service and welcoming their incoming presidential successors.
All are volunteers who’ve generously given their time and expertise to our College. They’ve spent many hours working tirelessly, often late into the night in their own time, to advance your interests and concerns as members of your respective physician cohorts, and those of your patients and communities.
We welcome the incoming Presidents:
- Professor Brian Wood – President, Adult Medicine Division
- Dr Niroshini Kennedy – President, Paediatrics & Child Health Division
- Dr Tony Gill – President, Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine
- Dr Armand Casolin – Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Dr Richard Seemann – President, Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
- Professor John Saunders – President, Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Professor Louise Owen – President, Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine
- Dr Gauri Gogna – President, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine
Pictured (left to right, top row): Professor Brian Wood, Dr Niroshini Kennedy, Dr Tony Gill, Dr Armand Casolin, (bottom row): Dr Richard Seemann, Professor John Saunders, Clinical Professor Louise Owen and Dr Gauri Gogna
Kind regards
Professor Jennifer Martin
RACP President
We’ve received several enquiries from members regarding next year’s RACP Congress.
As outlined in the , we can confirm that RACP Congress 2026 will not be going ahead.
The Board is scheduled to consider alternative options to replace RACP Congress 2026 at its August meeting. We look forward to providing you with an update following those discussions.
Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to reflect and act. Held from 27 May to 3 June, this year’s theme was ‘Bridging Now to Next’, which calls on us to build deeper understanding and stronger partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
At the RACP, we are committed to Indigenous justice and equity. Our Statement of Indigenous Justice and Equity, the Indigenous Object in our Constitution, and the Indigenous Strategic Framework all guide our efforts to support culturally safe, inclusive healthcare.
As physicians, we have a responsibility to address the stark health disparities facing Indigenous communities. That means ensuring our systems, policies, and practices are responsive to the needs and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This week, and every week, we honour their resilience, leadership and deep connection to land, culture and community. Together, we can help shape a fairer, healthier future for all.
As we look to the future, let us be guided by the words of this year’s theme and stand united in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society for all. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive Australia, where the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard, valued, and supported in every aspect of our work as health professionals.
In solidarity
Professor Jennifer Martin
RACP President
The RACP Western Australian Committee Chair, Dr Helen Van Gessel, recently met with the newly appointed Minister for Health and Mental Health, the Hon Meredith Hammat MLA.
This was a valuable opportunity to discuss the pressing healthcare issues facing Western Australia and to share the College’s priorities for the state. Dr Van Gessel raised key matters including physician and trainee wellbeing, workforce concerns, the challenges in paediatrics and child health medicine, and the need to strengthen specialist care in regional, rural and remote areas through the RACP’s dedicated strategy.
We continue engaging with health leaders and government representatives to offer expert clinical insight and advocate for better outcomes for physicians, trainees and the communities you serve.
The Western Australian Committee looks forward to working closely with the Minister on initiatives that support a strong, sustainable medical workforce and improve patient care across the state.
Pictured (left to right): Jennifer Bennett, RACP Western Australian Senior Executive Officer, the Hon Meredith Hammat MLA, Western Australian Minister for Health and Mental Health, Dr Helen Van Gessel, RACP Western Australian Committee Chair.
Looking to contribute to the work of the College and help shape the future of your profession? A range of College committees, working groups and other roles are now open for expressions of interest.
Getting involved is not only a great way to give back – it’s also a chance to expand your knowledge, stay connected to developments in your specialty, and enjoy the personal and professional rewards of meaningful contribution.
Some current opportunities you may be interested in include:
Ready to make a difference?
View current opportunities and submit your EOI today.
More opportunities
Through the RACP Foundation, we're able to offer financial support to trainees and Fellows pursuing careers in medical research. Over 50 different Fellowships, scholarships and grants are available annually, totalling over $2.5 million in funding.
