RNZCGPFriday 18 May 2012, 3:03PM
Media release from RNZCGP
World Family Doctor Day is marked globally on 19 May and
provides an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution
GPs make to New Zealand society, says President of The Royal New
Zealand College of General Practitioners, Dr Harry Pert.
'Health care is changing and evolving all the time, which makes
family medicine a challenging, but rewarding environment,' says Dr
Pert.
'General practices need to meet the constantly changing needs of
their patients and the wider health sector. To this end, the
College is revamping its training programme for general
practitioners from next year to take into account emerging models
of care and more closely meet the training needs of GPs working in
a range of settings.
'I believe the changes we're making will encourage more doctors to
train as GPs and training will be better integrated across
institutional and community settings, which will benefit
patients.
'The changes will also provide an exciting career pathway for
current and future GPs that will develop their skills, encourage
them to remain in general practice, and enhance their job
satisfaction throughout their careers.
'This, in turn, will help develop a stronger, more responsive
primary care sector for New Zealand and capitalise on the growing
opportunities for general practice.
'This is an exciting time for general practice in New Zealand and I
congratulate Wonca for celebrating the contribution of GPs to their
communities on World Family Doctor Day.'
The World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca) declared 19 May
World Family Doctor Day in Cancun, Mexico in 2010. It recognises
family doctors and highlights the work they perform in supporting
health care for all people in our local communities, our nations
and around the world.
ENDS
Contact: Tanya Piejus Senior Communications Adviser on tanya.piejus@rnzcgp.org.nz
or (04) 550 2830 or 021 0278 1909
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Level 3 ► 88 The Terrace ► Wellington 6011
PO Box 10440 ► Wellington 6143
www.rnzcgp.org.nz
DDI: +64 4 550 2830 ► TEL: +64 4 496 5999 ► FAX: +64 4 496
5997