Hello, my name is Kei, and it is my privilege to serve as your National GPSN Chair for 2025. On behalf of the GPSN community, I want to extend a warm congratulations and welcome to all the new medical students beginning this exciting journey! Starting medical school is a significant milestone, filled with challenges and new beginnings. O-Week is just the first taste of the adventure ahead, and while the road may sometimes feel overwhelming, it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Throughout this journey, you’ll grow personally and professionally, forming friendships that will last throughout your career.
The start of the year is always filled with excitement, with campus buzzing and classes back in full swing. I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready to dive into everything 2025 has in store. GPSN has an exciting lineup of events, both nationally and through your local clubs, to support you every step of the way.
GPSN is here to support you at every stage of your medical school journey. From first-year suturing/vital signs workshops to OSCE prep sessions and career nights in your clinical years, we aim to provide practical skills, networking opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are locked in on pursuing GP, unsure of your specialty or interested in other related fields, we still welcome you to get involved at our GPSN events. Our events are for all aspects of medical school, and the skills and connections you will learn extend far beyond general practice.
Further in this newsletter, we have some tips for first years on how to make the most of med school. But I just wanted to also share some of my own personal reminders to hopefully keep in mind throughout the year.
- Get involved
Medical school is more than just lectures and exams—it’s a time to build connections that will last a lifetime. I have met some of my closest friends through being part of GPSN, and these friendships are the people you’ll refer patients to in the future, collaborate with, and lean on throughout your career. Whether its joining a club, attending events, or simply saying yes to new opportunities, being involved will enrich your med school experience in ways you can’t imagine. - Remember why you started
Medicine is challenging, and at times, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re here. Take a moment to reflect on what inspired you. Whether it’s a love for science, a passion for helping others, or the excitement of problem-solving—hold onto that motivation. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, keep the bigger picture in mind and make sure to cherish the journey, even when it feels overwhelming. - Put your wellbeing first
Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Burnout is real, and seeking support—whether from peers, mentors, or university resources—can make all the difference.
One of the key aspects of the funding includes $265 million for expanding GP training. Starting in 2026, the government will fund an additional 200 GP training places annually, with that number increasing to 400 annually in the subsequent years. Alongside this, there will be a boost in medical student training, with 100 new Commonwealth-supported places (CSPs) introduced in 2026.
These pledges also address many of the barriers that aspiring GPs face, as discussed at the GPRA SA Future GP Forum in Adelaide last month. These measures include greater base rate salary payment for junior doctors to pursue general practice, funding for additional primary health placements during our prevocational years, as well as access to payment of parental and study/exam leave to GP registrars. These are historical workforce investment reforms and means, for medical students who want to be future GPs, they will not have to worry that they lose important employment conditions.
For myself and other medical students interested in pursuing general practice, I am hopeful that these crucial improvements will remove some of the challenges many of us face in pursuing a career in this field. This is a major step forward, and I look forward to seeing how these changes will support us all in making a real difference in healthcare.
If you have questions or want to reach out, my inbox is always open at chair@gpsn.org.au. Looking forward to an incredible year ahead!
Best wishes,