Applications are closing soon for the following Research Award categories:
Applications for Travel Grants and Research Development Grants open Tuesday, 17 June 2025
These Fellowships and Grants are for funding in 2026. Most awards are available to Fellows and trainees across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Please refer to the RACP Foundation website for information on specific eligibility requirements for each award and to view details of current recipients.
The RACP Trainee Research Awards provide a valuable opportunity for trainees to present their research at an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand event. The best presenters from each local event are invited to present their work alongside recognised researchers at an RACP event the following year.
All RACP trainees are encouraged to apply to be part of the
RACP Trainee Research Awards. Applications for 2026 are open from
1 July to 31 August 2025. Please see the
website for further details and eligibility criteria.
The 2025 Trainee Research Awards Symposium
Be inspired and hear some of the latest medical research at the hybrid 2025 RACP Trainee Research Awards Symposium. Held on Friday, 8 August 2025 from 2.30pm to 6pm AEST, live from 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney and online.
For those who are thinking of participating in the Trainee Research Awards, we encourage you to attend the Symposium to support your peers and be inspired.
Register now
Did you complete an RACP Advanced Division, Faculty or Chapter training program between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024? If so, you are invited to complete this year’s New Fellow Survey to share your feedback of training and transitioning to an early career physician.
This online survey is anonymous and will take approximately 15-minutes to complete. Your feedback will help us provide tailored resources and support for members and make evidence-based improvements to our training programs. It is open until Sunday, 22 June 2025 at 11.59pm AEST. We encourage all eligible early career physicians or those recently completing an additional RACP training program to participate this year.
The New Fellow Survey was first introduced in 2021 and has been conducted annually since 2023. Thank you to the members who have already contributed this year and those who have participated in previous years.
For more information about the survey, including confidentiality and how the data will be reported, please visit the New Fellow Survey webpage.
Take the survey l Find out more
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Specialist Medical Programs Standards. These are the standards used to accredit specialist medical colleges to deliver training programs that lead to qualifications for the purposes of medical registration. The AMC is inviting feedback on the scope and direction of changes, as outlined in its consultation paper.
You’re invited to contribute to the College’s response by sharing your thoughts through our easy online form by Monday, 23 June 2025. Alternatively, you can provide feedback directly using the AMC’s response template.
To find out about more member consultations you can share your input and expertise on, please visit our member consultations webpage.
IMiA 2025 is fast approaching and is not to be missed. Held from Friday, 29 August to Sunday, 31 August at Sydney’s International Convention Centre, the program covers insights and practical treatment approaches across addiction medicine.
Hear from international subject matter experts. Dr Lorenzo Leggio will discuss Semaglutide for alcohol use disorder and Dr Kathleen Page will explore Mobile care vans for addictions treatment.
The program is filled with expert clinicians and researchers, who will cover topics including:
- Artificial Intelligence in medicine, Professor Ian Scott
- Titiro whakamuri kia kitea ai a mua – we must look behind in order to see what is ahead: A perspective on Māori and addictions in Aotearoa New Zealand, Dr Vicki Macfarlane
- Review of outcomes of the legalisation of cannabis in Canada and how this might influence health policy in Australia, Dr Janni Leung
- Neurodiversity and AOD, Dr Eddie Mullen.
We are excited to welcome you to the premier gathering of medical professionals, researchers, and thought leaders in the field of addiction medicine.
Hear from Professor John Saunders, IMiA25 Program Committee Co-chair on why you should attend.
View the program l Register now
Episode 128 l Episode 130
There is evidence that six months or more off the job leads to some loss of practical skills and knowledge and certainly, many doctors report a loss of self-confidence. Senior staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital have developed a day-long simulation workshop to help medics brush off the cobwebs when returning to practice from maternity leave.
In Pomegranate Health episode 128, we hear from them, as well as some of the junior doctors who got a boost from participating in the workshop. Supporting women to stay engaged with their medical practice is part of stemming what’s been called 'the leaky pipeline'. Despite filling more than half of places in Australian medical schools, women represent 45 per cent of all medical practitioners, just 36 per cent of specialists and an even smaller proportion of clinical leaders. It has been reported that women would progress at similar rates to men, and achieve similar remuneration, were it not for the time taken out from the profession to raise children.
