Getting the most from the GP & PHC Research Conference - a Senior Research Fellow perspective
 John Furler
A conference can be many things to many people. In the past I have focused on presenting my own research, particularly from my doctoral work, and seeing where and how this fits into the range of primary care research going on in Australia , as well as meeting up with friends and collaborators. This year being in the early stages of a postdoctoral fellowship the conference provided a great opportunity to further develop work and research interests.
I was co-author on a number of oral papers and posters arising from research I am involved in, and it was great to work as part of a team on those presentations, and support other researchers. There was plenty of other material in the conference on diabetes and chronic conditions in primary care, one of my research interests, to see how others are researching this area.
The conference offered a great opportunity to expand networks of people sharing research interests and to build coalitions to help progress research priority areas. Helping to convene two breakaway breakfast sessions, one on addressing and researching health inequities in primary care and the other on support and capacity building for researchers in the post-doctoral and post research masters stage of their career were two important ways to do this. The meetings generated good interest, with tangible outcomes, such as contact details for an interested group of researchers, development of a submission to Government reviews and a recommendation to be taken to AAAGP and the whole conference for support. The meetings generated plenty of activity in the immediate post conference period.
The conference also offered the chance to develop other skills, chairing paper sessions and a plenary, and being involved on the planning committee, as well as the opportunity for plenty of social gatherings with colleagues. As the conference has grown over the years it has been many things to many people, and whatever your research interests or level, it is a chance to be a part of a supportive and welcoming community.
GP & PHC Research Conference 2008 - consumer perspectives
 Nancy Pierce
The host city for the conference welcomed us with beautiful weather and a great venue. Unfortunately, due to weather problems in Melbourne , not everyone could attend the Welcome reception held on Tuesday evening.
The concurrent workshops on Wednesday morning covered a range of topics. From evidence to practice was of particular interest.
Papers and posters covered chronic disease, access to health professionals, gaps in treatment, self management of chronic conditions and changes to policy and systems of health care delivery.
Providing more resources to encourage primary health care researchers to explore their own data, for evidence of gaps in patient care, is a must to improve service delivery to local communities.
The opportunity to meet researchers and discuss these issues, is one of the benefits of attending these conferences.
 Myra Pincott
I never cease to be amazed with the variety of presentations at the
PHC RIS Conference. I particularly appreciated the way that the sessions were grouped under topics of interest headings, as this enabled one to absorb and compare the various research findings and realise the passion with which the researchers had carried out their task.
The issue of delay in obtaining ethical approval was frequently mentioned, and while one appreciates the need for this process, it must become most frustrating for the researcher or the team while they wait to begin their work.
Every conference dinner has its own special appeal, and this year was no exception. It is good to see the fellowship that emanates through the attendees, and much focused discussion is experienced ‘over the table'.
In closing, we appreciate the opportunity that sponsorship provides for us to attend, and look forward to strengthening our relationship with
PHC RIS and the research teams.
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