GP Refresh 2026
Keynote Speakers
Dr Bruce Willett
Ex. RACGP QLD Chairman
Dr Nicole Higgins
Ex RACGP President
Dr Bruce Willett
Ex. RACGP QLD Chairman
Dr Nicole Higgins
Ex RACGP President
Dr Bruce Willett has over three decades of experience in general practice, combining personalised patient care with transformative leadership across the Australian healthcare sector. He has been a general practitioner since 1989 and was a successful practice owner, having established his first practice in Thorneside with his wife Gertrude in 1992 and later building Victoria Point Surgery in Brisbane’s south into a thriving business.
Bruce’s leadership extends far beyond clinical practice through his distinguished service with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He served as RACGP Vice President from July 2020 until November 2023 and was Queensland Faculty Chair from October 2016 until November 2023. His advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping general practice policy, including leading successful negotiations for payroll tax exemptions in Queensland and guiding the transition of GP training programmes back to the RACGP.
As Chair of General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA), Bruce demonstrated his commitment to medical education and supporting the next generation of GPs. He has been an RACGP examiner since 1994 and continues as a GP supervisor, training registrars. His educational leadership include establishing the GPs@Parliament programme in Queensland, which has been replicated across Australia.
Bruce played a pivotal role in the RACGP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with Queensland Health to develop policies and guidelines during the early stages of the crisis. His advocacy efforts have focused on addressing the underfunding of Medicare, maintaining fee-for-service as the mainstay of healthcare funding, and the role of general practice as the most cost-effective part of the healthcare system.
Recently, Bruce received the Rose-Hunt Award, the RACGP’s highest accolade, recognising his significant contributions to general practice advocacy and education. The award acknowledged his role in galvanising opposition to proposed payroll tax changes affecting general practice and his leadership through the transition of training back to the colleges and during challenging periods for the profession.
Hobbies include writing bios in the third person, beetle fighting, competitive duck herding, and making up hobbies to make himself sound more interesting than he really is.
Dr Nicole Higgins is the former President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and a highly respected leader in Australian general practice. With a career spanning over two decades, she represents the depth and diversity of the profession — combining her roles as a practising GP, business owner, medical educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable primary care.
Based in Mackay, Queensland, Dr Higgins runs her own general practice while actively contributing to health system improvement and workforce development. She is passionate about strengthening general practice through education, leadership, and innovation. Having previously worked with Tropical Medical Training and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), she has guided and mentored countless GP trainees, supporting the next generation of rural and regional doctors.
Dr Higgins also served as Chair of GP Supervisors Australia (GPSA) and has held directorships since the early days of the Divisions of General Practice through to the Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Her work has been recognised for entrepreneurship, innovation, and her dedication to improving healthcare delivery in both urban and remote settings.
A strong advocate for workforce sustainability and GP wellbeing, Dr Higgins has been at the forefront of initiatives that address practitioner burnout, rural workforce shortages, and the challenges of modern primary care. She frequently collaborates with industry bodies, training organisations, and government agencies to shape policies that support equitable healthcare access across Australia.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Higgins is known for her pragmatic leadership style and her ability to connect policy with real-world clinical experience. As a working parent, she brings authenticity and balance to her advocacy, highlighting the human side of medicine and the need for systemic support for healthcare professionals.
Through her clinical practice, teaching, and leadership, Dr Nicole Higgins continues to champion the vital role of GPs in Australia’s healthcare system — advocating for high-quality patient care, professional support, and the advancement of general practice as the cornerstone of community health.
Dr Jon Banks is a Specialist in Respiratory, Sleep and General Medicine. His respiratory areas of interest include asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, chronic cough and breathlessness, respiratory and non-respiratory sleep disorders, pleural diseases and pulmonary vascular disease.
Jon completed his Bachelor of Pharmacy and post-graduate Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at University of Queensland. He obtained Fellowship to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2022 in Respiratory Medicine, Sleep Medicine and Adult Acute and General Medicine. Jon has completed an additional Clinical Diploma in Palliative Care Medicine.
His procedural expertise includes intercostal catheter and indwelling pleural catheter insertion, non-invasive ventilation, and flexible bronchoscopy. Jon performs convex and radial EBUS for diagnosis of lung cancer in addition to cryotherapy, APC, electrocautery and standard diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures.
Jon holds appointments as Staff Specialist in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at the Gold Coast University Hospital and Senior Lecturer at Griffith University. He is a member of Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, European Respiratory Society and Australasian Sleep Association, and is a Justice of the Peace.
Jon is a caring, compassionate and astute clinician. He prioritises patient comfort, dignity and communication. He provides up-to-date, evidence-based medicine individualised to each patient. Jon welcomes referrals for consultation at John Flynn Medical Centre, Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pimpama Health Precinct.
Dr. Rick Steer specialises in robotic assisted hip and knee replacement, revision joint surgery, sports knee injuries, and pelvis/acetabulum trauma.
He grew up in Victoria, completed medical school at the University of Queensland (2010), and undertook orthopaedic training in Queensland, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2020. During training, he worked as Lower Limb Fellow at Gold Coast University and Gold Coast Private Hospitals, focusing on hip and knee surgery, including robotic procedures.
Dr. Steer completed a fellowship in hip and knee surgery in Perth, gaining advanced experience in robotic arthroplasty and pelvic trauma surgery. Since returning to the Gold Coast in 2021, he works with Gold Coast Health and privately at Coast Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, serving as Deputy Director of Orthopaedic Surgery.
He is actively involved in research, training, and education, and regularly presents at national and international conferences.