In Pomegranate Health episode 130 we discuss what it would take to mitigate the so-called “motherhood penalty” through policy, workplace culture and better distribution of labour in the home. This discussion is important because it relates not just to the wellbeing and rights of individual medics, but also to the depth and diversity of the workforce.
Subscribe, claim CPD and get the transcript
To be among the first to find out about the latest Pomegranate Health podcasts, subscribe to new episode email alerts. You can also search for ‘Pomegranate Health’ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, or any podcasting app. Did you know you can record listening and reading as a prefilled learning activity by logging on to MyCPD? For a transcript and supporting references of our podcast, please visit the Pomegranate Health webpage.
Applications due by Tuesday, 10 June 2025
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is currently seeking applications from professionals with relevant expertise in medicine and science, as well as from consumers with experience in consumer advocacy and perspectives.
Successful applicants will play a vital role in supporting the TGA’s regulatory functions by providing independent expert advice on a wide range of issues relating to medicines, vaccines, medical devices, complementary medicines, and other therapeutic products. Committee members provide input across the full therapeutic product lifecycle – from premarket evaluation to post-market safety. Applications must be received by 11.30pm (AEST) on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
Appointments and remuneration
Committee members are appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care for terms of up to three years. Members receive a sitting fee as determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
Find out more about these are part-time positions:
- Advisory Committee on Biologicals: advises and makes recommendations relation to cell and tissue therapy products
- Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling: advises and makes recommendations regarding how chemicals will be made available to the public
- Advisory Committee on Complementary Medicines: advises and makes recommendations regarding the entry of complementary medicines on the ARTG
- Advisory Committee on Medical Devices: advises and makes recommendations regarding the safety and performance of medical devices
- Advisory Committee on Medicines: advises and makes recommendations regarding the entry of medicines on the ARTG
- Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling: advises and makes recommendations about how medicines will be made available to the public
- Advisory Committee on Vaccines advises and makes recommendations on vaccines, including safety, quality and efficacy
Find out more about the committees and hear from current and past members by watching the recording and reading the slides of a recent information webinar. If you have an enquiry, please email the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Find out more
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) is seeking feedback on its Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2026-27.
The Pricing Framework is revised annually to reflect changes to health service delivery. It outlines the policy decisions that underpin the annual national efficient price and national efficient cost determinations. These determinations play a crucial role in calculating the Commonwealth funding contribution to public hospitals for the next financial year.
To find out more about this consultation and to contribute your views, please visit IHACPA's Engagement Hub before the submission deadline, which is 5pm (AEST) Friday, 13 June 2025.
Have you read the RACP Evolve case study (PPT) of Toby, a three-month-old baby with a history of coryza and coughing? It reminds physicians that chest x-rays for children with acute lower tract infections are often not effective to distinguish between bronchiolitis and other lower respiratory tract infections. In mild cases, they do not offer information that is likely to affect treatment.
“Bronchiolitis is a clinical diagnosis with supportive management only. CXRs can cause unnecessary radiation exposure at the beginning of a child’s lifetime accumulative dose and medications can cause side effects and are difficult to administer in young children” advises RACP physician, Dr Joanna Lawrence.
This RACP Evolve case study and recommendations were developed with the Paediatrics & Child Health Division. Evolve is a flagship initiative led by RACP members to drive high-value, high-quality care in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Find out more l Resources
The newly established College Research Grants Committee (CRGC) has officially commenced its work, following the 2024 Board-approved merger of the College Research Committee (CRC) and the Grants Advisory Committee (GAC). The CRGC held its inaugural strategy meeting in March 2025 and will operate as a skills-based committee, reporting directly to the RACP Board.
