John Mac
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
The RACGP’s Specific Interests group aims to ensure frontline GPs shape the management of post-infection and energy-limiting conditions.
The emergence of long COVID has been marred with a lack of understanding and education as management of the relatively new condition evolves. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is another complex condition described as requiring a unique approach to management.
To help clearly reflect both the functional impact and diverse clinical origins of the two complex, chronic conditions, the RACGP has launched another Specific Interests group to arm GPs with a forum to share knowledge and strengthen patient care.
One of two new Specific Interests groups, the Energy-Limiting and Post-Infection Conditions group’s inaugural Chair is Associate Professor Bernard Shiu, a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
‘Energy-limiting and post-infection conditions encompass a range of syndromes, including ME/CFS, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and fibromyalgia,’ he told newsGP.
‘These conditions are often under-recognised, misunderstood, and challenging to manage in primary care.’
Associate Professor Shiu says the term ‘energy-limiting’ describes the central, disabling symptom shared across a broad range of complex chronic conditions – persistent fatigue, exertional intolerance, and reduced functional capacity. By adding ‘post-infection conditions’, the RACGP acknowledges the ‘large and growing’ sub-group of patients whose symptoms are triggered or exacerbated by viral or bacterial infections. This includes long COVID and other post-viral syndromes that are now recognised by the World Health Organization and national bodies.
Standing at the forefront of long COVID care in Australia since 2022, Associate Professor Shiu is Clinical Director of Banksia Medical Centre and the Geelong Long COVID Clinic. He is co-author of the Roles and Responsibilities of Medical Professionals in Long COVID chapter in the Rehabilitation and Management of Long COVID clinical guidelines, and has delivered more than 30 national presentations to support GPs in managing post-viral and energy-limiting conditions. He also recently chaired the Model of Care sessions at the 2025 Long COVID Conference.
In addition, Associate Professor Shiu serves on the NHMRC committee currently drafting Australia’s updated clinical guidelines for ME/CFS, contributing to the development of national evidence-based standards of care.
He brings this experience to his new RACGP Specific Interests Chair position.
‘My role is to lead the group’s direction, facilitate collaboration among members, raise awareness of any emerging evidence-based therapy, and ensure our collective work translates into meaningful support for GPs,’ he said.
‘I hope to foster a safe, constructive space for knowledge sharing and to strengthen the GP voice in advocating for patients living with these complex, often misunderstood conditions.’
Associate Professor Shiu said the new group was created to address a growing need in primary care.
‘Conditions such as ME/CFS, long COVID, POTS, and fibromyalgia are increasingly presenting in general practice, yet many GPs feel under-resourced and isolated in managing them,’ he said.
‘The Specific Interests group will create a supportive community of practice where GPs can access practical tools, case-based learning, and evidence-based resources.
‘It also aims to amplify the GP voice in education, policy, and advocacy, ensuring that frontline experiences shape how these conditions are understood and managed nationally.
‘I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for GPs to feel equipped and supported in this space. My hope is that this Specific Interests group not only helps GPs with clinical skills but also gives our profession a stronger collective voice to advocate for patients who often feel unheard.’
The Specific Interests Energy-Limiting and Post-Infection Conditions group is now open to all RACGP members interested in this area to join. A Facebook group page has also been set up to facilitate further collaboration and information sharing, with members encouraged to join.
newsGP - New network to support ‘often misunderstood’ conditions
The RACGP’s Specific Interests group aims to ensure frontline GPs shape the management of post-infection and energy-limiting conditions.
www1.racgp.org.au
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