Special Interests:
Primary and revision hip & knee replacement
Robotic assisted joint replacement
Hip resurfacing
Sports knee surgery (ligament, cartilage, meniscus)
Hamstring & gluteal tendon repair
Trauma including pelvis & acetabulum
Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Catherine Eltringham is a GP on Wadawurrung country in Geelong, Victoria. Since fellowship in 2013, she has balanced clinical practice with various roles in education including University, and postgraduate settings. Most recently Catherine has taken the role of National Clinical Lead for Medical Educator Professional Development and is proud to be working on a curriculum for GP medical educators. Previously to this role she was facilitating Supervisor and Medical Educator Professional Development in Victoria and developing educational content for private GP CPD provider Medcast.
When not working as a GP Medical Educator, Catherine volunteers as a fire fighter for the local CFA.
Dr Kodsi is a cardiologist with subspecialty expertise in advanced cardiac imaging. He graduated with an MBBS degree from Bond University, receiving the Dean’s awards for academic excellence throughout his final three years.
He undertook Basic Physician Training at Westmead Hospital, where he achieved the highest possible score in the RACP Divisional Clinical Examination Long Cases. Dr Kodsi subsequently completed Cardiology Advanced Training at Westmead Hospital and was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2024.
Following his specialist training, he completed a dedicated Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship at Westmead Hospital, gaining advanced expertise in transthoracic echocardiography, transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), stress echocardiography, and cardiac CT. Dr Kodsi holds Level B accreditation in CT coronary angiography through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), reflecting advanced training in cardiac CT imaging.
Dr Kodsi is experienced in all aspects of general cardiology, including echocardiography, exercise stress echocardiography and Holter monitors.
He has a particular interest in heart failure, valvular heart disease, and using detailed heart imaging to help diagnose conditions early and guide the best treatment plans. Dr Kodsi is committed to providing clear explanations, compassionate care, and evidence-based treatment for every patient.
Editor Murtagh’s GP Book 9th Ed.
Dr Justin Coleman is a GP-writer who looks sceptically at health interventions where the evidence suggests they might not actually be worthwhile. This is part of his broader interest in the public health concept of equity – fair access to primary health care for everyone.
Despite earnest intentions, he frequently breaks out into lighter reflections on GP practice, with its quirks and oddities – often discovering the oddest person in the room is him!
Justin works in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health on the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin.
Medical editing:
Justin is co-editor of Australia’s largest-selling medical textbook, Murtagh’s General Practice (7th edition and forthcoming 8th edition) and also co-editor of Murtagh’s Practice Tips.
Justin was Editor of the Diabetes Management Journal from 2018-20 and remains on its Editorial Board. He runs editing and writing workshops for medical writers and medical workshops for doctors in his spare time.
He has edited over a million words for medical publication. He peer reviews for the BMJ, MJA and AFP medical journals, all of which have also published his research articles. He edits websites, including the National Heart Foundation and the Inala Indigenous Health Service.
Medical writing: Justin has been a freelance medical writer since 1996 and President of the Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA) from 2010-15. His freelance writing CV is found at AMWA.
He has published around 1500 articles in around 40 Australian and international newspapers, magazines and journals. He has authored six book chapters and four regular newspaper columns. He has won various awards for his medical writing and for his fictional short stories and a play.
Justin initiated and wrote the weekly GP Tips column in Medical Observer for its entire 13 years (1998-2011), wrote a twice weekly medical news column for GPs, still writes a monthly humorous column (six years so far). He writes and reviews GPlearning modules for the National Asthma Council Australia, and writes the Diabetes chapter in each update of the National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
TV, radio: Justin has featured on a number of TV shows, including the ABC’s 7.30 report and Channel 7’s Tonight. An example of an extended interview is on Starts at 60. He does a regular weekly medical talkback radio gig with the Novos and has been interviewed on radio around a hundred times around his medical areas of expertise. As a younger man (pre-medicine) he acted on TV, including two very forgettable episodes of Neighbours!
Educator:
Qualifications: In addition to his medical degree (Uni of Melbourne, 1992) and, Justin has completed a Masters in Public Health (Uni of Qld, 2009, first class honors) and a Writing and Editing course (Uni of Qld 2009, first class honors). Justin is a senior lecturer at both University of Queensland and Griffith University, and was an inaugural member of the Qld Health Clinical Senate. He assesses UQ and Griffith medical students and also clinically assesses Overseas-Trained Doctors for the NT Medical Board.
Talks, presentations: Justin is invited to give perhaps 20 talks and presentations each year. He is interviewed by print and radio journalists a few times each month. So far, his record is featuring in four articles in the one edition of MJA Insight (2 March 2015). Talks in 2016 include; RDAV16, RDAQ16, GP16, Allied Health Leadership Forum, UQ School of Pharmacy, Logan Hospital Grand Round, RACMA, Choosing Wisely Australia, GPRA16 (Future of General Practice) and Therapeutic Goods Advertising seminar.
Associate Professor Philip Townend is a specialist in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery as well as General Surgery. After graduating medicine from the University of New South Wales in 2007 he completed his internship/residency in Newcastle, NSW. He then went to South Africa and did a trauma surgery residency at Stanger Hospital in KwaZulu Natal. He was then successful in getting onto the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons SET trainee program
for general surgery where he was based at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. This is where he developed an interest in complex Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery.
After obtaining his FRACS in general surgery in 2017 he went on to receive further training as a fellow in HPB Surgery (doing high volume complex pancreatic and liver surgery) at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Fellow at The Canberra Hospital, ACT. In 2018 Philip was one of 6 successful candidates throughout Australia and New Zealand to be offered an ANZGOSA (Australia and New Zealand Gastric and Oesophageal Surgery Association) Fellowship for 2 years. He continued his ANZGOSA training at Bankstown/Liverpool Hospital in Sydney specialising in both Oesophagogastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. In 2019 he took his family to the United Kingdom where he worked as the oesophagogastric fellow at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham performing large volume oesophagogastric surgery.
