GP networking events, planned for the Southern NSW region in September, are being hosted by COORDINARE – South-Eastern NSW PHN to foster connections within the GP community. 

Events will be held in Cooma, Jindabyne, Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Braidwood, Goulburn, Crookwell and Yass by COORDINARE in collaboration with GP colleges, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 

Dr Katherine Michelmore, one of COORDINARE'S Medical Directors, said studies demonstrate that doctors are more likely to continue regional and rural practice when they have opportunities to foster collaboration and build professional support. 

“Supporting the recruitment and retention of GPs in rural and regional areas is a priority for us in improving patient outcomes, as access to healthcare can be a significant challenge in these areas,” she said. 

"Doctors need other doctors that they can talk to, to share concerns, ideas and socialise with and that this has a big impact on quality of life and practice. These relaxed networking events aim to foster connection for GPs, registrars and supervisors as well as junior medical officers and medical students.” 

Dr Ruby Curtis, a General Practitioner based in Cooma, said rural GPs often work in relative isolation. 

“Being exposed to passionate colleagues with innovative ideas can reinvigorate a rural GP’s sense of purpose and provides a healthy pause from the often-intense rural practice environment,” she said.   

“Networking offers a chance to connect with peers who understand my specific situation and who have navigated similar challenges juggling multi-role responsibilities. Sharing experiences with others in similar settings helps reduce burnout and fosters resilience. 

“By networking GPs can also join in a collective effort to advocate for improved rural healthcare infrastructure and funding. It is also an opportunity to discover new roles within rural medicine such as locum opportunities, teaching or being part of rural health programs.” 

A recent study of doctors working in regional South-Eastern NSW by The Australian National University (ANU) highlights that connection is the key to retaining regional and rural GPs, especially when connectedness occurs across professional, geographic and personal domains. 

RACGP Rural Chair, Associate Professor Michael Clements, said: "I’m proud of the important work rural and remote GPs do for their communities. "General practice is important everywhere, but particularly outside of big city life, it provides the main lifeline of the health system. 

“As a rural council member, I use my skills in health and governance to support them. One way we do this is by hosting networking events that bring rural GPs together. These events help them connect, share ideas, and feel supported. This is a key part of how we’re working to strengthen rural healthcare and support those delivering it.” 

COORDINARE and the GP colleges (RACGP and ACRRM) often join forces to support general practice and the GP workforce in Australia. This collaboration includes workforce planning, education, and support for general practices. You can read more here. 

Dates and times of the September GP networking events available via this link.