Dear our wonderful GPSN community,
I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which I am writing this today, the Kombumerri people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I also extend that respect to all First Nations peoples reading this today.
As I’m writing this, National Reconciliation Week is just about to begin and I’ve been taking some time to reflect — not only on our history, but also on the role each of us play in shaping a better future. This week serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and learn from our shared past, and to consider how we can grow as individuals, as a community, and as future clinicians.
This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, is especially relevant to us as medical students. As the future of Australia’s healthcare system, we must endeavour to cultivate one that exists upon a foundation of cultural awareness and respect.
The theme challenges us to think about how we move forward, carrying with us the responsibility to build stronger, more respectful relationships with our patients, our peers, and the communities we will be a core part of. This message of hope and progress has further strengthened my commitment to deepening my understanding of cultural safety, so that I can provide more inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive care throughout my clinical practice.
Even as the week draws to a close, as future clinicians, our commitment to reconciliation must not end here — it should be a part of the care we provide, the systems we help shape, and the communities we aim to serve.
I’m grateful to be part of a student network that values and supports this journey and am so proud to see all the amazing work local clubs do to educate and spread awareness on cultural safety, health equity, and the importance of meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take a moment this week to reflect on where you stand and how you can contribute to this reconciliation journey. Below are some resources I’ve found insightful and hope that they may serve as a valuable starting point or continuation for your own reflections.
- Amnesty International – Reconciliation Week 2025 Toolkit
- Community Early Learning Australia – NRW 2025 Theme Unpacked
- South Western Sydney PHN – First Nations Toolkit
Recent events
I’ve been incredibly inspired by what’s happening across our GPSN community. From the energy at WA’s recent statewide event to the creativity of trivia nights and rural generalism panels — there’s so much amazing work being done by our local clubs.
These events aren’t just fun and educational; they reflect the heart of GPSN: connection, peer learning and collaboration, and a shared commitment to growing as future GPs and medical practitioners.
Upcoming events
Professor Michael Kidd Plenary
I am thrilled to announce that Professor Michael Kidd, GPSN’s patron and Australia’s current Chief Medical Officer, will be joining us as a guest speaker during a plenary session at the 2025 AMSA Convention in Sydney.
Professor Kidd played a pivotal role in the establishment of GPSN, helping to shape it into one of the few national student-led organisations with a presence in medical schools across Australia. Beyond his support for medical students, Professor Kidd is foundational in general practice advocacy and as the first GP to be appointed the role of CMO, he is paving the way for a healthcare system centred around community care.
We are extremely grateful and honoured to welcome Professor Kidd as a speaker, and we look forward to hearing his insights on the future of healthcare and the path that led him here.
GPSN x eMedici Workshop
Also at the AMSA Convention this year, GPSN is pleased to be partnering with eMedici to offer an exclusive in-person workshop designed to highlight key aspects of General Practice that is essential knowledge for medical students.
eMedici is a leading medical education resource in Australia, popular for providing high quality MCQs, case studies, and OSCE preparation materials based on the most current Australian guidelines. This workshop will be a valuable opportunity for medical students at any stage of their training, whether you are in your first year to your clinical years, to build upon your knowledge and confidence around common presentations in general practice.
If you’re not attending the AMSA Convention this year, there will also be a GPSN x eMedici webinar available for all GPSN members soon, so everyone will have the chance to participate.
I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events this year. As always, please feel free to reach out to me or my team – my inbox is always open at chair@student.gpra.org.au
Best wishes,
