Bundaberg doctor Brad Murphy vies to become first indigenous RACGP president

Bundaberg doctor and proud Kamilaroi man Brad Murphy is one of seven candidates in the running to be the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president and its first indigenous one.

Fondly known as the ‘Rock Doc’, Bundaberg-based doctor and associate professor Brad Murphy is in the running to become the first ever indigenous president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Known as the voice of general practitioners in Australia, the RACGP is a nationwide training and research organisation focused on supporting GP’s and their practices.

Gunnedah-born and raised by a nurse, Dr Murphy undertook the road less travelled into medicine, a road littered with racism and low expectations.

Dr Murphy overcame many setbacks throughout his journey, including leaving school in grade 10.

As someone whose grandparents were unfortunate victims of the Stolen Generation, his graduation and further successes in indigenous care brings great pride to his family.

Dr Murphy began his journey into medicine as a medic in the Royal Australian Navy before moving onto the NSW Ambulance Service and then the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Uluru.

He then made the decision to follow medicine further and became one of the first Aboriginal medical students to graduate from James Cook University.

Dr Murphy lists many other incredible achievements on his resume including the Associate Professor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at Bond University.

Bundaberg doctor Brad Murphy.

In 2012, he opened his practice in Bundaberg, known as Ashfield Country Practice, which has a keen focus on Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and veteran health done through community consultation.

In 2013, this practice was the first private practice to be given the accreditation of an Aboriginal health service by General Practice Australia.
In that time, Dr Murphy has also served on many boards that focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, including as chair in the National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for the RACGP.

Dr Murphy is also the proud co-founder of the Jimmy Little Foundation, a not-for-profit focused on providing financial assistance to food programs, scholarships and sports events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Dr Murphy hopes that his possible appointment to the leadership position within the RACGP will allow him to champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in a way that has never been seen before.

The announcement of the new president to the RACGP body of 41,000 members will be on September 12, 2022.