He commenced consultant practice in 2020 at Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital. During his training and as a consultant he produced multiple research papers (some of which have received awards) and presented in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, USA and Europe. He is on committees locally, nationally and internationally responsible for improving patient care and supporting research projects. He was made Associate Professor at Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2021 for his work in research and teaching.
Dr Lee (Liqun) Yang is a Gold Coast spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Queensland who specialises in keyhole and complex spine surgery (degenerative, tumour, trauma, infection and deformity), precision brain surgery (brain tumour, brain aneurysm, brain artery bypass, AVM – arteriovenous malformation and DAVF – dural arteriovenous fistula) and deep brain stimulation surgery (for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor) as well as all aspects of brain, spine and peripheral nerve surgeries.
Using state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology (including fully-equipped Kinevo 900 microscope – “see around corners”, robotic arms and digital hybrid visualization), Dr Yang offers first class neurosurgical treatment..
He undertook advanced training in Neurosurgery and Spine surgery at preeminent centres around Australia and obtained the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellowship in Melbourne. Dr Yang then completed a Fellowship in keyhole/complex Spine Surgery followed by a Fellowship in advanced neurovascular Surgery at the Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital in Sydney. Dr Yang has gained further experience in leading edge neurosurgery and spine surgery in Cleveland Clinic, U.S.A. and Shanghai Clinical Centre of Neurosurgery, China – the world’s largest leading neurosurgical centre, where he had visiting fellowship appointments.
Dr Yang is an Assistant Professor at Bond University School of Medicine and is actively involved in neurosurgical and spine research through the Gold Coast University Hospital and has received multiple awards for his research work including Rob Johnston Award from Spine Society of Australia and Smith Nephew Award from Cairns Society of Australia.
Dr Yang’s goal with all patients is to hear their concerns and work closely with them to deliver a personally tailored, comprehensive treatment program.
Dr Monika Fazekas-Lavu is a Sydney-based Endocrinologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of a broad range of endocrine conditions. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Distinction) in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney.
Dr Fazekas-Lavu completed her specialist training in Endocrinology at Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals in Sydney. She is the Director of Sunrise Endocrinology, a multidisciplinary clinic in Chatswood, and serves as a Visiting Medical Officer at Mater Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital.
She has a particular interest in women’s health, including the management of lipoedema, weight-related conditions, perimenopause, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and bone health. Dr Fazekas-Lavu is committed to delivering evidence-based, personalised care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Dr. Yasmin Pilgrim is a highly credentialed obstetrician and gynaecologist offering personalised and comprehensive care to all women.
As a mother of two, she is passionate about helping women through their pregnancy journey with a fresh and contemporary perspective on best practice in pregnancy care.
Associate Professor Michael Freeman is the founding Dermatologist consulting from The Skin Centre and specialises in cosmetic and laser dermatology.
Dr Freeman helps to diagnose and treat people with a range of dermatological conditions and contributes greatly to the field through teaching and research. He is particularly interested in advancing the use of specialised lasers, educating other dermatologists and leading more than a dozen clinical trials in this area.
Dr Freeman is a familiar face around many leading hospitals, including Director of Dermatology at the Gold Coast University Hospital, a visiting Dermatologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Bond University.
A passionate sailor, Dr Freeman combines more than 30 years’ experience in the dermatology field with a friendly and approachable manner. He is highly regarded across the Gold Coast and further afield for his expert advice.
Dr Lam is a subspecialty fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology. Prior to his arrival on the Gold Coast, he worked as a full-time Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Christchurch Public Hospital, serving a large area of New Zealand’s South Island, where he participated in both the retinal and general on-call roster.
During his ophthalmic training, he rotated through different hospitals around New Zealand, seeing an extensive variety of disease. He developed a passion for vitreoretinal surgery and was accepted to study under the guidance of Drs Stephen Guest and David Worseley in New Zealand’s North Island. Dr Lam also has a special interest in cataract and refractive lens surgery and stays updated with the advancements in intraocular lens technology. He undertook a Post-Graduate Diploma in Cataract and Laser Refractive surgery at the University of Sydney to refine his experience.
As part of his vitreoretinal training, he is able to address diseases affecting the back of the eye (vitreous, retina) such as retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes and diabetic retinopathy. As a vitreoretinal surgeon, he is able to access the back of the eye safely, meaning he can truly deal with complex cataract cases – this is when complications arise from routine cataract surgery or trauma, when the lens is dislocated or has fallen into the back of the eye, requiring retrieval and a secondary implant. Any iris defect can also be repaired.
As he deals with routine cataract cases on a day to day basis also, you can rest assured your comfort, safety and final outcome is his top priority. Medical retina wise, Dr. Lam treats macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, diabetes and a spectrum of infectious and non-infectious uveitis. As well as glaucoma and pterygium, Dr. Lam also sees patients with general ophthalmological conditions.
Dr. Lam’s personal mantra is to always treat his patients how he would want his own family members to be treated. He is bilingual and consults in English and Mandarin.
Dr. Sher is a specialist knee, shoulder and elbow surgeon.
As well as his medical degree (University of New South Wales, 1991) he has completed a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The research thesis for this degree was awarded the Evelyn Hamilton Memorial prize from the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
Dr Sher’s Orthopaedic training was completed on the Sydney Orthopaedic Training Scheme. He then travelled overseas undertaking surgical subspeciality fellowships and is the former Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Concord Repatriation General Hospital. He is the fellowship supervisor for the Prince of Wales and Concord Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship and continues to work in both the public and private sectors. He also travels regularly to third world countries to help teach the local surgeons through Orthopaedic Outreach.
