Program officers

Helene Gilmore (Women's Health), 5222 0800

Annette Bongiorno (Peer groups), 5222 0800

Program summary

The GP Association of Geelong has a number of GP peer groups.

Written evidence shows that being a member of a peer group prevents isolation, stress and burnout among GPs (35 per cent of the Division's GPs are members of a peer group).

GP peer groups are monthly meetings between a group of 6-8 GPs with a psychiatrist acting as a facilitator.

GPs drive the group and topics discussed vary according to GP needs. Peer groups used to be more psychiatry focused, but have now evolved to maintain the health and wellbeing of GPs.

The peer groups are open to any GP and GPs gain 40 Group 1 points for attending 8 out of 10 meetings.

GPs normally join a peer group at the start of the year; however if a GP wishes to join a group mid year please contact Annette.

The peer group categories are diverse.

Catering is provided at all peer groups. All GPs need to bring is themselves.

One GP who joined in early 2007 wrote "Initially I was very sceptical about my peer group, now I'm a real convert".

Breakfast Groups

• Geelong Groups

Geelong
Psychiatrist, Dr Gerald Mathews, Thursdays, 8am-9am, GP Association 105 Yarra St Geelong

All male GP group
Psychiatrist, Dr Steve Mc Connell, Tuesdays, 7.45am-8.45am, Breakfast meetings at a cafe in Newtown

Clockwork Group (Sorry FULL)
Psychiatrist, Dr Peter O'Keefe, Fridays, Fortnightly, Breakfast meetings at a cafe.

Torquay Group
Psychiatrist, Dr Steve Mc Connell, Thursdays, 7.45am-8.45am, Cafe Opposite Surfcoast Community Health Centre, Torquay

Lunchtime Groups

• Geelong Group

Geelong
Psychiatrist, Dr Joe Black, Thursdays, 12.30pm-1.30pm, GP Association

All female GP group
Psychiatrist, Dr Janette Mohr, Fridays, 12.30pm-1.30pm, Dr Mohr's rooms, 152 Bellerine Street, Geelong

Leopold Group
Psychiatrist, Dr Edmond van Ammers, Thursdays, Leopold Medical Centre, 12.30pm-1.30pm

Evening Groups

Geelong group (FULL)
Psychiatrist, Dr Ajeet Singh, and Psychologist, Peter Billings, Wednesdays 6.30 pm-7.30pm at GP Association

Bellerine Group
Psychiatrist, Dr Anne Ward, Thursdays, Athelstane House, Queenscliff, 6.30pm-7.30pm