Geoff Spurling

Dr. Geoff Spurling is an Associate Professor at The University of Queensland's General Practice Clinical Unit within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. He divides his professional time between the University (0.4 FTE) and the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care (Inala COE - 0.6 FTE), where he has worked since 2004.

Dr. Spurling completed his medical training at the University of Queensland, followed by junior doctor years in regional Queensland. His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Science, The University of Queensland
• Masters (Coursework) of Public Health, The University of Queensland
• Doctor of Philosophy of General Practice, The University of Queensland
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners certification
• Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from London (1998)

His primary research focuses on social determinants of health and access to primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Additional research interests include quality use of medicines, respiratory infections, and access to opioid dependence treatment, with methodological expertise in systematic reviews and mixed-methods research. Clinically, he serves the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Inala, Spanish-speaking refugees, and has developed expertise in diabetic retinopathy and addiction medicine.

Dr. Spurling's recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on Indigenous health, particularly hearing loss, mental wellbeing, and health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. His work consistently employs systematic review methodologies and addresses health equity and primary care delivery challenges for Indigenous communities, reflecting his commitment to translating research into practical healthcare improvements.

Significant recognitions include:

• NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellowship (2019)
• Primary editor for Therapeutic Guidelines update on otitis media (2022-23)
• Committee member of the national RACGP expert committee on research (2018-2021)
• GP representative on NPS Medicinewise's prescribing advisory group (2011-2017)

Dr. Spurling supervises five PhD students and has secured over A$18 million in research funding. His research has directly influenced healthcare policy, contributing to new Medicare item numbers for retinal photography in Indigenous primary care, remodelled national health assessments, and computerized health assessments at the Inala COE since 2010. He actively mentors GP registrars and medical students while teaching cardiovascular medicine, respiratory infections, and Indigenous health topics at UQ.

Based at the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care (Inala COE) in Brisbane, Dr. Spurling's work integrates clinical practice, research, and teaching to address health disparities and improve outcomes for Indigenous populations through evidence-based approaches and community-centered care models.