The Sydney-based GP, health economist and medicolegal expert will take up the mantle later this year.
The beans have been counted, the smoke signal has been sent and Dr Michael Wright has emerged from the fray as the new president of the RACGP.
“It’s a real honour that the members have placed their trust in me, and I feel very grateful, and I’m very humbled to think that I’m following in the footsteps of those who’ve gone before me, including Dr Nicole Higgins.,” he told The Medical Republic.
Dr Wright is based out of Sydney.
This year 7105 people put in a vote, representing about 19% of the membership – a slight increase on the 15% who voted in the 2022 election.
Dr Wright received 2033 votes, beating out closest competitor Associate Professor Michael Clements by just 24 votes in the primary vote.
Current president Dr Nicole Higgins will officially hand over the baton later this year.
The final standings on the primary vote were:
- Dr Michael Wright: 2033
- A/Prof Michael Clements: 2009
- Dr Alan Bradley: 1273
- Dr Monirul Haque: 998
- Dr Palmyra De Banks: 792
After preferences, Dr Wright had 3607 votes and Professor Clements received 3498.
