Introducing The Doctors Table

In an effort to provide more face-to-face engagement opportunities with our busy GPs, MPHN has launched a new initiative, The Doctors Table, to bring doctors together for dinner and conversation. 

Firsthealth Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said the initiative aims to provide the opportunity for general practitioners to relax after work with colleagues and to discuss the issues and opportunities in the region. 

‘As a busy GP, I know firsthand the complexities for GPs to take time out of our busy schedules, especially with current workforce challenges, and connect with each other,’ Dr Culbert said. 

‘However, it is so important to take some time to recharge and be energised by discussing ideas and opportunities to address the various issues and challenges we face in practice.

‘GPs are the coalface of the emerging health needs for our communities, and what might be impacting one town, may not be an issue in another, or it could be an issue and sharing solutions can help foster new ideas and thinking. 

‘It is our hope that through these dinner table discussions, MPHN can share in more detail some of the opportunities available for GPs, and together we might uncover new ideas for how MPHN can further support GPs and in turn the health and wellbeing of local communities. 

‘I’m pleased to be establishing The Doctors Table initiative and am looking forward to meeting and hearing from more of my colleagues from across the region.’

MPHN’s new CEO Stewart Gordon will also attend these dinners and is looking forward to meeting as many GPs as possible over the coming months.  

‘Being new to the region, visiting these communities and meeting the health professionals supporting their communities is important to me,’ Mr Stewart said.

‘It will provide me an opportunity to hear firsthand about their work and the local challenges and opportunities they are facing.’

The first Doctors Table will be held in Griffith for GPs and GP Registrars in the Western Sector of the region on Thursday 29 August 2024 at La Scala Restaurant. Invitations for these have been issued. Another two Doctors Tables will be organised as follows: 

  • Thursday 12 September 2024 at the Finley Country Club for GPs in the Border region of MPHN. Invitations to this event will be issued shortly. 

  • Thursday, 24 October 2024 at the Albion Country Club in Cootamundra for GPs in the Riverina region of MPHN. Invitations to this event will be issued in late September. 

For more information contact MPHN’s Senior Lead Engagement and Design – General Practice Initiatives Andrew Heap via email Andrew.heap@mphn.org.au or phone 02 6923 3131. 

Monica McInnes