The College is pleased to report outcomes from correspondence with Ahpra that the use of titles for Rural Generalists and General Practitioners who hold specific specialist registration categories is not under immediate risk. 

ACRRM has previously voiced serious concerns and undertaken strong advocacy through submissions at all phases of the consultative process.  President Dan Halliday gave evidence at the associated Parliamentary hearings and the issue was discussed extensively by College Council. 

The College wrote to the Chair of Ahpra Dr Anne Tonkin seeking advice about the Medical Board of Australia’s interpretation of the use of protected titles. 

The correspondence arose following strict new provisions at S115A under the National Law that protect the term “surgeon”. 

ACRRM President Dr Halliday wrote: “ACRRM is concerned our Fellows’ use of common parlance in patient interactions, on websites, social media, CVs and so on, may expose them to unwarranted risks and stress of responding to Ahpra notifications, complaints and fines”. 

The College outlined the importance that Fellows be able to represent themselves to their patients and communities for the skills they are trained and assessed. The matter is even more important in the context of pending recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine, as the scope of practice, by definition, will include at least one advanced specialised scope of practice. 

The response from Dr Tonkin noted that neither Ahpra nor the Medical Board currently propose to take regulatory action in relation to: 

  • use of the descriptor GP Obstetrician by medical practitioners who hold  

  • Specialist GP registration with the Medical Board of Australia and, and  

  • Associate (Procedural) or Associate (Advanced Procedural) membership of RANZCOG (formerly Diplomate or Advanced Diplomate of RANZCOG) 

• use of the descriptor ‘GP Anaesthetist’ by medical practitioners who hold: 

  • Specialist GP registration with the Medical Board of Australia and 

  • Rural Generalist Anaesthetist awarded by ANZCA or Joint Consultative Committee on Anaesthesia letter of satisfactory completion of training. 

The College will continue to communicate with Ahpra and the Medical Board of Australia on any further potential changes and ensure members are updated.