As we continue our commitment to the health and wellbeing of First Nations Peoples in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand, I am very happy to announce RACMA has introduced an Inaugural First Nations Adviser role to the College, which will be filled by Nadene Edmonds.
After launching our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) earlier this year, it is imperative that we have dedicated resources and capability in the First Nations health space across Australasia.
Many of you will know Nadene through the Leadership for Clinicians Program and the College’s Monthly CPD webinar program, but most importantly you will be well aware of her proud Māori heritage. Nadene is a current part-time candidate in the Education Doctorate program with the University of Waikato and the University of Melbourne, she has a MPhil Māori Education and BA Te Reo Māori.
The College has much work to undertake to ensure our Members create the benchmark for:
- developing solutions to provide equity of access to quality healthcare
- advocating for and working with communities to address the on-going disparities in our First Nations Peoples healthcare outcomes
- creating pathways to the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori Medical Leaders
Initially, two key priorities for the role will be to develop a Māori Action Plan and the College’s second RAP. I am looking forward to what we can achieve through Nadene’s existing relationships among the First Nations communities across Australasia as we collaborate and engage further with key First Nations organisations to develop culturally safe practices, projects and policies.
RACMA Board nominations will close on Monday 1 August for the following positions:
- Chair of Education and Training Committee
- Two Board Directors from the Fellow Membership Category
- Candidate Director
I encourage Members who are keen to be more involved with the College and help further develop the speciality of Medical Leadership, to consider nominating for one of the above roles on the RACMA Board.
Medical colleges depend significantly on volunteers. We benefit collectively not only from those who put themselves forward regularly but also from having a range of people involved who bring different experiences and strengths over time. Direct participation and commitment of Members ensure the evolvement and success of the College through shared experiences and lessons in relation to the latest thinking about Medical Leadership, training, and health system management.
Being a Member of the College Board is also a great opportunity to increase your network of colleagues and learn from peers. For nomination details and the process visit the RACMA website.
The College continues to increase RACMA’s visibility, presence and influence in healthcare decision-making and advocacy at the highest level across Australasia. I recently reached out to the incoming key Australian Health Ministers requesting meetings to explore how we can work together to be more effective and to influence the health outcomes of the whole population, while elevating the profile of RACMA and its Members as authoritative voices on health policy and health system governance.
I will keep Members updated on the progress of this ongoing engagement with key government health officials across national and state levels of government.
In the coming weeks, the College will be launching our new-look website. The website is receiving a cosmetic refresh to assist with user interface and navigation. Feedback from Members and staff has been used to help re-orient key areas and frequently accessed areas.
A broader overhaul of the website is planned next year, however this mini refresh will be a step in the right direction to making the website a more modern, user friendly site in line with our branding.
I would like to extend my best wishes to all the Candidates undertaking their Medical Management Practice Oral Examination this week. Much time and effort are committed to the exams as it is the crucial element towards attaining Fellowship, but I remind all Candidates there is a strong network of support to guide you through no matter what the outcome. I extend my sincere thanks to the College Office for all their work in ensuring the online exams run smoothly and the Candidates are well supported through the exercise. It is a massive production which requires much dedication and careful planning.
Finally, if you haven’t already done so make sure you register for RACMA 2022 – early bird closes on Monday 8 August. This year’s hybrid event program has been finalised with many renowned health experts and leaders secured to present. Visit racmaconference.com.au
If you have any ideas or feedback about the future direction of the College and its work, please email me – president@racma.edu.au.
Kind regards
Dr Helen Parsons CSC FRACMA
RACMA President