Wellington GPs contribution to sustainable workforce recognised at GP23

Dr Richard Medlicott, a GP working in Wellington’s Island Bay, has received a President’s Service Medal at GP23: the Conference for General Practice.

The President’s Service Medal recognises outstanding contribution to the College or the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr Medlicott has used his experience on the frontline of community medicine to contribute towards a more contemporary and sustainable general practice across New Zealand and has advocated for the profession in leadership roles that support the wider general practice community.

He has had a particular focus on the development of Information Technology (IT) to support quality and efficiency in clinical care.

Dr Medlicott is a strong supporter of telehealth, using email, phone and video as alternatives methods of “seeing” a GP for a consultation. He is recognised as a champion for patient portals and open notes, telemedicine, and ePrescriptions.

College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Dr Medlicott’s dedication to the general practice workforce and his desire to showcase the importance of adaptability will go a long way in ensuring we have a strong fit for purpose workforce in the future.

“It is crucial that we have a workforce that is well-versed in the benefits of technology in our work, as well as knowing which ones work the best for the different practices and their teams across the many different environments that we work in.”

From 2016 – 2019, Dr Medlicott held the Medical Director role at the College. In this role he advised the College Board, sector and government officials, media and the public on the many facets of general practice and primary care. He is also a long-standing member of the College’s Wellington Faculty who guide and support local GPs and GP registrars.

His governance roles include involvement with Tu Ora Compass, his local PHO, where he held the role of deputy Chair for two years.

Internationally, Dr Medlicott shares his expertise on the primary care special interest group for SNOMED International – which enable the uptake and correct use of terminology in health systems across the world.

This year there were four recipients of the President’s Service Medal.

GP23: the Conference for General Practice is being held from 21-23 July in Auckland.