The President's Message – 1 May 2025
Dear members,
I usually only wear the President’s robes of office and the College medal for convocations. But they feature in this month’s message because this is an important short video about some proposed changes to the way the RACP is governed. You can watch or read the message below to find out more.
Kind regards
Professor Jennifer Martin
RACP President
Would you prefer to read the transcript of Professor Martin's interview? Please visit this website and simply copy and paste the following weblink of the YouTube video into the automatic YouTube transcript generator: https://youtu.be/B3Vw7tA2DEc
Dr Johan Morreau, former RACP Aotearoa New Zealand President (2010-2012), Lakes paediatrician, Chief Medical Officer and member of the Lakes District Health Board, passed away last month aged 73, after a long illness. A distinguished paediatrician and tireless advocate for children and whānau, Johan dedicated over 35 years to improving health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. Beyond his medical leadership, he was a talented sportsman, a devoted husband to Karen, father to Luke, Ben and Nina, and grandfather to eight grandchildren. His service was recognised in 2008 when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Johan’s passion for child health led to national and international work, including decades supporting hospitals in Vietnam and serving as Chair of the Vietnam-New Zealand Health Trust. In his later years, he focused on the critical importance of the 'First 1,000 Days' of a child’s life, working with Brainwave Trust Aotearoa and inspiring many through his teaching and advocacy. Johan’s family asks that his TEDx Talk on the First 1,000 Days be shared widely as a lasting legacy of his life’s work.
Read more l Watch Tedx Talk
Waikato cardiologist, Professor Martin Stiles FRACP, has spent more than 20 years at the forefront of heart health. His expertise has not only restored lives but also powered elite sporting careers including those of Olympic gold medallists, Waikato rower Rob Waddell and Gisborne kayaker Alicia Hoskin.
His pioneering research in cardiac electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac arrest is gaining well-deserved recognition and it’s making an impact far beyond the clinic.
Read more about his extraordinary contributions in this New Zealand Herald article.
As the 2025 federal election approaches, the RACP and the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) have released aligned policy statements that call for coordinated action to shape a healthier and more resilient Australia.
We have each released election statements that reflect a shared vision for digital health reform:
While the RACP brings a strong focus on clinical leadership, health equity, and integrated models of care, and AIDH leads in advancing digital capability, our common priorities are clear:
- investment in digital infrastructure and innovation
- a digitally capable, future-ready health workforce
- integrated, person-centred models of care
- data-driven systems that support equity and improved outcomes
- national coordination and leadership to drive systemic reform.
AIDH's calls to establish balanced guardrails, standards and regulations governing the responsible use of AI in healthcare also mirror those made by the RACP in prior submissions.
This work highlights the urgent need for federal leadership to connect clinical insight with digital innovation – ensuring Australia’s healthcare system is equitable, sustainable, and fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
At the heart of this call is a message the RACP stands behind, collaboration between clinicians, digital health leaders, policymakers and communities.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Anthony Lawler, recently shared an important update regarding measles, which we encourage you to read. Professor Lawler reports a recent increase in confirmed measles cases across Australia, primarily among unvaccinated and under-vaccinated adults aged 20 to 49 years. With ongoing outbreaks overseas and declining vaccination rates falling below the 95 per cent target needed for herd immunity, he urges healthcare professionals to remind patients that vaccination is the best protection against measles.
Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, capable of causing severe complications such as brain swelling, pneumonia, pregnancy loss, and lasting disabilities like deafness and seizures. Additionally, measles infection weakens immune memory, making individuals more susceptible to other illnesses post-recovery and potentially requiring repeat immunisations. Vaccination remains safe, effective, and crucial. In Australia, two doses of the measles vaccine provide 99 per cent protection.
Vaccination is recommended for:
- children who are 12 months and 18 months of age
- adolescents and adults born since 1966 who have not received two doses
- infants aged six to 12 months travelling overseas or to high-risk areas
- high-risk adults such as international travellers, healthcare workers, early childhood educators, and those working in long-term care or correctional facilities.
Providers are reminded to confirm whether your patient is eligible for a free vaccine under local arrangements during routine individual risk assessments.
For specific information on individual state and territory vaccination programs, please visit the webpages in the table below.
Read more
We have formally endorsed the Act for Children campaign ahead of the upcoming Australian federal election. This endorsement is driven by RACP's Paediatrics & Child Health Division and reflects the College’s continued commitment to advocating for the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Australia.
The Act for Children campaign, led by the National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds, is a non-partisan initiative calling for children to be made a national priority through evidence-based policy and greater accountability. It sets out four key asks:
- the appointment of a dedicated cabinet minister for children to ensure coordinated leadership across government portfolios
- the elevation of child wellbeing as a national priority within national cabinet
- the development of a National Plan for Child Wellbeing to guide cross-portfolio reform
- the introduction of a National Children’s Act to legislate accountability for children’s rights and future outcomes.
We are pleased to stand alongside key sector leaders including the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Save the Children, National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and the Academy of Child and Adolescent Health. Together, we support this important campaign to help ensure all Australian children receive the support, protection, and opportunities they deserve.
