GPSN Leadership Summit
In early August, local Chairs and Vice Chairs, alongside the National team, came together for our annual GPSN Leadership Summit. This year our subject of focus was on ‘areas of interest and further training opportunities within general practice’. We were fortunate to have our GPRA President Dr Karyn Matterson speak to us, alongside Dr Samuel Ibrahim and Professor Christine Phillips. It was also an opportunity for the leadership team to brainstorm ways that general practice placements can become a more overall positive experience for medical students. We were lucky to finish the evening by showcasing what local clubs have been able to achieve throughout the year so far. Overall, the night was a great success and we greatly thank those involved in making the event possible.
Being part of GPSN – my highlight of medical school
I first got involved in GPSN during my first year of medical school. I remember vividly being handed a GPSN pen light to use on placement at an O-week stall – it still comes in handy even now! When applications opened, I applied to be the First Year Representative for my local club. Three years later, I can confidently say that GPSN has been the most impressive part of medical school for me. From suturing on pig trotters at local events to meetings with the Government, GPSN has taught me invaluable skills and helped me learn a lot about who I want to be in the future.
Getting involved in your local club for 2024
GPSN is a great way to meet medical students not only from your own university, but also from all around Australia. It is an intricate network of students who are interested in learning more about general practice. Our clinical skills days, networking events, and state-wide conferences also provide the opportunity to learn new procedural skills relevant to the medical school experience.
Our membership base is continuously growing as we continue to expand as a network each year, and I feel excited for what next year will bring. The best way to get involved for 2024 is to find your local club’s Facebook or Instagram page. This is where election dates and application links are often posted. I’ve seen some local clubs posting about elections already, so my advice is don’t delay!
Being part of the National team for 2024
We will soon announce the 2024 National Leadership Team. The enthusiasm and quality from every applicant was extremely impressive – next year will be an exciting year. It was a friend from the year above who gave me the courage to get involved and apply for the National GPSN team. I hope I can be that person for you – that person to encourage and help you get out of our comfort zone. You never know until you try! We still have two roles open for which we have extended application deadlines for. These are:
- 1 x National Working Group Officer
- 1 x Publications and Promotions Officer.
You can refer to the 2023-2024 election guide to find out more about each position. Additionally, you can reach out to the relevant current position holders via email to find out more about the experience. All applications need to be submitted to vc.gpsn@student.gpra.org.au. Information about the application process can be found in the election guide. Good luck!
We recently asked current position holders ‘why should people apply for your role?’. Here is what they had to say:
Alex Yeoh – National Working Group Officer 2023
“I was able to accomplish many things in my role as National Working Group Officer and it wouldn’t have been possible without the flexible nature of the role. GPSN inspires all committee members to go above and beyond with their ideas, and equips them with what is necessary to accomplish those goals. If you’d like to inspire others through highlighting the intricacies of what it means to be a future GP, this is where you should apply!”
Kathryn Bird – Publications and Promotions Officer 2023
“Being part of the GPSN team is such a fun opportunity to collaborate with medical students and doctors from around the country. The Publications and Promotions Officer role is very flexible, and a chance to think creatively to highlight the work that the GPSN is doing!”
