RACGP Marks 68 Years of Supporting Australian General Practice
01 Jul 2026
Associate Professor Chris Hogan reflected on the college’s history, explaining that the RACGP was officially established on 1 July 1958 after Australian GPs worked together to create a national organisation focused on strengthening general practice.
The movement was inspired by Dr Joseph Silver Collings, an Australian doctor whose 1950 report on British general practice highlighted the need for higher standards, better education and stronger support for GPs. His work helped spark the creation of the United Kingdom’s Royal College of General Practitioners in 1953, with Australian GPs playing an active role in its early development.
As the profession evolved, Australian GPs recognised the need for their own independent college. State faculties gradually formed before joining together to establish the Australian College of General Practitioners, which later became the RACGP.
The college’s founders aimed to reduce the isolation experienced by GPs by promoting collaboration, lifelong learning, research, high clinical standards and advocacy for the profession.
Associate Professor Hogan said general practice has always relied on apprenticeship-style learning, where experienced doctors mentor the next generation. However, he noted that ongoing education became increasingly important as medical knowledge, technology and treatments rapidly advanced.
Today, the RACGP continues to support Australian GPs through education, professional development, research and advocacy, while preserving the values established by its founders 68 years ago.
RACGP Marks 68 Years of Supporting Australian General Practice
Source: newsGP