Meet the Director Candidates

Two candidates have nominated for the 2026 Director Vacancies - Dr Dana Fitzsimmons and Dr Kate Manderson.

Find out why each nominee believes they are well suited to the role and what motivates them to serve as a Director.
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Dr Dana Fitzsimmons

My motivations to nominate as a member of the GPTA Ltd Board:

• GPSA represents for me a unifying entity across the different stakeholders in the learner and medical educator journey from medical student through to GP Registrar to GP and GP Supervisors and the multitude of Practice( training post) types.

• I appreciate the advocacy focus areas of GPSA and this aligns  with my own passions including  simplifying  or harmonising where possible GP registrar recruitment, supervision requirements and innovating in flexible supervision models that includes robust remote supervision models anywhere in Australia. I also appreciate the excellent resources and training opportunities GPSA provides to GP Supervisors at minimal or no cost which is remarkable.

• GPSA is a respected organisation and doing my part to support the work of GPSA through service as a Director, if I were found suitable, would be energising.

• I know I would learn a lot from the Directors and Chair  so it would also be an amazing opportunity for my own personal learning and growth.

My specific skills and experience to support the GPSA Community:

• I have extensive corporate knowledge of and connections  with different parts and people within  our  NT Health system. This  includes ACCHS, NT Health and the Medical Executive Leadership ( managed through the office of the Chief Medical Officer) , RACGP NT , Menzies School of Health Research, ASMOF ( which brings me in touch with Doctors in Training including prevocational and vocational trainees), Flinders University, GP Supervisors in government and non government practices, RDAA and the local ACRRM Office.

• I completed all my training in the NT, I have supervised medical students, RMOs, GP Registrars, supported GP Supervisors as their line manager and peer. I have managed GP Registrar recruitment for our unit in the recent past and continue to work closely with our team in all aspects of recruitment of GPRs, training post accreditation. I have worked as a medical educator when we had an RTO (NTGPE), I have worked with the local PHN.

• I am involved in the responsible management of a medical unit providing primary health care services in the remote NT context and emergency on call services for the whole Top Half NT remote context, with a $15 million dollar budget and 70+ medical officers (RMOs, GPRs, GPs, RGs, other medical providers) in our employ.

• I have achieved associate FRACMA 2 years ago, I am not currently a member of RACMA but continue to pursue learning in medical administration and leadership.

• Reflecting on the above, I feel I can bring knowledge of multiple contexts and organisations, and facilitate connections that are beneficial to achieving goals supported by GPSA. I have sound  skills in governance and finance at the middle management level.

The role I see myself playing in the governance of GPTA Ltd as a membership organisation and national peak:

• I see myself ensuring continuing sound governance of such an important organisation to the profession of General Practice( and now the specialty of Rural Generalism).

• I think I can add a perspective that supports GPSA to stay relevant to its membership, is future focussed, continues to be creative as well responsive to the changing nature of the communities  we serve and in delivery of GP training across Australia.

Dr Kate Manderson

My motivations to nominate as a member of the GPTA Ltd Board:

• Re-nominating to be able to continue to contribute to the organisation, provide continuity for members and use my skills in governance and policy development to benefit our members and our Specialty.

• General Practice is as a Specialty is undergoing some of the most significant changes since the inception of the original “Family Medicine Program”. Supporting our Supervisors to train our future Fellows this effectively is not only critical for the medical care of Australians, but also for the sustainability of our Specialty as one of the most highly-regarded in the country and the world. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the organisation that does this. 

My specific skills and experience to support the GPSA Community:

• Governance – Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course; 15+ years experience as a Board Director and Chair of not-for-profit Australian organisations; ongoing executive role in a Commonwealth authority. 

• General Practice – 20 years as a FRACGP and continue to own and operate two small practices in rural NSW.

• Supervision and training – Medical Educator for RACGP and University medical schools; GP Supervisor in practice for 16 years.

The role I see myself playing in the governance of GPTA Ltd as a membership organisation and national peak:

• I’d be honoured to continue as Chair of the Risk Management and Governance Subcommittee of the GPTA Ltd Board. 

• I’d also be seeking opportunities to represent the voice of GP Supervisors through stakeholder engagement with members, aligned peak bodies and Government agencies.