He was the secretary and treasurer of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia from 2019-2023
His passion for helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery has led to his involvement in establishing ground breaking metabolic, arthritis, weight loss and sports performance clinics.
Dr Brett Fritsch is a Sydney-based orthopaedic surgeon specialising exclusively in knee surgery, with appointments at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Mater Private Hospital. He has a high volume clinical practice combined with a strong research interest and is internationally recognised for his expertise in sports knee injuries, knee preservation surgery, osteotomy, ligament reconstruction and robotic-assisted knee replacement. He serves on the Boards of Directors of both the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) and the Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society (APKASS).
Dr Fritsch is a Director of the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI), where he leads research and innovation programs focused on improving outcomes for patients with knee disorders, and is the Orthopaedic Robotics Lead at the Institute of Academic Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers, is a reviewer for several leading Orthopaedic journals including the American Journal of Sports Medicine, Knee, and KSSTA, and is a regular invited speaker at major international orthopaedic conferences.
In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr Fritsch is a co-founder of several healthcare innovation companies and has been involved in the development of emerging technologies in personalised surgery, artificial intelligence and robotic-assisted orthopaedics.
Dr Chang is an Australian educated and trained orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in foot and ankle surgery. She also has a subspecialty interest in hand and trauma surgery. After graduating from the University of Sydney School of Medicine in 2008, Dr Chang underwent rigorous training at various hospitals throughout NSW and ACT. She obtained her FRACS in orthopaedic surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and her FAOrthA from Australian Orthopaedic Association. Subsequently, she completed her foot and ankle subspecialty training as the honorary VMO at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Dr Chang is a dedicated orthopaedic surgeon who endeavours to provide superlative care for her patients. She strives to be up to date with the latest clinical evidence and surgical techniques to allow her to individualize and optimize care for her patients and to ensure the best patient outcomes.
Dr. Himanshu Garg is an experienced Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Physician, specialising in Asthma, COPD, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Sleep Apnea, Respiratory Failure, Sepsis, and related conditions.
He trained extensively in Australia and was entrusted with establishing the Respiratory & Sleep Medicine services at Medanta – The Medicity, one of the largest facilities in the region. He is among the few physicians outside North America certified in Behavioural Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Garg is pioneering Sleep Medicine in Australia and the region, developing training and curriculum pathways. He established the first sleep lab in Nepal and founded the South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine.
He currently heads the Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine service at W Partiksha Hospital and serves as Director at Respiratory and Sleep Cure Solutions, Gold Coast.
Education & Experience
MBBS: Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, 2000
MD – Respiratory Medicine: SMS Medical College, Jaipur, 2003
FCCP: American College of Chest Physicians, 2008
CBSM (USA), FSM (Australia), RPSGT
Head – Respiratory & Sleep Medicine: Medanta – The Medicity
Head – Respiratory & Critical Care: Artemis Hospital & W Partiksha Hospital
Owner & Somnologist: Sleep Cure Solutions, 2011 – Present
DEGREES: MBBS, MD, DM, FRACP
Dr. Batra completed his medical, physician, and cardiology training at the University of Delhi, India in 1997, followed by a Fellowship in Electrophysiology at Maastricht, Netherlands, in 1999.
He has worked as an intervention cardiologist consultant in leading private hospitals in Delhi and at Birmingham City Hospital, England, and served as Assistant Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital, University of Delhi, before relocating to Gold Coast Hospital in 2006.
At Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), Dr. Batra has developed the cardiology services to their current standard and is the leading interventionist, consistently performing the highest number of interventions. He is also the Clinical Director of the Catheter Laboratory at GCUH.
Dr. Batra performs complex stenting procedures, contributes to the Primary PCI program, and established the EP, ablation, AICD, and heart failure pacing programs at GCUH. He is recognised as an astute clinician, with multiple publications and presentations at national and international meetings. He is also Associate Professor of Cardiology at Griffith University.
His main areas of interest include general cardiology, ischemic heart disease, coronary interventions, and heart failure. He is available for consultations at TrueCare Cardiology, Hope Island and Pimpama.
Areas of Specialty
Coronary Angiography
Complex Coronary Intervention & Stenting
Cardiac Defibrillators
Pacemaker
Degrees: MBBS, MD, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Cardiology), FRACP, FCSANZ, FESC, FACC
Dr. Shahid Hafeez is a senior consultant cardiologist with over a decade of experience in clinical cardiology. He has practised extensively in Australia at major teaching hospitals in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Qualifications:
FRACP in Cardiology, Adelaide
Echocardiography Fellowship, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
Level B CTCA Specialist Accreditation
Dual Fellowships (FCPS) in Medicine and Cardiology, College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan
Areas of Specialty:
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart Failure
General Rhythm Disorders
Cardiac Imaging
Lipid Management
Preventive Cardiology
Hypertension
Dr. Hafeez specialises in clinical, diagnostic, and preventive cardiology.
Dr Bacsi trained in Sydney (Prince of Wales Hospital) and London (Royal Free Hospital), obtaining her fellowship in 2008. In 2005 she obtained a PhD in vestibular reflexes and balance control form UNSW. She spent 7 years working in the UK as a registrar and, later, as a neurology consultant at the QEII Hospital (Welwyn Garden City). Her subspeciality interests are headache, vertigo and dementia.
