General practice registrar education beyond the practice: The public health role of general practitioners

Public health is the organised efforts of society to prevent disease, promote health and prolong life in the population. While the focus of general practice is on the care of individuals and families, general practitioners (GPs) have an essential role in promoting the health of the population.

The objectives of this article are to explore the links between public health and general practice, and to consider their implications for general practice registrar training.

Clinical general practice contributes to promoting population health. In addition, many GPs undertake work that extends beyond clinical care. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP's) curriculum includes population health and the context of practice as one of its five domains. Core skills include the incorporation of a population health perspective into clinical practice, and leadership and advocacy in addressing the health needs of the community effectively and equitably.