Prof Philip Morris

The RACP trains, educates and advocates on behalf of thousands of specialist physicians and trainee physicians across Australia and New Zealand.

The RACP conducts an election every two years for its President-Elect. This year Prof Philip Morris is one of seven candidates for the election. Voting started on March 3 and the last day of voting is Friday 4 April. Voting is via the College website at:
https://events.miraqle.com/RACP-2014/Positions-and-Candidates/

Why Prof Morris is standing for election

Prof Morris says he is standing because he believes this election needs to be a turning point for the College. “Due to the centralization of College functions and a relentless ‘managerial’ approach to the members of the College, Fellows and trainees feel voiceless and distant from the College. Clearly this is of great concern if the College is to have a bright future. My campaign will focus on reforming the College and putting Fellows and trainees at the centre of College priorities”, said Prof Morris.

Prof Morris says, “The College has lost its way. With an overly bureaucratic approach to governance the College is destroying its partnership with its Fellows. This is no way to secure the future. A better path is needed.”

Prof Morris notes that some of the other candidates for the position have identified this problem. He has a plan to address these concerns. And he has the experience in senior clinical, academic and medical College roles and the enthusiasm to get the job done.

The Way Forward

If elected Prof Morris plans a ‘root and branch’ review of the College to make the College better serve the needs of individual Fellows and trainees. “This review will find out what Fellows and trainees really want and need from the College and will make the College leadership directly accessible and accountable to the members”, he said.

Prof Morris will campaign for: greater management transparency and efficiency, less College bureaucracy, and lower College fees; improved registrar training capacity; a rapid media response capacity; collaboration with other Colleges to set the health agenda; improved Medicare reimbursements for all sections of the College; and a secure electronic social network for trainees and Fellows.

As a physician in private practice, Prof Morris is particularly concerned about the College CPD program. “For all physicians, but especially for those in private practice, CPD carries a big compliance burden. This can only be justified if CPD is directed to the individual needs of doctors, and is not just a bureaucratic exercise. I will fight to increase the flexibility and relevance of our CPD program”, he said.

In Conclusion

Prof Morris believes this election marks a major decision point for the College. “Will it remain an inward looking, managerially focused organization as it has been recently, or will it turn towards a member-centered, Fellow-driven future? For the future of our College please vote for me to start this process”, he said.

More details about Prof Morris, his policies and his election video can be found at his website at:  http://drphilipmorris.com