4d. From Accreditation to Attraction: Building a Sustainable GP Workforce Through Quality Training Practices
Tracks
Stream 4
| Saturday, May 23, 2026 |
| 14:05 - 14:50 |
| Room C3.3 |
Details
Training site accreditation is a strategic way for general practices to strengthen recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce sustainability. Accredited training environments attract GPs in training, build supervisory capability, and foster supportive learning cultures—factors that help registrars remain within practices and communities beyond their training years.
This workshop provides a clear introduction to RACGP training site accreditation for practices considering accreditation or preparing to begin the process. Participants will hear from accreditation experts and experienced training practice providers about the purpose of the RACGP Training Standards, what accredited status requires, and how the accreditation process works from start to finish.
The session will outline recent improvements designed to streamline accreditation while maintaining the rigour required for high-quality training.
Through real-world examples and discussion, attendees will gain insight into how accredited sites create supportive learning environments, strengthen workforce pipelines, and embed robust systems across clinical governance, education quality, and team development, leaving with clear next steps for preparing their practice.
This workshop provides a clear introduction to RACGP training site accreditation for practices considering accreditation or preparing to begin the process. Participants will hear from accreditation experts and experienced training practice providers about the purpose of the RACGP Training Standards, what accredited status requires, and how the accreditation process works from start to finish.
The session will outline recent improvements designed to streamline accreditation while maintaining the rigour required for high-quality training.
Through real-world examples and discussion, attendees will gain insight into how accredited sites create supportive learning environments, strengthen workforce pipelines, and embed robust systems across clinical governance, education quality, and team development, leaving with clear next steps for preparing their practice.
Speaker
Dr Catherine Lees
Acting National Director Education And Training Operations
RACGP
Chairperson
14:05 - 14:50
Dr Catherine Lees is Head of Education Governance and Development at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Adjunct Professor of Rural Health at La Trobe University. She is a senior health education leader with deep expertise in education governance, accreditation, quality, and standards. Catherine has extensive experience in developing education strategy, corporate governance, and education risk management, and is passionate about building effective partnerships between industry, education, and community sectors to strengthen rural and regional outcomes. She also chairs La Trobe University’s Department of Rural Health External Advisory Committee and has lived in Echuca–Moama since 2016.
Dr Romarna Dichiera
National Clinical Lead Practice and Supervisor Accreditation
RACGP
From Accreditation to Attraction: Building a Sustainable GP Workforce Through Quality Training Practices
14:05 - 14:50
Romarna left a corporate career in strategic communication and public relations to study medicine to become a ‘GP in a coastal area’ and is thrilled to be living and working as a GP in the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula!
She enjoys the variety in general practice and getting to work with her patients over the long term to maintain and improve their health. Romarna is passionate about clear communication to explain and demystify medical jargon with the aim of empowering her patients to make decisions and choices for their own health.
Romarna is also enthusiastic about medical education and enjoys working with GP registrars to help them become excellent, caring and knowledgeable practitioners. As the national clinical lead for training site and supervisor accreditation, she works to ensure registrars can undertake their training around Australia in high quality environments and areas of workforce need.
Dr Catherine Lees
Acting National Director Education And Training Operations
RACGP
From Accreditation to Attraction: Building a Sustainable GP Workforce Through Quality Training Practices
14:05 - 14:50
Dr Catherine Lees is Head of Education Governance and Development at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Adjunct Professor of Rural Health at La Trobe University. She is a senior health education leader with deep expertise in education governance, accreditation, quality, and standards. Catherine has extensive experience in developing education strategy, corporate governance, and education risk management, and is passionate about building effective partnerships between industry, education, and community sectors to strengthen rural and regional outcomes. She also chairs La Trobe University’s Department of Rural Health External Advisory Committee and has lived in Echuca–Moama since 2016.
Dr Lisa Mifsud
Head of Training, Supervisor | Practice Owner
RACGP and Andrew Place Clinic
From Accreditation to Attraction: Building a Sustainable GP Workforce Through Quality Training Practices
14:05 - 14:50
With more than 10 years as a general practice owner, Lisa brings a wealth of experience in navigating the operational, financial, and workforce challenges of modern general practice.
As Head of Training for Metro East Victoria and an experienced GP supervisor, she is deeply involved in shaping the future of the profession. Her work focuses on supporting supervisors, strengthening training pathways, and building resilient, high-performing practices. Lisa is particularly passionate about leadership, workforce sustainability, and creating environments where both clinicians and patients can thrive.