Sanjay is a senior general and colorectal surgeon who works in the Sydney West Area Health Service. He completed his colorectal training through the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) in 2012 with his fellowship being completed in Perth and Oxford. He is also a cofounder of the charitable organisation, the Global Medical Foundation Australia, which was established in 2012.
Dr. Rohit Bansal is a Consultant Geriatrician with over 20 years of clinical experience. He graduated in 2002 in India, completed postgraduate training in general medicine in 2007, and later moved to Australia to specialise in geriatrics. He completed the Royal Australasian College of Physicians geriatric medicine training program, earning his FRACP in 2017.
Dr. Bansal adopts a multidisciplinary approach for older adults, addressing all aspects of geriatric medicine and rehabilitation. He has a special interest in non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease dementia, collaborating with neurologists. He has published on topics including Behavioural Disturbances in Alzheimer’s Disease and Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Frailty, and presented at international conferences.
His vision includes establishing a rehabilitation unit at Robina Private Hospital to provide:
Neurological programs for degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s Disease
Restorative care programs for elderly patients with chronic conditions
Pre-conditioning and reconditioning programs prior to surgery
Falls prevention programs
Dr. Bansal is an active member of: ANZSGM, World Stroke Organization, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and MDSANZ.
Dr Angela James is a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, founder of Sydney Pelvic Clinic and National Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Pelvic Health group.
She has over 20 years’ experience treating women and men with pelvic health conditions including pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor disorders, and pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. Angela is passionate about evidence-based, multidisciplinary care and translating research into everyday clinical practice.
Dr. Caroline is an experienced specialist GP with advanced women’s health training , and a member of the Australasian Menopause Society . She has a special interest in the transition in a woman’s life to “Freedom” ( menopause).Caroline is passionate about her patients igniting understanding of the science of the human body and mind to overcome the challenges in their lives.
Holistic in approach with an emphasis on lifestyle and nutrition, Caroline’s mission is break down the barriers between patients and their most powerful ally in their wellbeing: their GP.
She is a Fellow of the RACGP.
BSc MBBS MS(Advanced Breast Surgery) FRACS
Breast and General Surgeon, The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals
Dr Sarah Forsyth is a Specialist Breast and General Surgeon at The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals. She also holds an appointment at BreastScreen NSW where she assesses and counsels’ women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a member of the BreastSurgANZ Education Committee, a group committed to furthering education for peers and colleagues in their field.
Dr Forsyth was the first female general surgeon to be appointed to The Royal Hospital for Women and Prince of Wales Hospital. She trained at the esteemed Westmead Breast Cancer Institute where she developed skills in oncoplastic breast surgery. She also continues a busy general surgery practice and covers general surgery on call at Prince of Wales Hospital.
Dr Forsyth is passionate about women’s health and feels privileged to treat women in the local community she lives and raises her three young children in.
Dr Margarethe ‘Greta’ Sears is a specialist GP with a special interest in women’s health. She completed her medical degree at the Medical University of Vienna and is an RACGP Fellow. She holds the DRANZCOG diploma and the Certificate of Vulval Dermatology through the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Greta practises in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire at Woolooware Family Medical Practice, Kirrawee Family Medical Practice and at Myma Health, Bondi Junction. She is an RACGP External Clinical Teaching Visitor and also provides private surgical assisting in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Her clinical interests span from perimenopause and menopause, pelvic pain, PMDD to vulval conditions.
Dr. Sagar Ramani is a specialist Clinical Oncologist based on the Gold Coast, consulting at GenesisCare Tugun and Southport.
He qualified in Chennai, India (1997), completed postgraduate Internal Medicine training (MRCP 2002) and specialist Clinical Oncology training (FRCR 2007) in the UK, with further postgraduate studies in Oncology from Liverpool University. Dr. Ramani practised at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (2008–2011) before moving to Australia, achieving FRANZCR in 2013.
His clinical interests include genitourinary, lung, breast, colorectal, and gastrointestinal cancers, and he has experience in combined modality treatments. He has held key leadership and training roles including Chair of SABR Lung Program, Director of Training for RANZCR Gold Coast registrars, and Regional Medical Director for GenesisCare Gold Coast.
Dr. Ramani holds visiting rights at John Flynn Private Hospital, Pindara Private Hospital, and Gold Coast Private Hospital, and participates in multidisciplinary meetings across the Gold Coast and Tweed.
Professional Memberships: RANZCR, RCR (UK), ASTRO, TROG
Dr. Sandeep Chand is a Consultant Psychiatrist based at 129 Olsen Avenue, Labrador QLD 4215. He holds an MBBS from Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, India, is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych), and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP).
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Chand provides comprehensive psychiatric care for adults, specialising in anxiety, mood, psychotic, and substance use disorders. He offers evidence-based therapies tailored to individual patient needs and is fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, enabling him to support patients from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Chand is committed to improving quality of life through compassionate, holistic psychiatric care.
Dr. Viral Upadhyay is an Australian-trained Neurologist based at Gold Coast University Hospital. He completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science (2007) and MBBS (2011) at Griffith University, Gold Coast.
Dr. Upadhyay undertook basic physician training at Gold Coast University Hospital, followed by advanced neurology training in Sydney at multiple tertiary hospitals. He completed a fellowship in Movement Disorders and Neuromuscular Medicine at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital (RBWH) in 2020 and attained FRACP the same year. He subsequently served as a staff specialist at RBWH before returning to the Gold Coast.
He is actively involved in teaching and research, holding Senior Lecturer positions at Griffith University and the University of Queensland, and serves as an investigator for multiple clinical trials at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Special Interests:
Botulinum toxin injections
Nerve Conduction Studies / Electromyography
Chronic Migraine
Parkinson’s Disease
Neuromuscular Diseases
Epilepsy
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Spasticity
Qualifications:
BExSc, Griffith University, 2007
MBBS, Griffith University, 2011
FRACP, 2020
I am an Australian-trained adult and paediatric ENT surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Rhinology (nose and sinus disorders) and Skull Base conditions.