Find out more
RACP medals and prizes are presented at the RACP Convocation Ceremony to acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of our Fellows and trainees. Nominations for the 2026 awards open Thursday, 15 May 2025.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
Professor Samuel F Berkovic AC
The Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal is awarded every five years to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of medicine. The Medal was last awarded in 2017.
Professor Jeff Szer AM
The John Sands Medal is presented to a Fellow in recognition of a significant contribution to the welfare of the College.
Professor Helen Liley
The College Medal recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to medical specialist practice, healthcare and/or health of community through physician activities.
Dr R Kishore Kumar
The RACP International Medal recognises a member who has provided outstanding service in developing countries.
Dr Jaye Martin
The RACP Medal for Clinical Service in Rural and Remote Areas recognises a Fellow who has provided outstanding clinical service in rural and remote areas of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Associate Professor Catherine Quinlan
The RACP Mentor of the Year Award is presented to a Fellow who has made an outstanding contribution to mentoring or provided a high level of support and guidance throughout training.
Associate Professor Stephen Bacchi
The RACP Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a trainee who has made an outstanding contribution to College, community and trainee activities.
As the philanthropic arm of the College, RACP Foundation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between clinical practice and medical research. Through its annual research awards and grants program, it provides key support to emerging and established researchers, those embarking on a research career, and others with significant potential looking to further develop their skills in other areas.
International Grants
Applications are now open for International Grants, which assist medical graduates or specialists from outside Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand who intend to further their knowledge in fields of medical education and research. There are two Grants available for 2025, the College International Grant – Asia Pacific Region (developing countries), which is worth up to A$10,000 and the Paediatrics International Grant – Asia Pacific Region, which is worth up to A$15,000. Applications close Monday, 30 June 2025.
Research Awards
Applications for the following Research Award categories are now open:
- Career Development Fellowships (more than seven years post higher research degree)
- Research Establishment Fellowships (within seven years post higher research degree)
- Research Entry Scholarship (enrolled or about to enrol in PhD).
These Fellowships and Scholarships are for funding in 2026. Most awards are available to Fellows and trainees in 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.
Further tomorrow's medicine today
Thank you to those who have contributed to the RACP Foundation to make many of these opportunities available. 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 donate to RACP Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible.
The International Medicine in Addiction Conference (IMiA) 2025 program is now live. Join us from Friday, 29 August to Sunday, 31 August at the International Convention Centre Sydney, and return to your patients with fresh insights, innovative approaches, and renewed energy to elevate your quality of care.
Program highlights include:
- expert workshops and sessions covering cutting-edge topics in addiction medicine
- exciting Social Events including Welcome Celebration and Harbour Sunset Cruise
- networking opportunities with global leaders in the field.
Abstract submissions
We invite you to present groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and best practices to a global audience at IMiA. Submit your abstract by Sunday, 4 May 2025 at 5pm AEST.
View the program l Abstracts
CPD Participation Policy update
We have updated the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Participation Policy to support you with meeting revised regulatory requirements and AMC accreditation standards. Key changes include clearer definitions and terminology. We encourage you to read the updated policy.
Our culturally safe supervision project continues to deliver valuable resources aimed at strengthening cultural safety in supervision across healthcare settings. Funded by the Australian Government through the Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings (FATES) program, the project aligns with the College’s strategic priority to foster a culturally safe environment. It also supports Fellows in meeting the cultural safety professional standard.
A range of resources are available through RACP Online Learning, accessible to both members and non-members.
The most recent additions to the culturally safe supervision suite include:
Explore the
full suite of resources and stay updated as more educational materials are released.
Listen now
In this episode, we hear about an emergency presentation to a South Australian hospital, of a 74-year-old male with shortness of breath. The curve ball is that he had undergone ablation for drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) less than two weeks prior. This discussion gives an overview of developing technologies for AF treatment and developing knowledge about the possible complications. We also have some a choice question to test your understanding of such presentations.
Guest
- Dr Shaun Evans FRACP, Royal Adelaide Hospital; University of Adelaide
Hosts
- Associate Professor Stephen Bacchi FRACP, Massachusetts General Hospital; University of Adelaide
- Ms Jasmine Le, University of Adelaide
Please visit the Pomegranate Health webpage for a transcript and supporting references. Log on to MyCPD to record listening and reading as a prefilled learning activity. Subscribe to new episode email alerts or search for ‘Pomegranate Health’ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox or any podcasting app.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking professionals with expertise in medicine, science, and consumer issues to join its statutory advisory committees. Members provide independent expert advice on the regulation of medicines, medical devices, vaccines, and more.
Appointments are part-time and made by the Minister for Health and Aged Care for terms of up to three years, with sitting fees in line with the Remuneration Tribunal’s determination.
Interested applicants can attend a webinar to hear directly from current and past members. The session will be recorded and available on the TGA website.
Submit your application by Tuesday, 3 June 2025 and find out more on the Department of Health and Aged Care jobs list.
More you may be interested in
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.