Australia faces a new crisis as pressure mounts on the public health system during the nationwide bushfire crisis, an influential medical organisation says.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which represents more than 17,000 doctors, says Australia is in uncharted territory when it comes to assessing the long-term health effects of the current bushfire season.

The remains of a house in Wingello destroyed by fire earlier this month. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Respiratory expert and RACP president-elect Professor John Wilson said a comprehensive and co-ordinated public health response was needed.

"This is an unprecedented public health crisis and we don't yet know the impact this prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke is going to have," he said.