I grew up in Sydney and completed medical training at the University of Sydney. I furthered my education with a Master of Surgery in Otolaryngology. Subsequently, I completed formal training in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in New South Wales, and was awarded a Fellowship with the Australasian College of Surgeons. During my training, I rotated through highvolume tertiary and regional centres across Australia and gained experience in managing both adult and paediatric patients.
Post-training, I was accepted into a 12-month competitive international Fellowship at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital (University College of London Foundation Trust) with a focus in advanced Rhinology, Facial Plastics and Skull Base surgery.
I have a strong commitment to clinical research having published in numerous peerreviewed journals and presented work both nationally and internationally. I have a passion for medical and surgical education, and am actively engaged in mentoring medical students and junior trainees.
I provide surgical care at East Sydney Private Hospital, Chatswood Private Hospital, Nepean Private Hospital and Ryde Hospital (Northern Sydney Local Health District).
Dr. Ramesh Damodaran Prabha is a general surgeon with subspecialty training in liver, pancreas, biliary, and bariatric surgery. He completed general surgery training in Perth, followed by a regional general surgery fellowship and three years of subspecialty training in Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary surgery at Royal Northshore Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital, Sydney. He also trained at the world-renowned Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK.
He has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, holding a Masters in Minimally Invasive Surgery, and is GESA accredited for upper and lower endoscopies. Dr. Prabha is an ASSET and ATLS instructor and is passionate about teaching medical students and surgical trainees.
Dr. Prabha practices as a Consultant Surgeon at Gold Coast University Hospital and collaborates closely with general practitioners to ensure the best patient care.
Expertise:
General, Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary, and Bariatric Surgery
Areas of Interest:
Laparoscopic & Open General Surgery & Upper GI Conditions
Liver, Pancreas, Bile Duct Cancer
Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve, Bypass)
Hiatus Hernia & Reflux Disease
Hernia, Gallbladder
Skin Lesions
Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy
Dr Chelsea Ho is a rural GP registrar at Condamine Medical Centre in Warwick, Queensland. She has a long-standing interest in practical, compliant MBS billing and in leveraging ethical AI to enhance the doctor–patient therapeutic relationship, improve workflow efficiency, and reduce clinicians’ cognitive burden. Chelsea is also involved with MBSPro, an Australian GP-focused AI platform that combines clinical documentation tools with MBS billing support, contributing across several areas including the development of its CPD Home branch. At GP Refresh Sydney, she will be speaking on training AI scribes, using AI to support appropriate billing, and key updates to the MBS.
MBBS, MRCGP (UK), FRACGP (Australia)
Dr Rohan Rao is a highly experienced General Practitioner based at Keperra Medical Centre, Queensland. With a holistic and patient-centred approach, he provides comprehensive medical care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Dr Rao earned his MBBS in 2004 and completed his General Practice training in Lancaster, England. He holds memberships with both the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) in the UK and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP), reflecting his extensive training and experience across two healthcare systems.
His clinical interests include ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care — particularly ear microsuction for wax removal and infection management — as well as mental health, cardiovascular medicine, geriatric care, and medicinal cannabis therapies. Dr. Rao combines evidence-based medicine with a compassionate, family-oriented philosophy of care.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Rao enjoys spending time with his family, playing cricket, exploring local food and wine, and enjoying the Queensland lifestyle.
MBBS (UQ), MBA (AIB), FRACGP, Certificate in Management of Obesity (University of Melbourne), Master of Medicine (USyd – Ongoing)
Dr Casey Going is a Queensland-based General Practitioner and graduate of the University of Queensland. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in 2022 and is currently completing a Master of Medicine at the University of Sydney, focusing on diabetes, metabolic medicine, and weight management.
With a strong interest in internal medicine, cardiology, and emergency medicine, Dr Going divides his time between the Condamine Medical Centre and St Andrew’s Hospital in the Darling Downs. In addition to his clinical work, he holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business and a Certificate in the Management of Obesity from the University of Melbourne.
Dr Going is also deeply engaged in medical education. As a toastmaster and experienced public speaker, he regularly delivers lectures and workshops for GP registrars and fellow practitioners. In 2023, he began working with Business for Doctors, where he developed online workshops focused on MBS education, billing, and compliance for GP registrars.
Combining his medical expertise with his business acumen, Dr Going is passionate about improving the operational and financial sustainability of general practice for both doctors and patients.
Tim McIntyre completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University before undertaking postgraduate studies at Bond University, where he obtained a Master’s in Psychology (Clinical). His thesis, which explored body image and disordered eating in adult males, was published in an international journal.
Tim has worked extensively with adolescents and young adults across a range of public and private mental health settings. His experience includes roles within the Children’s Hospital, Gold Coast Health, Lives Lived Well, and headspace, where he has provided support to both clinical and forensic populations.
He has a strong interest in supporting young people and adults experiencing a variety of mental health concerns, including personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders, psychosis, and ADHD. Tim is trained in multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Committed to ongoing professional growth, Tim integrates evidence-based practices into his psychotherapy and is currently undertaking training in Schema Therapy with the aim of gaining registration with the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST).
Dr Michael Kalamaras completed a science degree majoring in anatomy at the University of New South Wales before graduating from medicine at the Flinders University of South Australia in 2000. He undertook a medical internship and residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, and later completed orthopaedic training in Queensland in 2009. He was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in 2010 in orthopaedic surgery, and became a fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association in 2014.
Following his orthopaedic training, Dr Kalamaras worked as a hand and orthopaedic surgeon interstate and overseas. He has worked with hand and upper limb surgical units at The National Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin Ireland, The Canberra Orthopaedic Group in the ACT , and with the Department of Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgery at The Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. He has also undertaken advanced hand, elbow and shoulder surgical courses in Italy, France, Japan, Ireland, and the United States as well as within Australia.
Upon returning to Queensland, Dr Kalamaras established a contemporary hand and upper limb practice on the Gold Coast. His main interests are wrist, elbow and shoulder arthroscopic (key hole) surgery and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, microsurgery and severe hand and wrist trauma, hand and upper limb joint replacement, including standard and reverse total shoulder replacement, and hand and upper limb injuries in athletes and children. He uses experience and modern techniques developed internationally and within Australia.
Dr Kalamaras maintains his practice at the forefront of hand and upper limb surgery. He subscribes to international hand, shoulder and elbow journals, and attends and speaks regularly at national and international conferences and education workshops. He is a professional member of the Australian Medical Association, the Gold Coast Medical Association, the Australian Orthopaedic Association, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Queensland Hand Surgery Society, the Australian Hand Surgery Society, and the Queensland Shoulder Society.
Dr Kalamaras undertakes research, has several publications and has presented many research papers. He is involved in teaching to surgeons, junior doctors and medical students. He has undertaken teaching roles at under and post graduate levels and has been an associate lecturer with the University of Queensland for many years. He tutors Anatomy to University of Queensland students and surgical trainees and teaches orthopaedic surgery to medical students at Bond and Griffith universities. He taught surgery to orthopaedic trainees through his previous work at the Gold Coast public hospital in Southport, and other public appointments in the past. In 2009, he was nominated for an award for “outstanding excellence in medical education” to junior doctors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Growing up in rural South Australia, Rob obtained his medical degree at the University of Adelaide, after which he was accepted into the competitive Paediatric Surgery training program. His training took him across Australia, including Adelaide, Darwin, and Townsville, ultimately concluding at the prestigious Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Further advancing his expertise, Rob completed additional specialist training in Paediatric Urology and Paediatric Colorectal Surgery at the internationally renowned Bristol Royal Hospital for Children in the United Kingdom. It was there that he developed advanced skills in hypospadias surgery and minimally invasive techniques, particularly in the fields of intestinal, kidney, and hernia surgery.
Upon completing his specialist training, Rob and his family relocated to the Gold Coast, where he began his role as a Staff Specialist Paediatric Surgeon at Gold Coast University Hospital. He also operates at Pindara Private Hospital and John Flynn Private Hospital.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Rob has a Master’s of Trauma Science from Queen Mary University in London, a Diploma of Child Health, and has attended advanced courses in Paediatric Robotic Surgery in Strasbourg, France, Paediatric Colorectal Surgery in Madrid, Spain, and Urodynamics in Southmead, Bristol. He is also passionate about medical education, and teaches other doctors to optimally manage critically ill and injured children as an instructor in Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS), Emergency Management of Severe Trauma (EMST), and Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB).
Dr Tanushree Rao is a gynaecologist and robotic surgeon with a special interest in endometriosis, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and complex benign gynaecological surgery. She is a robotic surgery proctor, educator, and speaker who is actively involved in training surgeons and advancing robotic surgery in Australia.
Committed to excellence in women’s healthcare, Dr Rao combines surgical innovation with evidence-based, patient-centred care, empowering women to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Dr Shallu Khurana Dermatologist MBBS MD FACD Citywest Dermatology Burwood NSW Blacktown Dermatology Blacktown NSW
Dr David Chandrakumar graduated with his medical degree and Masters in Medicine from the University of New South Wales in 2014, being awarded distinction in both degrees and the Ian Webster medal in recognition of his performance.
He then completed his internship and residency in Westmead Hospital, followed by basic physician training at Nepean Hospital. Dr Chandrakumar went on to complete his speciality training in Cardiology at Blacktown Hospital in 2021.
Dr Chandrakumar is trained in all aspects of general cardiology, but has a special interest in non-invasive imaging, including CT coronary angiography, heart failure and cardiac autonomic disorders. He holds admitting rights at Norwest Private Hospital.
He has had extensive involvement in research since medical school, with his projects being presented in Cardiology and Sports Medicine conferences in Australia, North America and Europe. Dr Chandrakumar has also had extensive involvement in the training of medical students and junior medical staff.
Dr Hanlon Sia completed his MBBS at the University of Adelaide in 2000 before undertaking three years of Basic Physician Training with the North Western Adelaide Health Service at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and The Lyell McEwin Hospitals.
From 2005 to 2007, Dr Sia pursued Advanced Physician Training in Haematology at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science. During this time he was involved in both clinical and laboratory-based activities involving the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic leukaemias, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, stem cell transplantations, thalassaemia, haemophilia and thrombophilia. In 2008, Dr Sia moved to The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where he completed his advanced clinical and laboratory haematology training.
Throughout his career Dr Sia has been actively involved in various research projects, including multiple cutting edge leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma treatment trials.
Hanlon is also fluent in English, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian.
Professional affiliations:
Medical Board of Queensland Registration
Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA)
The Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG)
A.Prof. Peter Stewart is a Chemical Pathologist and Metabolic Physican. Prior to coming to 4Cyte he was Clinical Director at Royal Prince Alfred and Liverpool Hospitals in Sydney. He has an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Medicine at University of Sydney.
He also has a MBA from Macquarie University. He is past President of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. He was Chairman of the RCPA Quality Assurance Company for 11 years. He also served as a Ministerial appointment on National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council for 15 years. He also chaired the Pathology Clinical Committee of the recent Australian Medical Benefits Schedule Review.
