The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has today announced Dr Ramya Raman as President-elect, marking a new chapter for Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation.
Dr Raman will assume the role of president at the RACGP’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 19 November 2026 at the end of current President Dr Michael Wright’s two-year term.
A specialist GP, practice owner, medical educator, academic and experienced College leader, Dr Raman has served the RACGP in a range of senior leadership roles, including as RACGP Vice President and Chair of RACGP Western Australia.
Dr Raman said it was a privilege to be elected President and represent more than 53,000 members working to deliver high-quality care in communities across Australia.
“I am deeply honoured to have the trust and support of my colleagues to serve as RACGP President,” Dr Raman said.
“It is an enormous privilege, and a responsibility I take seriously.
“General practice is the foundation of Australia’s healthcare system. Every day, GPs care for Australians at every stage of life, keeping people healthier, supporting them through complexity and helping keep them out of hospital.
“A strong health system needs strong general practice. My focus as President will be on ensuring GPs are properly valued, funded and supported to provide the high-quality care their patients and communities rely on.
“That means working constructively with governments but also advocating strongly when change is needed. We need sustainable funding for general practice, a strong and supported GP workforce, and better access to care for patients wherever they live.
“There are significant challenges ahead, but there is also a real opportunity to strengthen general practice for the future. I look forward to working with our members and bringing their experience and their voices to the decisions that shape our profession and our health system.”
She also paid tribute to Dr Wright’s tenure as President.
“Dr Wright has led the College through a significant period of health system reform and has made an important contribution to general practice and the RACGP,” Dr Raman said.
“I thank him for his leadership and service, and I look forward to building on that work as we take the College into its next chapter.”
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright congratulated Dr Raman on her election, saying he is pleased to be ending his presidency knowing the role is in excellent hands.
“Dr Raman is a highly respected leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to members, patients and the future of general practice. She is a respected member of the general practice community, and as RACGP WA Chair and as my Vice President I have seen first-hand her skills in advocacy, collaboration and in representing the voice of general practice. I am pleased to support her during her time as President-elect and know she will be a great leader of the RACGP,” he said.
“General practice is changing, with Australia’s ageing population facing more chronic disease than ever before. GPs all around the country are providing more complex holistic and preventive care, trying to keep Australia healthy and take pressure off our expensive and stretched hospital sector.
“The RACGP continues to stand with general practice – training, supporting and giving a voice to Australia’s GPs and their patients. We will keep advocating for general practice to ensure that everyone can access and afford a GP who knows them and their history.
“I look forward to seeing strong, sustained advocacy in this new chapter of the RACGP as Dr Raman takes on the presidency.”
As President, Dr Raman will lead the College’s advocacy on key issues including access to care, financial viability, workforce sustainability, preventive health, education and training, and the long-term strength of Australia’s primary healthcare system.
