Northern Territory General Practice Education (NTGPE) has announced Dr Richard Zanner as its new Chief Executive Officer after long-term CEO Stephen Pincus’s retirement at the helm of NT’s sole GP training organisation.
Dr Zanner is a management executive, educator, and administrator with more than 20 years of leadership and advisory experience in a broad range of sectors, including health, education and justice, with previous roles based in the NT.
In announcing Dr Zanner’s appointment, NTGPE Chair Dr Emma Kennedy also thanked Mr Pincus for his invaluable service and outstanding contribution to the organisation since joining in 2016.
“Stephen has had a tremendously successful five years as leader of NTGPE during a period of significant change and transition in GP training across Australia,” said Dr Kennedy.
“Under Stephen’s leadership, NTGPE has established itself a reputation and culture that proudly puts us at the forefront of GP training, especially in helping to improve health outcomes in rural and remote, and Aboriginal communities.
“We continue to train GP registrars and support their learning environment to deliver outstanding general practitioners for the community, and Stephen has played a massive part in our success.
“The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen for his outstanding contribution, and wish he and his family all the best for their future.
“We’re also thrilled that someone of Richard’s calibre has stepped into the CEO role, especially in helping to steer NTGPE towards the transition to College-led training in 2023.
“Richard provides a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in managing organisations at an executive level, and we’re delighted to have him lead NTGPE into a significant year ahead.”
Dr Zanner, who has previously held senior management roles in the Top End, said he was excited to return to the Territory.
“I’ve always considered that every Australian should spend some time in regional and remote areas like those of the Northern Territory,” he said.
“It is unique and broadens one’s horizons in so many ways, particularly in understanding different cultures.
“The work NTGPE does is incredibly important in not only training the next generation of GPs, but also in delivering its outstanding cultural education program.
“For the up-and-coming healthcare practitioners of our country, what better opportunity than to experience such tremendous vocational development in this extraordinary setting whilst performing meaningful work and contributing to the wellbeing of fellow Territorians.
“I feel privileged to lead such a highly-qualified, multicultural team at NTGPE and believe my background in health care combined with a passion for education and training will be a good fit for such a forward-thinking organisation.”
Upon his retirement, Mr Pincus said: “I am sad to leave NTGPE and the NT, and I wish Richard and staff the very best of success.”
Dr Kennedy said the NTGPE board acknowledged that the environment for GP training continued to have uncertainty, but is confident that the organisation is sufficiently robust and adaptable to manage successfully into the future.
“The focus of the company over the next 15 months will be to support our staff, registrars, training posts, supervisors and communities, and ensure that GP training continues to be successful in the NT,” said Dr Kennedy.