Dear members of the GPSN community,
As we delve deeper into the academic year, the dynamism and vitality of our community continue to flourish through diverse and enriching events hosted by university clubs across the country. It’s heartening to see such active engagement tailored to the specific needs of each club, ensuring that our members are supported academically and socially.
This month, we are also spotlighting an exciting development in our ongoing collaboration with Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ).
Strengthening collaborations for a brighter future: Forging stronger ties with MDANZ
In an effort to ensure that general practice receives the attention it deserves in medical curricula, we are actively engaging with MDANZ. This collaboration aims to enhance general practice representation and ensure it is adequately integrated into the medical school syllabus across Australia and New Zealand.
Your voice matters
To make this collaboration as effective and representative as possible, we need your input. Your experiences, ideas, and feedback are crucial in guiding the decisions that affect your medical education. We encourage you to engage actively with your local GPSN club chairs to discuss any suggestions, concerns, or topics you believe should be brought to the attention of the medical deans.
Remember, your insights are invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and comprehensive medical curriculum. You can also reach out directly to me at chair@student.gpra.org.au. I am always open for a chat and eager to hear your thoughts and ideas!
Our amazing university club initiatives!
The range of activities organised by our clubs demonstrates the commitment to not only excel in medical education but also to foster a supportive network for all students. Here’s a glimpse of the recent happenings:
- GPSN UNSW: Hosted a Histology Tutorial, providing invaluable insights to all first-year students. This event helped demystify complex topics, proving crucial for their foundational medical knowledge.
- GPSN Bond: Organised a Year 2 Pharmacology Revision Night and a Year 3 OSCE Night, offering crucial revision resources and practical exam preparation, which are pivotal for their upcoming assessments.
- GPSN Monash: Combined learning with leisure at their Clinical Skills and Social Night, creating a relaxed environment for students to learn and network.
- GPSN Curtin and UWA: Their ‘Journey to General Practice’ event offered a comprehensive view into a career in general practice, featuring talks from seasoned GPs and recent graduates, which illuminated the diverse pathways and opportunities within the field.
- GPSN JCU: The Clinical Skills Night focused on essential skills that are key to the professional development of our members, ensuring they are well-prepared for clinical encounters.
General Practice Training Advisory Committee (GPTAC)
I was fortunate to be invited to the GPTAC Meeting in Canberra on 26 March. As the largest general practice student network in Australia, our presence at the GPTAC meeting was not only crucial but impactful. The GPTAC is instrumental in advising the Australian Government on maintaining and enhancing the outcomes of GP training programs, ensuring the registrar workforce is effectively distributed and able to deliver primary healthcare nationwide. Our involvement allowed us to directly contribute to discussions shaping the future landscape of GP training and advocate vigorously for the needs of our members.
The importance of student involvement
Our participation underscores the importance of incorporating student perspectives in developing policies and strategies governing general practice training. By engaging with key stakeholders and decision-makers, we aim to ensure that the training framework continues to evolve in a manner that is responsive to the changing healthcare environment, supports high-quality patient care, and prepares the next generation of GPs to meet the diverse needs of the Australian population.
Looking forward
We are excited to see the development of this new training system over the coming years and are optimistic about its impact on the future of general practice. As always, we encourage you to stay engaged, provide your insights, and help us shape the future of our profession.
A focus on well-being and professional development
Acknowledging the rigorous demands of medical education, GPSN club events also play a critical role in promoting well-being by providing a platform for students to decompress and connect with peers. It’s essential for us to maintain this balance, ensuring our journey through medical school is not only successful but also enjoyable.
Anticipating what’s next
Looking forward, our clubs are planning even more engaging and beneficial activities. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming events and opportunities that promise to enhance your educational and social experience within the GPSN community.
Closing thoughts
As we continue to navigate our medical education, let’s take full advantage of these opportunities to grow, connect, and prepare for our futures in healthcare. Each event, each meeting, and each new connection adds to the rich tapestry of our medical journey. I hope to see you all actively engaging in the bustling beauty of university life within the classroom and much much beyond.
GPSN has a wealth of opportunities lined up throughout the year, and we are just getting started.
