Welcome to the RACGP online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants.
A Sydney-based GP and practice owner, Dr Harry Nespolon was elected RACGP President in July 2018. He quickly became a familiar face as the spokesperson for the RACGP, working tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the general practice profession, as well as Australian patients.
Harry displayed extraordinary leadership, particularly during the 2019-20 summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating on behalf of GPs and the general practice profession to ensure Australia’s primary health clinicians could deliver patients the best possible care. Sadly, Harry passed away aged 57 in July 2020, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Harry was passionate about the profession he loved and the people within it. He cared deeply for the health and wellbeing of his peers and fought tirelessly for GPs to have access to the supports and care they need to live full, healthy and balanced lives, like the communities they serve.
General practice is a rewarding and fulfilling career contributing to improving the lives of many people. However, by its very nature, this work can be challenging and stressful.
Harry strongly believed that GPs need to look after themselves. Speaking about the worldwide CrazySocks4Docs movement, Harry had a very straightforward but profound message for the nation’s GPs: The most important patient is yourself.
Healthy doctors have greater empathy for others, make better decisions, and offer the best chance to provide the best quality care. Doctors are known to experience higher levels of mental distress than the general population.
This is why the inaugural Harry Nespolon grant will fund research into the wellbeing of general practitioners.
Research by GPs for GPs – Harry wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Award Details
One grant of up to $60,000 (excl. GST) will be offered for a period of 12 months to fund a research project into the wellbeing of general practitioners and/or general practitioners in training, including, but not limited to, factors that support the wellbeing of general practitioners, GP self-care, or peer support.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to present their work to leadership at the RACGP to help inform future policy and programs for the general practice community.
This grant is made available through the generosity of Medibank Better Health Foundation, the RACGP, and kind donations made by Sonic Healthcare, RACGP members and family, friends, colleagues and patients of Dr Harry Nespolon to continue his work and honour his vision.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the RACGP Foundation Harry Nespolon Research Grant, the principal investigator must be a general practitioner or general practice registrar.
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
Applications
Applications for this research grant will close on Monday 3 May 2021. See past successful applications here. For more information email foundation@racgp.org.au.