McPhee to lead rural doctors

But Dr Ewen McPhee believes that with the right support, rural general practices and the wider primary care system are well-placed to meet the challenge.

Dr McPhee, a GP from Emerald in Central Queensland, was elected at RDAA’s annual general meeting at the weekend, replacing outgoing RDAA president, Professor Dennis Pashen, from Middleton, Tasmania.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders, including federal, state and local governments, local health services, patients and health professionals, work closely together to alleviate the growing impact that chronic disease is having on individual health outcomes as well as the health system as a whole," Dr McPhee said.

“Primary care is the logical and most cost-effective setting in which chronic conditions can be managed, so patient health does not deteriorate to the point where they end up in hospital — hospital stays are not only traumatic for patients, but they are also a significant expense to the health budget.

“Avoiding the complications that can arise from chronic disease is particularly important for rural patients, who face significant financial and social costs if they are forced to travel to larger regional or metropolitan centres to seek treatment.

“General practice plays a critical role in the prevention and effective management of chronic care, particularly in rural and remote areas — and there is a significant role for telehealth and e-health to support the care provided by rural doctors and their general practice teams.

“However, there needs to be significant, ongoing support in order for rural general practice to meet the growing burden of chronic disease, including primary care funding models that recognise and incentivise high quality and continuous care.

“It is commendable that the federal government has established the Primary Health Care Advisory Group, as there is crucial work to be done in terms of how best we manage the burden of chronic disease in all communities, and particularly rural and remote communities.”

Dr McPhee is a longstanding GP Obstetrician and practice principal who has a strong interest and involvement in e-health.

He is actively involved in rural medical policy and sits on a number of government-appointed committees at both the state and federal level.

“RDAA and its state associations provide a strong and respected voice for rural communities and rural doctors,” he said.

“We need to continue to advocate to policy-makers that rural practice faces many challenges, and that it is often a different model of general practice to urban-based practice — and as such, the unique and varied nature of rural healthcare should be acknowledged in policy.

“We saw welcome recognition of this in the changes made by the federal government recently to its rural classification system.

“It is also critical that we continue to push for a national rural generalist training pathway, in order to deliver into rural communities more doctors with 'rural ready' medical skills.

“Despite the challenges, rural doctors love their work — it is immensely satisfying and rewarding — and it is important we get this message across to medical students and young doctors at the time they are considering their medical career options.

“I look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship that RDAA has with the federal government, and particularly its health portfolio ministers and Department, to deliver a vibrant and sustainable rural healthcare sector and improve equity of access to high quality healthcare for rural and remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people.”

RDAA's executive for the coming year also comprises vice president, Dr John Hall, GP and practice principal, from Oakey, Queensland; and treasurer, Dr Nola Maxfield, GP and practice principal, from Wonthaggi, Victoria.