GPs celebrate World Family Doctor Day
18 May 2023
The contribution GPs, family doctors and primary care teams make to healthcare system across the globe will once again be celebrated as part of World Family Doctor Day on 19 May.
The commemorative day, declared by WONCA in 2010, has become an annual celebration aimed at recognising the central role of family doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous healthcare to patients.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins told newsGP World Family Doctor Day is an important way of recognising the invaluable impact GPs have on their communities, which is reflected through this year’s ‘Heart of Healthcare’ theme.
‘GPs are the backbone of Australia’s healthcare system,’ Dr Higgins said.
‘We keep people healthy and out of hospital through managing chronic conditions and providing ongoing preventive care.
‘The GP’s place at the heart of primary healthcare has never been more critical in recent years, and the RACGP is here for our members every step of the way.’
The commemorative day has also been identified as an opportune time for GPs to register for this year’s WONCA World Conference, which is set to be held in Sydney later this year.
The conference, scheduled for 22–24 October, will host family doctors, GPs, and primary healthcare specialists from around the world, as well as high profile presenters from Australia and overseas who will share research and discuss best practice.