Two general practitioners and a lawyer who have made a significant contribution to Australian general practice have been recognised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) with Honorary Fellowship and Honorary Membership of the College.

The RACGP sets and maintains the standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice and is Australia's largest professional general practice organisation, representing urban and rural general practitioners.

Presenting the award at the Academic Session held during GP10 - the conference for general practice - in Cairns, outgoing RACGP President Dr Chris Mitchell said: "The award winners we are recognising today have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our profession through their dedication to improving the quality of general practice care, training, education and research."

Honorary Fellowship

The award of Honorary Fellowship is given in recognition of the years of service to general practice and the College, for service to medicine in the fields of education, research or administration and general service to the community.

The 2010 recipients of Honorary Fellowship of the RACGP are:

- Dr Kerri Parnell (Artarmon, NSW)

- Professor Richard Roberts (Madison, Wisconsin, USA)

Dr Kerri Parnell has worked as a general practitioner for more than 20 years and is the Editor-in-Chief of Australian Doctor, a weekly GP publication. She has been tireless in her advocacy for general practice and general practitioners, with her editorials frequently focusing on threats to quality of care in general practice. Dr Parnell has made a wonderful contribution to our discipline and it is fitting that general practice should recognise this contribution through this award.

Professor Richard Roberts has taught in over 40 countries on five continents and is currently a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in the USA. He is a passionate advocate for general practice and has worked to strengthen relationships with the RACGP during his term as President of World Organisation of Family Doctors (Wonca). The RACGP is pleased to acknowledge Professor Richard Roberts contribution to general practice and family medicine both internationally and in Australia.

Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership is conferred on people who have given long and meritorious service to general practice and the College but who do not hold a medical qualification.

The 2010 recipient of Honorary Membership of the RACGP is:

- Joan Morgan (Forest Hill, VIC)

Joan Morgan is a lawyer who joined the RACGP Audit Committee in 2004 as an independent member with legal and risk management compliance expertise. Her input has been invaluable in assessing and managing the audit and financial matters of the College. Her contribution is acknowledged and appreciated by the College.

Source:
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners