RACGP Opens Extended Skills Recognition for GPs Specialising in Diabetes
12 Nov 2026
The new diabetes category has been introduced ahead of World Diabetes Day. The program recognises GPs who have developed advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of general practice.
To apply, GPs must have held RACGP Fellowship for at least five years and have extensive experience in preventing, diagnosing and managing all types of diabetes.
Applicants must also:
- Keep their knowledge of current, evidence-based diabetes care up to date.
- Provide comprehensive, patient-centred care across different clinical settings and communities.
- Support better diabetes care beyond individual consultations through education, quality improvement, advocacy, leadership or teamwork with other healthcare professionals.
Dr Gary Deed, Chair of RACGP Specific Interest Diabetes, said the program gives GPs an opportunity to demonstrate skills beyond the usual requirements of Fellowship.
The application process involves submitting case studies and answering questions about advanced diabetes care.
Successful applicants can display an RACGP Extended Skills sign on their practice website, helping patients identify GPs with recognised expertise in diabetes.
Dr Deed said this recognition also gives patients confidence that their GP's skills are maintained and acknowledged at an advanced level.
Diabetes remains a growing health concern in Australia, affecting approximately 5% of the population.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are almost four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians. Around 30% of Australians living with diabetes are also estimated to be undiagnosed.
The RACGP said adding diabetes to the program reflects the important role GPs play in preventing, diagnosing and managing the condition.
Dr Deed highlighted that diabetes care is changing rapidly, with new technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring, different medications and injectable treatments becoming available.
Changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and medicine subsidies also add to the challenges GPs face when keeping up with treatment options.
He said the new recognition category would provide further educational support and encourage GPs to strengthen their diabetes management skills.
The RES program was launched at the WONCA conference in 2023 and has since expanded to more than 10 areas of special interest. These include psychological medicine, allergy and obesity management.
GPs who have already received recognition in other areas have also spoken about its professional value.
Dr Annie Fonda, who holds RES in psychological medicine, said the recognition has strengthened her professional credibility in referrals, email signatures and discussions with colleagues.
Dr Tim Aung, who holds RES in dermatology and migrant, refugee and asylum seeker health, said the program has supported his clinical skills and ability to provide culturally responsive care.
He added that this can improve patient access to care and reduce the need for specialist referrals in some cases.
GPs interested in the diabetes recognition pathway can find eligibility requirements and application details on the RACGP website.
RACGP Opens Extended Skills Recognition for GPs Specialising in Diabetes
Source: newsGP (RACGP) – Diabetes added to Recognition of Extended Skills program.