He has been a lead Technical Assessor in the Australian accreditation system for more than 20 years and currently is Chairman of the Pathology Testing Accreditation Advisory Committee of NATA. His major clinical and research interest is the laboratory and molecular diagnosis of porphyria and new treatments for the condition. He also has a long standing interest in adoption of new technologies into laboratory practice.
Dr Elkadi initially completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy at theUniversity of Sydney before undertaking his medical degree at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.
He completed his internship at St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst,and subsequently undertook specialist paediatric training through The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, one of Australia’s leading tertiary paediatric hospitals.During training, Dr Elkadi worked across neonatal intensive care
(NICU), inpatient paediatrics, emergency departments and outpatient clinics throughout New South Wales, gaining broad experience managing both acute and chronic childhood conditions.
Dr Elkadi currently works across private practice in the Blue Mountains and as a VMO at Katoomba Hospital.
Editor Murtagh’s GP Book 9th Ed.
Chair of the Scientific Committee GP Refresh
Dr Justin Coleman is a GP at Inala Indigenous Health in Brisbane and a Senior Medical Educator. He started writing medical articles 30 years ago and is now one of Australia’s pre-eminent medical educators.
He has published around 1500 medical articles, ranging from newspaper columns to academic research in the BMJ. He co-edits Murtagh’s General Practice, and was editor of the Diabetes Management Journal and long-term President of the Australasian Medical Writers Association.
Dr Coleman has been a senior lecturer at four Universities. Every year, he creates and runs more than 100 educational workshops, webinars and podcasts for GPs. His bottom line is that everything he produces must be evidence-based, independent of all marketing influences, and must be both interesting and useful for the GP audience.
Ex. RACGP President
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Nicole Higgins is the former President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and a highly respected leader in Australian general practice. With a career spanning over two decades, she represents the depth and diversity of the profession — combining her roles as a practising GP, business owner, medical educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable primary care.
Based in Mackay, Queensland, Dr Higgins runs her own general practice while actively contributing to health system improvement and workforce development. She is passionate about strengthening general practice through education, leadership, and innovation. Having previously worked with Tropical Medical Training and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), she has guided and mentored countless GP trainees, supporting the next generation of rural and regional doctors.
Dr Higgins also served as Chair of GP Supervisors Australia (GPSA) and has held directorships since the early days of the Divisions of General Practice through to the Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Her work has been recognised for entrepreneurship, innovation, and her dedication to improving healthcare delivery in both urban and remote settings.
A strong advocate for workforce sustainability and GP wellbeing, Dr Higgins has been at the forefront of initiatives that address practitioner burnout, rural workforce shortages, and the challenges of modern primary care. She frequently collaborates with industry bodies, training organisations, and government agencies to shape policies that support equitable healthcare access across Australia.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr Higgins is known for her pragmatic leadership style and her ability to connect policy with real-world clinical experience. As a working parent, she brings authenticity and balance to her advocacy, highlighting the human side of medicine and the need for systemic support for healthcare professionals.
Through her clinical practice, teaching, and leadership, Dr Nicole Higgins continues to champion the vital role of GPs in Australia’s healthcare system — advocating for high-quality patient care, professional support, and the advancement of general practice as the cornerstone of community health.
General Medical Practitioner
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Ian Kamerman is an experienced General Practitioner based in Tamworth, New South Wales, with over 35 years of experience in rural medicine. He is a practice principal at Northwest Health and is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare to individuals and families across the region.
Dr Kamerman has a strong interest in supporting the sustainability of rural healthcare and is actively involved in the education and mentoring of medical students and junior doctors. Alongside his clinical work, he has contributed to a number ofleadership and advisory roles within the medical community, advocating for improved access to quality healthcare services in rural and regional Australia.
Ex. RACGP Vice-President
Advisory & Scientific Committee Member GP Refresh
Dr Bruce Willett has over three decades of experience in general practice, combining personalised patient care with transformative leadership across the Australian healthcare sector. He has been a general practitioner since 1989 and was a successful practice owner, having established his first practice in Thorneside with his wife Gertrude in 1992 and later building Victoria Point Surgery in Brisbane’s south into a thriving business.
Bruce’s leadership extends far beyond clinical practice through his distinguished service with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He served as RACGP Vice President from July 2020 until November 2023 and was Queensland Faculty Chair from October 2016 until November 2023. His advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping general practice policy, including leading successful negotiations for payroll tax exemptions in Queensland and guiding the transition of GP training programmes back to the RACGP.
As Chair of General Practice Supervisors Australia (GPSA), Bruce demonstrated his commitment to medical education and supporting the next generation of GPs. He has been an RACGP examiner since 1994 and continues as a GP supervisor, training registrars. His educational leadership include establishing the GPs@Parliament programme in Queensland, which has been replicated across Australia.
Bruce played a pivotal role in the RACGP’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with Queensland Health to develop policies and guidelines during the early stages of the crisis. His advocacy efforts have focused on addressing the underfunding of Medicare, maintaining fee-for-service as the mainstay of healthcare funding, and the role of general practice as the most cost-effective part of the healthcare system.
Recently, Bruce received the Rose-Hunt Award, the RACGP’s highest accolade, recognising his significant contributions to general practice advocacy and education. The award acknowledged his role in galvanising opposition to proposed payroll tax changes affecting general practice and his leadership through the transition of training back to the colleges and during challenging periods for the profession.
Hobbies include writing bios in the third person, beetle fighting, competitive duck herding, and making up hobbies to make himself sound more interesting than he really is.