Chaired by Professor Graham Lieschke AM, the CRGC brings together the functions and expertise of both former committees. Thirteen members have been appointed, including all continuing members of the former Grants Advisory Committee – ensuring a smooth transition as we prepare for the upcoming RACP Foundation grant review and awards cycle.
To further support the Committee’s effectiveness and continuity, three members from the College Research Committee have joined the CRGC for an initial three-year term.
Expressions of interest are open
In line with the College’s strategic commitment to diversity across specialties and gender, expressions of interest are now open for the final vacancy on the committee. We encourage eligible Fellows and trainees to consider applying and contributing to this important work shaping the future of research in our profession.
Find out more about the vacancy and submit your expression of interest by Thursday, 3 July 2025.
Find out more
We’ll be using our One O’Connell Street, Sydney office for several upcoming important College exams. To ensure a quiet and focused environment for candidates, the space will be closed to members and RACP team members who are not involved in the exams on the following dates:
- Friday, 18 July 2025 – Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine Exit Assessment
- Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine Oral Examination
- Wednesday, 15 October 2025 – Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine Oral Examination
- Thursday, 16 October 2025 – Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine Oral Examination.
The 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney Office will be open as usual.
Thank you to those who have contributed to the RACP Foundation to make many of our opportunities possible. Your donation not only helps us fund the best and brightest medical minds across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, it inspires the beginning of major medical breakthroughs. Find out more if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to RACP Foundation.
This year alone, 48 clinician researchers were able to either commence or continue their research endeavours. In the highly competitive arena of research funding, the support offered by the RACP Foundation Research Grants can make the crucial difference of retaining both the talent and discoveries that will impact the future healthcare of all.
Find out more
RACP has security systems in place to monitor all emails sent to and from the College. However, RACP cannot control emails originating from external systems such as Google and Yahoo, and email scams are becoming increasingly prevalent.
A common tactic involves impersonating senior executives such as the CEO, President, and Board members. Since senior management names are frequently featured in the media and on company websites as part of business activities and events, they often become convenient targets for impersonation.
We recommend you check the email address of the sender. If it does not end in 'racp.edu.au' or 'racp.org.nz' it is not likely to be from an RACP staff member or representative.
Please refer to the Australian Government and the Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa l New Zealand Government websites on how to identify and manage email scams.
- Helping health providers better understand Department of Veterans’ Affairs arrangements
- Explore the Department of Veterans’ Affairs new website before it officially launches
- The Council of Australian Therapeutic Advisory Groups resources: Understanding novel and emerging medicines and Accessing novel and emerging medicines
- SOMANZ Obstetric Medicine Update Course 2025: Thursday, 12 to Saturday, 14 June 2025, fully virtual
- Achieving gender justice for global health equity – the Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health Report: register for the Australian launch event held on Friday, 20 June 2025 and read the report
- Stretton Health Equity Seminar – Promoting gender justice through accountability: Monday, 23 June 2025
- The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health Conference 2025: Thursday, 3 and Friday, 4 July 2025
- Nominations are now open for the Sir William Upjohn Medal through the online nominations form: open until 4 July 2025
- The RACP Māori Trainee Wānanga, Te Whanganui a Tara | Wellington: Thursday, 14 and Friday, 15 August 2025
- The Human Genetic Society of Australasia's 48th Annual Scientific Meeting: Friday, 15 to Monday, 18 August 2025
As healthcare workers who dedicate our lives to helping others, it’s important to take the time to care for ourselves. We would like to remind everyone that it's okay to not be okay. If you need someone to talk to, you can reach out to the RACP Support Program. It's a free, 24/7 and completely confidential support service that is delivered externally through Converge International.
Whether you have something worrying on your mind, are finding getting out of bed to be a struggle, or just feel like talking to someone for helpful, judgement-free advice, this free support service may be just what you need.
Find out more
Did you know that RACP Benefits gives you exclusive access to a range of discounts and offers from leading brands and retailers in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand? Simply log in to the portal to start shopping and saving today. These special deals are exclusive to the College and made possible by our benefits partner, Member Benefits Australia.