The short answer to the above question is a resounding “No”. However, before stating why I’m of this view I should set out my experience in this debate. 

I have been a member of the RACGP for many years and in fact am an Honorary Life Member (HLM) of the college. I am also a member of ACRRM and hold fellowships with both these professional organisations.  

I have always supported the colleges in their functions as educational institutions and as the arbitrators of professional standards. In fact, I sat on the RACGP’s standards council for many years. 

And as the former medical secretary of the AMA (NSW), I have also supported that organisation in its endeavours to represent our profession’s industrial issues and in its advocacy for the needs of doctors and our patients.