An Australian GP has been elected to lead general practice’s global body, WONCA, representing half a million doctors around the world.

After beating candidates from India, the US and Bangladesh for the organisation’s top job, Dr Karen Flegg will become its president in 2023.

A GP in the NT, she follows in the footsteps of former RACGP president and current Commonwealth Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd, who held the role from 2013 to 2016.

Dr Flegg will represent the specialty at bodies like the WHO, as well as collaborating on global challenges, such as COVID-19.